How could the Carolina Panthers fare over their next four games with players coming back after their period of bye week rest?
Bye weeks are great for players and fans alike. It's almost easy to forget how bad the Carolina Panthers were over their first six games - so it couldn't have come at a better time for everyone associated with the franchise.
Talk of removing some established stars from the roster via trade before the deadline remains evident across the regional and national media. Nothing concrete has emerged, and Frank Reich's sights are firmly set on finally building some much-needed momentum following a torrid 0-6 opening to the campaign.
The Panthers made one notable public alteration during the bye after Reich handed over play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Expecting a completely new offense is a pipe dream, but this could improve execution and modernize concepts that looked devoid of inspiration more often than not.
It'll be interesting to see things unfold and what adjustments have been made. Looking ahead, we took a look at how the Panthers might fare over their next four fixtures after a winless period before the bye.
Carolina Panthers vs. Texans - Week 8
This is being touted as a battle between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud - the two quarterback prospects taken atop the 2023 NFL Draft. But it's also an important game for the Carolina Panthers in the hope of finally kick-starting their season at long last.
Austin Corbett looks like he could feature, which is a major bonus. Xavier Woods and Miles Sanders are also back practicing, so bodies are getting healthy after the bye following some torrid injury luck lately.
Couple this with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown calling plays and being at home, this looks like a game Carolina could win. Although one cannot ignore the impressive start made by the Houston Texans under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Prediction: Win (1-6)
Those within the locker room should be pulling hard to ensure Young gets one over on Stroud. So this might be the weekend for the Panthers to break their duck.
Carolina Panthers vs. Colts - Week 9
The Carolina Panthers won't have to deal with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson - another potential option dismissed in favor of Bryce Young at No. 1 overall - who unfortunately underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the entire campaign. While everyone wishes him well with his recuperation, nobody will be crying about not having to plan for the electrifying dual-threat weapon under center.
Veteran signal-caller Gardner Minshew is a downgrade, but he's serviceable. The Indianapolis Colts look like they could be a solid football team over time under Shane Steichen, which was evidenced by their encouraging display against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7 before faltering late.
The Colts are good, but they are also beatable. That's the mindset Carolina should adopt for this one and Frank Reich will have an extra obvious sense of motivation after being let go by Indianapolis during the 2022 campaign.
Reich will play it down throughout the week, one suspects. But his players won't want him to suffer the embarrassment of losing to his former employers on home soil at Bank of America Stadium with some additional spotlight glaring.
Prediction: Win (2-6)
This alone should be enough to raise the urgency needed. Another week of familiarity with Thomas Brown's offensive demands should also help, but this isn't a gimme by any stretch of the imagination despite Richardson's absence.
Carolina Panthers at Bears - Week 10
This is a game fans of both teams circled on their calendars once the 2023 schedule was revealed. It's also significant enough to get primetime exposure on Thursday Night Football despite their current struggles.
The Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears were closely linked this offseason thanks to a daring trade involving the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. This cost significant draft resources and wide receiver D.J. Moore, who'll be out for revenge after getting the news just as he was moving house.
Both fanbases have been going at it on social media since the trade was announced. This is sure to bring with it an electrifying atmosphere at Soldier Field, which promises to be another stern test for rookie quarterback Bryce Young.
Whether Justin Fields is healthy enough to participate by this point will come with huge ramifications. The signal-caller missed last weekend's win with a thumb issue and is considered week to week, with head coach Matt Eberflus claiming he's making encouraging progress ahead of a potential return.
Prediction: Loss (2-7)
If Fields doesn't go, the Panthers' chances obviously improve. However, the hostile environment, cold weather, and a highly motivated team are things not exactly working in Carolina's favor right now.
Something that makes it hard to predict a victory until the Panthers prove capable of winning in atmospheres such as this.
Carolina Panthers vs. Cowboys - Week 11
Things don't get any easier for the Carolina Panthers when the Dallas Cowboys come to town. This team always gets hyped up beyond recognition every year and almost always flatter to deceive, but hopes are once again high within the NFC East outfit that a bold Super Bowl bid can be launched.
There will be an invasion of Cowboys fans throughout Bank of America Stadium based on the recent history of well-supported teams taking over David Tepper's venue. Looking at how the two rosters are constructed, the Panthers also look overmatched on the field in numerous areas - specifically in the trenches.
These are two organizations on very different paths. A lot could happen before this game, but it's hard to look at Carolina's chances favorably if Dallas is at the top of their game.
Of course, there is one clash every season where the Panthers seem to overcome the odds. The points spread could be anywhere between 8-10 points looking at how things are unfolding right now, but this might provide an extra sense of freedom to go out and express themselves more freely with almost no expectations.
Prediction: Loss (2-8)
Going 2-2 over the next four games represents a small step in the right direction. Whether it's enough to alleviate the pressure on those in positions of power is highly debatable.