Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as speculation continues to mount about the franchise making another big trade?
There is a hint of desperation surrounding the Carolina Panthers just four games into the 2023 season. Frank Reich's men sit at 0-4 with some horrible road clashes upcoming before the bye week, so fans are growing restless and this is reportedly leading to some frantic phone calls from the front office, which we'll discuss in greater depth later.
It could be an interesting few days ahead. Until then, the stories causing debate include Scott Fitterer's quest, too many cooks in Carolina's decision-making process, where the Panthers sit in ESPN's weekly power rankings, and Bryce Young's struggles getting some context.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's struggles in context
It's not been easy for rookie quarterback Bryce Young to begin his NFL career. The personnel around the No. 1 overall selection isn't up to the required standard and the less said about head coach Frank Reich's offensive philosophy, the better through four games.
Something needs to be done and might be before they travel to the Detroit Lions in Week 5. But from the outside looking in, there appears to be a real lack of confidence in the signal-caller to make shots downfield from Reich's perspective, which wasn't the case when veteran backup Andy Dalton was under center at the Seattle Seahawks.
This was a topic brought up by Brianna Williams of ESPN, who highlighted Young's lack of losing experience in college and his yards per pass attempt, which is unsurprisingly among the league's worst after four weeks.
"[Bryce] Young lost four games in his two seasons as the Alabama Crimson Tide's starting quarterback. The Panthers have matched that mark through their first four games of the season. His average of 4.9 yards per pass attempt this season, is above only Joe Burrow (4.8) as the league's only two quarterbacks to average fewer than five yards per pass attempt this season."Brianna Williams, ESPN
The Panthers still believe in Young, why wouldn't they? He's grown with every passing week, but it does look like those in power are about to do something desperate in some vain attempt to salvage the wreckage that's quickly becoming their 2023 season.
Carolina Panthers almost propping up power rankings
As previously stated, it's been a nightmare start for the Carolina Panthers. Nobody thought it would be this bad, especially given the lines that fans were fed by general manager Scott Fitterer about dropping in a quarterback and taking off.
Just four games in, it's clear there is some significant work ahead. Carolina looks like one of the worst teams in football, which is reflected in ESPN's power rankings, with the Panthers dropping one spot to No. 31 in the standings.
When discussing the Panthers' biggest concern, beat writer David Newton focused on the run defense as a complication that needs to be resolved. This is surprising when one considers the complete ineptitude on the offensive side of things.
"For a unit that entered Sunday's loss to Minnesota down three starters, and then lost starting corner Donte Jackson (shoulder) in the first half, the secondary has held up surprisingly well. What the Panthers can't do consistently is stop the run. Only five teams have given up more than their 545 yards rushing. Only four are allowing more than their 4.7 yards per carry. It's constantly keeping opponents in manageable down-and-distance situations that ultimately will impact the back end of the defense."David Newton, ESPN
This is a bad year for the Panthers not to have a first-round selection. Uninspired would be the best way to describe how things are unfolding in Carolina currently and with trips to the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins on the horizon, a bleak fortnight awaits before the bye.
Do the Carolina Panthers have too many cooks?
The Carolina Panthers spared no expense when it came to hiring their coaching staff this offseason. Past and future head coaches were all sought and acquired thanks to Frank Reich's connections and David Tepper's bottomless pit of financial resources, which raised expectations about what this team might be capable of under such an accomplished leadership group.
Of course, it's been difficult to generate any sort of momentum. Injuries aren't helping, but there's a distinct lack of cohesion and confidence - especially on offense - which is holding the team back in a big way.
This was a topic discussed by team writer Darin Gantt, who hinted that there might be too many cooks in the decision-making process. Something that's taking time to mold into a cohesive strategy reflected in Carolina's woeful 0-4 start to the campaign.
"When [Frank] Reich built this staff, he got a lot of credit for assembling an all-star team of coaches. And it was deserved. There are a lot of smart dudes in that room. But there are a lot of them. The United Nations is a good idea, but without interpreters, nothing's getting done in there. My working thesis is that one of the natural outgrowths of Reich's "diversity of thought" is that it takes a minute to turn that into "cohesiveness of thought." And when results don't come quickly, the natural tendency is for everyone to do more, not less. And sometimes doing more isn't always helpful."Darin Gantt, Panthers.com
There's too much experience and progressive thinking within the coaching roster for things to completely capitulate. However, this could also be a case of Reich not being as accommodating to different ideas as most thought going into the season.
Carolina Panthers aggressively looking for WR1 trade
Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Carolina Panthers fall into this category after a dismal opening to the campaign, which is forcing the front office to seek yet another bold trade in pursuit of improving their fortunes.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Score via USA Today Sports, general manager Scott Fitterer is working the phones daily to find another weapon for Bryce Young. Not just any weapon, but someone with the talent and credentials normally associated with a true No. 1 option.
"The Panthers, according to sources, are in the market, not only for a receiver, but a top-tier one. What this comes down to is two-fold. No. 1, they know they don’t have enough weapons for Bryce Young. But No. 2, they believe so much in Bryce Young the Panthers do—GM Scott Fitterer, head coach Frank Reich—that they want to go all-in, double down this season. So the Panthers, at 0-4, have actually been competitive—had a couple games they probably could’ve won, should’ve won—are now looking for a No. 1 receiver. I’m told that Scott Fitterer, the GM, is literally on the phone every single day. This is his top priority right now—to go out and get a No. 1 receiver for Bryce Young."Jordan Schultz via USA Today Sports
Some of the takes and targets fans are touting on social media are borderline delusional. Some go way beyond that.
It's clear Young needs better talent around him. But sacrificing more capital for another veteran is risky in Carolina's current predicament - and No. 1 wideouts aren't generally available in season and wouldn't exactly be thrilled with the thought of joining a team in turmoil.
Trusting Fitterer to make this sort of move given his recent track record is another question mark. This reeks of desperation, so the move better be right if the Panthers manage to strike a deal.