Who were the big winners and losers as the Carolina Panthers got their 2023 campaign underway with a Week 1 defeat at the Atlanta Falcons?
It wasn't hard to see how expectations were rising around the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2023 campaign. A wild offseason of recruitment and their daring trade up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft dictated as much, but it was something that the franchise couldn't live up to during their disappointing Week 1 loss at the Atlanta Falcons.
Everything that could go wrong inevitably did for the Panthers en route to a 24-10 reverse. There were some positives, but much work is ahead for the coaching staff in the coming days before welcoming the New Orleans Saints to Bank of America Stadium for a pivotal Monday Night Football showdown.
This will sting and in many ways, has burst the bubble. But it's just one game and there is a lot of football left to turn this thing around.
With that being said, here are six winners and losers from Carolina's loss at the Falcons in Week 1.
Loser No. 1
Carolina Panthers WRs
After losing D.J. Moore in the trade that landed Bryce Young, there were concerns about the wide receiver group even before a competitive down had been played. The Carolina Panthers were without D.J. Chark for the contest, but those available couldn't generate any sort of separation consistently against an Atlanta Falcons secondary that had their way from start to finish.
Hayden Hurst - the free-agent signing made to bolster the tight end position - is the only one who can look back on his route running with any sort of credit. Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. got free on deep routes once each, but rookie quarterback Bryce Young overthrew them during an indifferent competitive debut from the signal-caller.
This is deeply concerning. Turning this around must be a collective effort and the coaching staff needs to find better ways of scheming their guys open if they cannot get the job done by themselves.
Winner No. 1
Brian Burns - Carolina Panthers OLB
After much debate about whether or not he'd suit up, edge rusher Brian Burns once again put the Carolina Panthers before his own business. Something that's been evident throughout the offseason as he handles an ongoing contract dispute with nothing but professionalism.
Burns' presence on the field gave everyone a huge lift. He absolutely flew out of the traps, causing havoc at will and making things extremely uncomfortable for quarterback Desmond Ridder during the opening exchanges.
The former first-round pick's influence was so great that Falcons head coach Arthur Smith spent the half-time break altering his game plan to move things away from Burns. He still managed three tackles in the second half, but Atlanta had far more joy going to Justin Houston's side to emerge as comfortable winners.
Despite the poor result, Burns only heightened his importance and perhaps even added more dollars to his demands. This whole saga has become tiresome given Carolina has no leverage whatsoever, so fans will be apoplectic if the Florida State product isn't given a new deal before Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints.
With seven tackles and 1.5 sacks to begin the campaign, Burns was one of the standout performers. Carolina's defense overall was pretty decent - it was the offensive side of things that let them down more than anything else.
The Panthers are playing hardball after delaying sorting out a new deal for Burns. But after this, yesterday's price might not be today's price.
Loser No. 2
Jaycee Horn - Carolina Panthers CB
Big things were expected of Jaycee Horn entering Year 3 of his professional career. The Carolina Panthers did very little to strengthen their cornerback room throughout the offseason, which only added to the pressure to perform and more importantly, put a productive run of games together without succumbing to injury.
Sadly, this hope ended after barely one-half of football. Horn went down with a non-contact complication - later revealed to be a hamstring issue that could level him on the shelf for anywhere between 2-8 weeks depending on the severity.
This is nothing short of disastrous for Horn and the Panthers. The former first-round pick has endured some torrid luck on the health front since entering the NFL, with many now proclaiming the defensive back to be injury-prone following this latest incident.
Much will depend on how the tests come back regarding Horn's hamstring problem. If the news is bad, then the Panthers need to get another productive cornerback into the mix quickly. Elevating C.J. Henderson to outside responsibilities is a recipe for disaster based on another less-than-stellar outing.
Nobody will be more disappointed than Horn. The talent is there, but that counts for absolutely nothing if the player cannot be relied upon to be available consistently - something he has failed to do over a three-year span.
Winner No. 2
Carolina Panthers OL
After getting some severe and perhaps unwarranted criticism throughout the preseason, there was an added spotlight on the offensive line. Especially considering the Carolina Panthers opted to start rookie fourth-rounder Chandler Zavala in place of the injured Austin Corbett.
Any fears were alleviated in no uncertain terms with a comprehensive and efficient performance in Week 1. The protection was nothing short of exceptional throughout the game aside from one or two errors, which came late in proceedings when the Panthers were obviously going to pass the football.
Zavala was extremely impressive in his first NFL start. Grady Jarrett smelled blood and lined up over the North Carolina State product almost constantly, which was a challenge he was more than ready for during an accomplished display.
Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu were outstanding bookend presences - especially in pass protection. Brady Christensen more than held his own and Bradley Bozeman provided the sort of veteran assurance fans came to expect from the center once he was installed into the lineup last season.
Carolina's superb offensive line made their lack of efficiency on this side of the football even more disappointing. If the coaching staff works out some kinks and the protection in front of Bryce Young remains to this standard as the campaign progresses, things should improve.
Loser No. 3
Frank Reich - Carolina Panthers HC
Frank Reich raised professionalism and overall standards throughout the offseason. The ungodly mess left behind by the last permanent head coach is well-documented, so this was always going to be a gradual process despite expectations rising among the fanbase.
Much had been made of Reich's decision to keep their game-day playbook for the regular season rather than give anybody a head start in terms of preparations. This only raised the level of anticipation further when competitive action began, but the offensive scheme was equally as bland and uninspiring in Week 1.
There was no intention or play-calling invention whatsoever. Reich called the plays and erred on the side of caution, which only seemed to grow after Bryce Young threw an early interception.
Coaching scared might be a little harsh, but the Atlanta Falcons knew exactly what was coming once they deciphered what personnel was on the field. Something that must change at the earliest possible opportunity before the New Orleans Saints and Who Dat Nation come to town on Monday night.
Adding some creativity and scheming players open will be a good place to start. Because Reich can ill afford to start the season 0-2 with two-straight losses against teams within their division.
That's unacceptable, in all honesty. However, it looks entirely possible unless some major offensive adjustments arrive.
Winner No. 3
Derrick Brown - Carolina Panthers DL
As previously stated, there weren't many weak links on defense in Week 1. This group looked highly motivated and comfortable within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base scheme, which looks like it's going to be a big hit as the campaign progresses.
Another player who excelled throughout the clash was Derrick Brown. The defensive lineman was a one-man wrecking ball from the first snap, generating push even against double teams and getting into the backfield consistently along the way.
Brown never stopped hustling en route to nine tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss. One only has to look at how he chased down rookie running back Bijan Robinson to see how much effort the former first-round selection was putting in.
This was a sensational start to the campaign for Brown, who is also potentially looking for a megabucks deal in the not-too-distant future. Looking at the player's current career trajectory, the Carolina Panthers look set to hand out another whopping financial commitment if they have any sense.
The Auburn product looked the part operating as a 3-4 defensive end where he can put his unique athleticism to better use. If Brown keeps this up for the season's entirety, a first Pro Bowl selection won't be too far behind.