Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as preparations continue for what would be a monumental upset in Week 6?
The Carolina Panthers are back at practice and trying to get their house in order before embarking on the next challenge - the biggest of 2023 so far. It's not surprising to see Frank Reich's men as underdogs by almost two touchdowns at the Miami Dolphins, which is a pretty fair reflection on how things are unfolding for both teams through five weeks.
That said, there are no expectations whatsoever on the Panthers, which might actually work in their favor and allow the player to perform with an added sense of freedom. Until then, the stories causing conversation include Laviska Shenault Jr. wanting to do more, Bryce Young receiving high praise, Frank Reich's operational changes, and the prospect of trading Jeremy Chinn.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers WR/RB Laviska Shenault's usage
Miles Sanders isn't getting much done in the running game as he deals with numerous injuries. However, there were flashes of promise from Chuba Hubbard and Laviska Shenault Jr. that could lead to more involvement moving forward.
Shenault, in particular, is an intriguing weapon that can be utilized in different ways. He brings a unique physical style matched with decent vision despite his limited carries - something the former second-round pick is looking to build on in pursuit of getting the Carolina Panthers out of their slump based on comments via the team's website.
"I feel like (rushing) is the easiest thing when it comes to mental. Like, I'm getting the ball. When I say running back's the easiest for me, (it's) because I'm used to touching it a lot. I like to get the ball in my hands. I have the opportunity to make guys miss and do that. I feel like that's what I do at a high level. And it works out well. It was like, 'Maybe I could have done something else,' but it was three people, right? But that's just my mentality. I just always want to be better."Laviska Shenault via Panthers.com
Sanders missed practice on Wednesday with a shoulder issue, which is concerning. If he cannot go at the Miami Dolphins, then the Panthers would be wise to deploy Shenault and Hubbard as a potentially prolific tandem.
Could the Carolina Panthers trade Jeremy Chinn?
If the Carolina Panthers head into their bye week at 0-6 as expected, those in power have some big decisions to make. Do they swing for the fences with another move to help quarterback Bryce Young navigate his remaining 11 games? Or should the path be recouping capital by selling off assets before the trade deadline?
It's a tricky spot for a Panthers team that's stated fully to anyone who listened before the campaign that they were in a position to drop in a quarterback and take off. Frank Reich also stated recently that this isn't a rebuild and team owner David Tepper wants to win right now - something that's been a foreign concept to the billionaire since purchasing the franchise.
The Panthers aren't blessed with tradable assets. But Matthew Alquiza from Sports Illustrated put forth the notion that Jeremy Chinn could be moved on for the right price.
"[Jeremy] Chinn has shown the ability to be a playmaker on a top-ten defense, and he should carry some value across the league. He is in the final year of his (cheap) rookie contract, and he could make an impact on a contending team quickly. He is too good of a player (even with his limitations) to be sitting on the bench of an 0-5 Panthers team and losing a prime year of his career. Also, it makes sense on the Panthers end. The problem Carolina faces though, is that teams rarely pony up significant draft capital on an in-season trade for a player at a non-premium position like Jeremy Chinn. Whether it’s Scott Fitterer making the picks in April or a new general manager, having picks to play with is the most important thing for the Panthers’ future right now. If it takes moving Chinn (and potentially some other players), then so be it."Matthew Alquiza, Sports Illustrated
Despite the Panthers dealing with some troubling injuries on defense, Chinn played just 30 percent of snaps at the Detroit Lions and 41% on special teams. This steep decline in reps is worrying and if another team comes calling, Carolina might be receptive to a decent offer.
Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich's changes
Something had to be done. The Carolina Panthers couldn't continue with the way things were transpiring on offense through five weeks, which is playing a leading role behind their demise en route to yet another lost season.
While the defense isn't without blame, Carolina's offense is mundane, uninspired, and lacking any sense of urgency. This is reflected by poor clock management and the need to get to the line of scrimmage quickly.
This is causing complications for Bryce Young, to put it mildly. When discussing the topic in front of the media on Wednesday, Frank Reich indicated via the team's website that the operational side is coming on after opting to simplify the process for their rookie signal-caller.
"I just think the operation, it's gotten better. I think it'll continue to get better, understanding the procedural part with the players with Bryce [Young] and how we communicate to the receivers what personnel group we are in and stuff like that. I think that's getting better. I mean if you say just pure math, it has to be faster if I don't have to give the whole play call, if I can just say, hey, run number 37. You know, there's something to that now. I've called a lot of players for a lot of quarterbacks that don't want to wear a wristband. I understand the other side of it. But the fact of the matter is these days, in most offenses, if you want to move guys around in personnel and shift in motion, you can't do that without using language and words that make the play call lengthy. So in those instances, you tend to use the wristband."Frank Reich via Panthers.com
When the Panthers were in high tempo, they looked like a different outfit. Obviously, most of their productivity came in garbage time with the game out of sight, but it was positive nonetheless - something they can hopefully build on as the campaign progresses.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young praised
Bryce Young is getting too much criticism considering his recent growth of late. People who didn't want the Carolina Panthers to draft him at No. 1 overall are using the team's failings to push personal agendas - a depressing way to go about following your team all things considered.
Young is coming along and becoming more comfortable with every passing week. Once the silly turnovers diminish, it'll be a shock if the signal-caller doesn't take off so long as Carolina's schematic concepts start playing to his strengths more effectively.
The former Alabama star got a big confidence boost from an unlikely source on Wednesday. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was glowing in his praise of Young based on comments via USA Today Sports as the two sides get set to square off this weekend.
"A baller with a bright future. He’s one of the few young quarterbacks that you see comin’ out that sees defenders when operating as a quarterback. His vision is uncanny and his timing and rhythm to the game—you can see that he’s going to be a very good player in this league, in my opinion. There’s nothing more difficult than being a rookie starting quarterback. In that process, you learn live speed. What I’ve seen is a guy that’s showing his talent through the rhythm of plays and showing certain things with regard to—he’s uncanny in the pocket how he moves and he’ll continue to get better and better at it. Extending plays, and throws a very catchable ball that’s built for YAC. There’s a reason why the guys that he’s played with in college, that how much respect they have for him. If you don’t believe me, just ask any ‘Bama player."Mke McDaniel via USA Today Sports
Those who think Young was a bad pick should ask themselves one question…
What would the Heisman Trophy winner look like on the Dolphins right now? And therein lies the problem.