4 critical observations from Carolina Panthers' loss at the Falcons in Week 1

What were some critical observations to emerge from a dismal performance as the Carolina Panthers suffered defeat at the Atlanta Falcons?

After an offseason filled with optimism and expectations, things came crashing down to earth in typical Carolina Panthers fashion as Frank Reich’s new team played a messy game, losing 24-10 on the road to Desmond Ridder and the Atlanta Falcons.

Week 1 is always something of a mess, with many unexpected results. However, there was still genuine optimism amongst fans that the Panthers could get the job done.

What this game demonstrated is that 2023 may be a season of bumps for the Panthers. This is understandable when you have a rookie quarterback under center and a plethora of new coaches and players.

The Panthers lost this game themselves when you break it down. Before a deep pass to Kyle Pitts halfway through the fourth quarter, Ridder had 54 passing yards, but Carolina's three turnovers resulted in 17 of Atlanta’s 24 points. That is hard to come back from.

Jessie Bates III showed why he is one of the league's best safeties, picking Bryce Young off twice and forcing Miles Sanders to fumble the ball.

This performance should certainly temper expectations regarding the season, There will be a lot of bumps in the road, but patience is needed as the signs are certainly there for Bryce Young to succeed providing he right adjustments are made.

Without further ado, let’s look at four critical observations from a disappointing Week 1 showing from the Panthers.

Carolina Panthers need to pay Brian Burns

I’m quite clearly stating the obvious. But the longer this saga rolls on, the more incompetent this Carolina Panthers’ front office looks.

Before the Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, it was reported that Brian Burns was asking for $27-28 million a year. After this game, you can go ahead and bump that number up to $30 million at a minimum.

Burns set the tone early with 1.5 sacks on the Falcons' first two drives, including a strip sack on Desmond Ridder. The former Florida State stud also ended the game with seven tackles.

The former first-round pick showed once again he is the Panthers' only edge rushing threat. Although Derrick Brown was also extremely disruptive on the defensive line.

The fact this contract debacle has lasted until now is a real knock on this front office which is quickly losing face with the fans. It’s a testament to the professionalism of Burns that he even suited up.

Burns has been a consummate professional throughout the offseason, not holding out throughout camp and padding up despite not having a contract. That loyalty has not been repaid by this front office.

If Scott Fitterer has any common sense, he’ll be waiting on the tarmac with whatever Burns wants ready for him to sign. But one worries the longer this rolls on, games could be missed despite the player's recent claims.

Carolina Panthers OL was back to its best

To avoid being too negative, I'll add one positive. After a preseason of grave concern with the performance of the offensive line, the unit was back to its best after a vast improvement in 2022.

For the most part, Bryce Young was throwing from a clean pocket. He was only sacked twice late on a pair of well-executed blitzes by the Atlanta Falcons defense.

A real point of concern heading into this game would be how the interior trio of Bradley Bozeman, Brady Christensen, and rookie Chandler Zavala would hold up against Grady Jarrett and Calais Campbell. But on the whole, the unit stood up to the task.

The Panthers had 154 rushing yards on 32 carries at just a tick under five yards per carry. When you have a rookie quarterback under center a solid running game is key.

Carolina was hampered by a key false start penalty by left tackle Ikem Ekwonu which turned a third-and-five into a third-and-10, resulting in a sack. But after a tough preseason, it was a positive performance from the second-year blindside presence.

While the Falcons have clear questions at quarterback, it’s impossible to ignore the talent they have. Especially on the defensive side of the ball.

So, for the Panthers line to perform in this way was a positive on what was an otherwise disappointing day. James Campen’s unit will look to continue the momentum when they face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

Carolina Panthers have a WR problem

It was clear to most that going into the season the Carolina Panthers had a bottom-five wide receiver unit, After Week 1, it’s hard to argue with that.

The Panthers wideout group may be the league's weakest. Even with D.J. Chark set to return against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, these pass-catching options have far more questions than answers.

Bryce Young had just 146 passing yards, with Terrace Marshall Jr. being the only receiver to top 20 yards through the air. To the surprise of no one, tight end Hayden Hurst was the most reliable target, hauling in five receptions for 41 yards and the Panthers' only touchdown of the game.

But the real issue for the Panthers wideouts was the lack of separation. Young had little to no opportunity to go deep as the Falcons' secondary were clamping their opponents. Late in the game, we saw Atlanta able to send blitz after blitz, comfortable in the fact they could leave their defensive backs in one-on-one coverage and win every time.

Even the likely return of Chark does little to alleviate the real concern surrounding this unit. If Carolina does not have a genuine WR1 for Young, this could be a long season.

Carolina Panthers cannot depend on Jaycee Horn

As the weeks tick by, the Carolina Panthers’ decision to select Jaycee Horn with the No. 8 overall selection of the 2021 NFL Draft becomes more problematic. There was a collective sigh of disappointment amongst fans when the gifted cornerback suffered another non-contact injury, this time suffering a hamstring complication late in the first half.

Horn’s injury issues have been well publicized. He tried to quell those in an interview with The Athletic's Joe Person ahead of camp, but another early season problem has fans rightly frustrated. Of course, it is not the player's fault, even if the trend is certainly a worrying one.

The Panthers cornerback room now looks bare, to say the least. Outside of converted nickel back Jeremy Chinn, Carolina has an injury-prone Donte Jackson, C.J. Henderson (who I’m frankly sick of seeing in a Panthers jersey and is a waste of a roster spot), veteran Troy Hill, and undrafted free agent D’Shawn Jamison, who was strangely inactive.

One hopes the Horn injury is not a serious one. If he misses considerable time, that puts strain on an already underwhelming unit.

The Panthers were lucky on Sunday to be facing Desmond Ridder. However, in the weeks to come with Carolina facing better talent, its No. 1 coverage presence must be healthy, but it seems once again that won’t be the case.