How could the Carolina Panthers fare over their next four games after the team's disastrous 1-7 opening to the 2023 campaign?
When it looked like the Carolina Panthers could potentially build some momentum, it all came crashing to a halt in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts. Another terrible offensive display coupled with three interceptions from quarterback Bryce Young were the primary catalysts behind their demise, including suspect officiating calls and discipline issues thrown in for good measure.
Some serious questions are being asked about those in power. David Tepper and Scott Fitterer seem to be getting it more than most, but sections of the fanbase are also starting to wonder if head coach Frank Reich is the right man to lead this team moving forward.
Another dramatic offseason awaits, one suspects. The Panthers have to navigate nine more games before that, so it'll be interesting to see what fight remains with players seemingly dropping like flies en route to injured/reserve of late.
With this in mind, we took a look at how Carolina might fare over their next four games after seven defeats in eight, leaving them 1-7 and rock bottom of the NFC South.
Carolina Panthers at Bears - Week 10
A quick turnaround is the last thing fans wanted to endure after another inept display versus the Indianapolis Colts. The Carolina Panthers travel to the Chicago Bears for their final primetime game of the season on Thursday night, which sees wide receiver D.J. Moore going up against the team that deemed him a necessary sacrifice to secure the No. 1 overall pick.
That trade has brought some extra spice to this one. However, the Panthers will be without stud edge rusher Brian Burns due to a concussion, which means there is nobody on the roster aside from perhaps Frankie Luvu capable of generating pressure consistently.
Prediction: Loss (1-8)
Couple this with C.J. Henderson also missing the clash and the hostile environment Soldier Field provides, it's hard to envisage anything other than an eighth defeat whether Bears quarterback Justin Fields plays or not.
Carolina Panthers vs. Cowboys - Week 11
The NFL is relentless - especially when there is seemingly no hope. This sport has a gift for kicking bad teams when they're down, which is exactly what could occur in Week 11 when the high-profile Dallas Cowboys come to town.
It would be a shock if there weren't more Cowboys fans than Carolina Panthers supporters in the stands at Bank of America Stadium for this one. They travel well and the home team's dismal run of form is seeing fans vote with their feet and not bother to spend hard-earned money on such an abysmal football product.
Dallas always gets more media attention than any other. This comes with ridiculous hype they haven't quite lived up to for the best part of three decades, but their efforts so far this season put them among the NFC's frontrunners despite suffering a narrow loss at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9.
This is a test of epic proportions for the Panthers. They will be heavy underdogs, but it should at least provide them with an extra sense of freedom to try new things without fear of many repercussions given that nobody is expecting them to come away victorious.
Prediction: Loss (1-9)
Nobody with any sense would predict anything other than a Cowboys win. These are two teams on completely different trajectories right now, so it would be the upset of the season if Frank Reich's men pulled it off.
Carolina Panthers at Titans - Week 12
This game comes with added intrigue after the Tennessee Titans officially named quarterback Will Levis as their full-time starting quarterback. The former Kentucky star was criticized heavily throughout his pre-draft assessments, dropping out of the first round entirely before Mike Vrabel's men made a big move.
Levis was nothing short of sensational in his debut and showed enough last time out in defeat to suggest he could be highly productive. Having experienced weapons like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Derrick Henry doesn't hurt, either.
The Titans have been up and down this season. However, they are a formidable obstacle to overcome on home soil, boasting a 3-1 record compared to 0-4 on their travels currently.
If the Carolina Panthers aren't ready for the physical aspect of this game, it'll be their undoing. Stopping Henry is the key component - Ejiro Evero's defense simply cannot let the supreme backfield force generate early momentum if they want to stand any chance of winning this one.
Prediction: Loss (1-10)
Bryce Young performed well the last time he came up against a rookie signal-caller for Carolina's only triumph of the season to date. Much will also depend on how uncomfortable the Panthers make things for Levis, who'll have his feet firmly underneath him by this point.
They have a chance, but Tennessee's home form gives them the edge.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers - Week 13
If the Carolina Panthers head into their divisional battle at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 1-10 record, it'll probably mean someone has been relieved of their duties. This would be an embarrassing turn of events for an organization and front office that held bold claims about playoff contention and winning the NFC South after becoming especially pleased with their movements throughout the offseason.
This one also has some added sentiment attached. Baker Mayfield will have revenge on his mind after his trade to the Carolina Panthers didn't go according to plan last season, resulting in the former No. 1 overall selection being released before finishing out the campaign with the Los Angeles Rams.
Tampa Bay has often gotten the better of Carolina in recent years. This had a lot to do with quarterback Tom Brady's arrival, but a monumental effort is needed if things end up unfolding in this concerning manner beforehand.
Prediction: Loss (1-11)
I long for the days when optimism returns. The Panthers seem to be taking one step forward and four back lately, which has sapped confidence almost completely and leaves the franchise facing the embarrassing prospect of giving up the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears.
Make no mistake, David Tepper is unlikely to take this lying down.