How could the Carolina Panthers fare over their final four games of the 2023 season after amassing just one win from 13 contests so far?
The 2023 season has been nothing short of catastrophic for the Carolina Panthers. There was so much hope before the campaign. So much optimism. So much anticipation things could start trending upward after drafting Bryce Young and hiring head coach Frank Reich.
Carolina's bold ambitions about contending in the playoffs were fool's gold. The Panthers are 1-12. Reich is no longer around. Young is going through significant complications under center while other less heralded signal-callers around the NFL thrive in better environments.
Some extreme soul-searching is needed. But the Panthers are running out of time to salvage any sort of credit from one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
On this topic, we took a stab at how the Panthers could fare over their final four contests under interim head coach Chris Tabor.
Carolina Panthers vs. Falcons - Week 15
Black helmets are back for the second-straight year at home to the Atlanta Falcons. Whether it'll bring a similar result as the one the Carolina Panthers managed to accomplish on Thursday Night Football in 2022 remains to be seen.
The Falcons are still fighting to win the abysmal NFC South. They'll want to bounce back after last weekend's late loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So the Panthers should be wary of a wounded animal boasting outstanding playmakers on both sides of the football.
Prediction: Win (2-12)
Maybe it's the eternal optimism in me. Maybe it's the black helmets. But I think the Panthers have a legitimate shot of winning this weekend despite being 3.0-point underdogs with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Carolina Panthers vs. Packers - Week 16
Christmas Eve last year saw the Carolina Panthers put together their most dominant performance of the campaign. Steve Wilks' men pounded the Detroit Lions into submission with record-breaking rushing totals and a good old-fashioned ass-kicking. A statement from none other than Dan Campbell himself.
Doing the same this time around might be difficult. The Green Bay Packers have bounced back well from some early-season disappointment, but they remain something of an enigma looking at the team's overall body of work.
There are times when the Packers look like they could make some postseason noise. Others they appear to be a team with real complications as quarterback Jordan Love continues to find his feet after replacing legendary signal-caller Aaron Rodgers under center.
Green Bay should boast more urgency to achieve success than the Panthers, who've been going through the motions for some time. Whether that'll have a say in the overall outcome remains to be seen, but this is a game Carolina might identify as winnable if their impressive defense can restrict Love and a quality running attack.
Prediction: Loss (2-13)
While a surprising victory cannot be ruled out, it's a hard sell against an offense led by Matt LaFleur. But stranger things have happened in the NFL.
Carolina Panthers at Jaguars - Week 17
The Jacksonville Jaguars are facing competition for the AFC South title this season. They still have control of their destiny, but the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts are only one game back heading into the business end of the campaign.
This is a game the Jaguars will identify as a must-win. The Carolina Panthers have endured some torrid fortunes this season and rookie quarterback Bryce Young's confidence has gone to an all-time low despite the player's resolve in front of the media.
Trevor Lawrence is toughing things out with a high ankle sprain. He might not be at 100 percent in this one, but his mere presence on the field warrants respect. Especially considering the weapons available for the once-generational quarterback prospect coming out of Clemson.
It's Carolina's final road game of the 2023 campaign, so a big effort is needed. There will also be no expectations on their shoulders. This allows for more relaxed play and an additional level of freedom compared to Jacksonville in their quest for playoff football.
Prediction: Loss (2-14)
Expecting the Panthers to come away victorious from this particular game would be foolish. The Jaguars have too much firepower even without wide receiver Christian Kirk. They also have the postseason in sight to give them some added incentive.
Carolina Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Week 18
The Carolina Panthers' final contest of a cataclysmic season sees the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit Bank of America Stadium on New Year's Eve. There will be no celebrating. Everyone associated with the franchise wants to see the back of 2023 as quickly as possible.
That said, playing the role of party pooper versus one of their NFC South rival is a carrot to dangle in pursuit of keeping players motivated. Baker Mayfield coming to his old stomping ground looking to sweep his former employers is something else to use.
Mayfield was failed by the Panthers. That much is obvious based on his encouraging performances this season. He wasn't alone in that regard, so the next hires in prominent positions must be correct to avoid this once-proud organization spiraling into permanent misery.
The Panthers were unable to beat the Buccaneers on the road even without Devin White and Lavonte David manning the defensive second level. It's hard to gauge which senior players will be involved in the season finale. But all signs point to everyone healthy behind out there unless there's a drastic alteration in the thought process.
Prediction: Win (3-14)
Again, this is the eternal optimist in me. I'm tentatively picking the Panthers to end their season with a win. But that might not be the case if Tampa Bay is still fighting to win the NFC South by this point.