How could the Carolina Panthers fare over their next four regular-season games following a cataclysmic 0-4 start to the 2023 campaign?
Well, we did say things might get worse before they get better.
The Carolina Panthers now sit at 0-4 in the standings and are propping up the NFC South once again after a disappointing loss at home to the Minnesota Vikings. This felt like a game that got away from Frank Reich's men, who were leading at half-time before faltering after the break to give the visitors their first triumph of the campaign.
This was a disaster and it'll be a steep uphill climb for Carolina in the hope of salvaging something from the season. Reports suggest another daring trade might be coming to give quarterback Bryce Young another weapon, although many wonder how wise such a transaction would be given the team is staring another lost year squarely in the face.
Some strong soul-searching and potentially drastic measures are needed for the Panthers to get themselves out of this ever-growing hole. With this in mind, we took a look at how Carolina might fare over their next four games, which have a bye week sandwiched in between.
Carolina Panthers at Lions - Week 5
As if things couldn't get any worse. The Carolina Panthers face a daunting trip to take on the Detroit Lions in Week 5, who've begun the campaign in scintillating form and look well on course to win the NFC North if they keep up this pace in the coming weeks.
There is a genuine belief within the locker room that something special could be brewing under Dan Campbell. The Lions look like a well-balanced, hungry outfit capable of hanging with any contender - as witnessed during their memorable win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium to kick off the season.
Prediction: Loss (0-5)
The Panthers did beat the Lions in convincing fashion in 2022, but it's clear these teams are heading in different directions currently. Couple this with Campbell no doubt preaching revenge to his players, it's hard to see anything other than a fifth-straight loss for Carolina.
Carolina Panthers at Dolphins - Week 6
The football Gods do not care if a team is winning or losing. They are merciless, unbecoming of emotion, and in the Carolina Panthers' case, especially cruel heading into their much-needed bye week.
Going to the Miami Dolphins would be among the most unwanted destinations to visit given Carolina's current form. Despite getting humbled against the Buffalo Bills last time out, it's been an impressive opening to the campaign from Mike McDaniel's men, who are just a fortnight removed from dropping 70 points on the Denver Broncos without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
There are so many offensive weapons at Miami's disposal, that it's hard to know which one poses the biggest threat. If the Panthers focus their attention on limiting Tyreek Hill and Waddle, then the supreme one-two punch of Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane have the scope to carve out huge gains versus the Panthers' suspect run defense.
And flip the coin, the same potential problems are there for all to see.
There are some defensive holes that can be exploited. But much will depend on whether Frank Reich's taken the training wheels off quarterback Bryce Young by this point - enabling a more expansive scheme that plays to the signal-caller's strengths.
Prediction: Loss (0-6)
That is absolutely imperative if the Panthers want to hang with the Dolphins. Unfortunately, there's also a very realistic chance Reich could be sitting at 0-6 at the bye week with more questions than answers about the way this franchise is heading.
Carolina Panthers vs. Texans - Week 8
If the Carolina Panthers are winless at the bye - which is entirely plausible given the current state of affairs - then some huge alterations are needed. Whether that's through reinforcements, recouping some draft capital by parting ways with an established veteran or two, or from a schematic standpoint following what will likely be some passionate discussions among the coaching staff during the team's prolonged rest period.
One solace for the Panthers is they are on home soil upon resuming regular season engagements. The Houston Texans come to town in Week 8, which pits the top two selections in the 2023 NFL Draft up against one another for the first time in their pro careers.
There's already been much debate about whether the Panthers made the right call. Bryce Young certainly looks the part despite operating within a restrictive scheme, but one cannot ignore the sensational start C.J. Stroud has made to life with the Texans en route to some borderline historic rookie numbers through four weeks.
Stroud and Young are good friends and no doubt happy for one another's success. The media narratives surrounding this contest will be out of control if the Texans continue their outstanding start to the campaign, but Carolina should be fresh and raring to go - especially returning right guard Austin Corbett.
Prediction: Win (1-6)
The Panthers have to win sometime, right? This feels like as good a place as any, although underestimating Stroud and a Houston team revitalized under head coach DeMeco Ryans would be incredibly foolish.
Carolina Panthers vs. Colts - Week 9
One rookie quarterback after another.
Soon after C.J. Stroud's departure from Bank of America Stadium, attention will quickly turn to Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. This is another chance for Bryce Young to prove he was the correct choice at No. 1 overall against a signal-caller taken three spots later.
Had it not been Young, then the Carolina Panthers might have gambled on Richardson's unique upside rather than go with the sure thing in Stroud. We'll never know, but the former Florida star presents some difficult challenges to overcome given the dual-threat capabilities he brings to the table.
The Cam Newton comparisons are obvious, if a little unfair to the first-year-pro. Richardson's electrifying running out of the backfield coupled with some eye-catching arm strength looks as advertised during the pre-draft process, but accuracy is an issue and entirely expected considering his lack of experience.
This is something the Panthers' defense can take advantage of. But there is also the small matter of running back Jonathan Taylor to contend with if the Colts don't end up trading him before the 2023 deadline.
Prediction: Win (2-6)
This might be the eternal optimist in me talking, but if the Panthers can win their opening two games coming after the bye, it's a solid foundation from which to build for the rest of 2023. It's also a sign some concessions have been made behind the scenes to finally get this franchise trending in the right direction.