Panthers News: Frank Reich, Bryce Young, Brian Burns and Shaq Thompson

Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines after their Monday Night Football reverse against the New Orleans Saints?

With the national spotlight glaring, the Carolina Panthers wilted en route to their second-straight loss to begin the 2023 campaign. They are also playing catch-up behind their three NFC South rivals, who've all started the season 2-0 much to the surprise of many.

There is a lot to pick apart after another inept showing. The stories causing debate include Frank Reich's positivity, Bryce Young on the learning process, the Panthers getting another body blow on the injury front, and fans showing their support for Brian Burns.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Carolina Panthers fans show support for Brian Burns

Much has been made about the Carolina Panthers refusing to meet Brian Burns' contract demands. They clearly feel like the leverage is there even though it was lost some time ago, which led to no agreement before the edge rusher called off talks to focus on the football side of things.

This has brought unwanted attention to general manager Scott Fitterer and his handling of the situation. Everyone else of high caliber at the position got paid around the league, but the former Florida State standout is still waiting despite being nothing but professional throughout the offseason.

The fans made no secret of whose side they were on. Signs with 'Pay Brian Burns' were littered across Bank of America Stadium on Monday night, which was a strong show of support for arguably the team's best player currently.

Carolina is not in any position to be trading Burns or letting him walk given their current state of flux. But we might be waiting some time before an extension becomes official considering how the price is going up with every passing week.

Carolina Panthers dealt Shaq Thompson blow

As if things couldn't get any worse for the Carolina Panthers, they lost team captain Shaq Thompson to a serious injury that will potentially rule him out for the entire campaign. This comes on the back of Brady Christensen and Jaycee Horn also going to injured/reserve, meaning Frank Reich is now without three key starters for a considerable period.

One could see how impactful Thompson's departure was to his teammates. They rely on him heavily for inspiration and motivation in times of struggle, which will be sorely missed on the field until the former first-round selection returns.

When discussing the injuries to Horn and Thompson, Brian Burns stated his disappointment via the team's website. The star edge rusher added that it's all part of the business and the Panthers will just have to make the best out of a bad situation.

"Both of those guys are star players, you know, they make plays, and Shaq, Shaq really is the motor to the defense in a way where he controls everything. So his presence is definitely going to be felt now that he's out. But, you know, like I said, it's a business. I mean, this is hard; this is the game we play, and stuff happens, you know, so you've got to keep going."

Brian Burns via Panthers.com

Thompson's significant ankle injury is yet another severe bump in the road to overcome. Kamu Grugier-Hill looks set to fill in for the veteran, but it's a complication Carolina could do without following their disappointing start to the campaign.

Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich's positivity

The Carolina Panthers couldn't get anything going offensively until it was almost too late on Monday night. This had a lot to do with the wide receivers once again failing to create separation, but head coach Frank Reich's play-calling also came under scrutiny from sections of the fanbase.

Whether it's the plays getting called in too late or simply a lack of personnel to execute, something has to change. But when asked if he'll divert responsibilities to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, Reich seemed reluctant to switch so soon into the campaign based on his comments via Sports Illustrated.

"Listen, I mentioned this before, the way that we call plays, I’m calling the plays but it is very collaborative. I’m talking to those guys on the sidelines but I’m the one that calls them. I’m always going to do what I think is best for the team. Right now, I think it’s best for the team that I’m calling the plays. I’m confident in the play calling. We all have to get better but I’m not ready to do anything there. Thomas is a great coach. One day I want him to call it. When that will be, I don’t know. Right now, I know it’s a lot of things. It’s not the play-calling. I can be better. All the coaches can be better. All the players can be better. I’m not saying it’s perfect but I’m confident we have the coaches and the players and the play caller to be better on offense."

Frank Reich via Sports Illustrated

Brown comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree and should have some innovative offensive ideas. But when it's all said and done, the Panthers just might be lacking in the talent department around rookie quarterback Bryce Young.

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's belief

It was another indifferent outing for quarterback Bryce Young against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft has a lot of pressure on his inexperienced shoulders, but it's been a tough slog over the opening two contests of his professional career.

Things appear to be a little disjointed on offense. There are times when Young and his wide receivers look out of sync, which is surprising when one considers how much chemistry they built throughout the preparation period.

The Carolina Panthers are playing catch-up to their NFC South rivals after just a fortnight. But according to Young via FOX Sports, there remains full belief within the locker room that they can put together a decent campaign.

"Obviously, we're not where we need to be right now. But there's no loss of confidence, no loss of faith in the locker room. I'm grateful to be a part of this team. I believe in this team, believe in the coaching staff. I feel like we have what it takes, and we just have to execute and do a better job of putting it together. Ultimately, we have to go out and prove that. I'm confident."

Bryce Young via FOX Sports

Nobody will work harder than Young to fix the problems Carolina is currently going through on offense. But with C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson already flashing more, it won't be much longer before disgruntled fans begin pushing their own agendas.