The old saw about best attribute of defensive backs is a short memory (for being burned) is legit POV for Charlotte, after lopsided loss to Bears in home opener. Its not division of responsibility-blame to say Bryce Young and offense produced mostly as anticipated. Whether such scoring becomes the new standard- 18.3 was 27th last season- starting now seems legit. Chalk Chicago up as big loss and wake-up call, a division game with QB-challenged arch-rival Falcons feels locked in for Eviro’s defense.

Yes, Forgive vs. just Forget

Its still going to be a long season, 16 more games, and my prediction of beating 9-8 is prejudiced by how strong the schedule is early with playoff-level opponents, although Atlanta is not one of those teams.

Looking at Game #10 vs. New Orleans, if Panthers have better than break-even record, that should be considered a positive accomplishment. I’m not the only person who looked at Chicago score and said, “That’s not going to be how things go all season. Chill.”

GlennS.- 9/16/26 This whippin’ will indeed be something defensive unit should chew on for a while. No 300 yds. (ok, 291) rushing, defend home turf, MISTER Brown et al. Poke that nose tackle. Nobody is separating team elements, certainly not what *anyone* expected though.

OC Idzik, production by Primaries is Factual

Half a loaf of Success because ‘it was plenty of points except for X’ is wrongful thinking. Give credit to Chuba for a pair of TDs, Coker for 134 and a TD, and Brooks 48-yard catch and run- watching replays, he gets going FAST. That’s regular offensive weaponry for first-year Offensive Coordinator’s Brad Idzik’s list of calls. T-Mc had an average game and a bummer play, Head Coach Canales has said repeatedly that Idzik and he ‘have worked together for years, they’re on the same page’ is now a production fact.

Those who expected Young to put up these kinds of number regularly as proof of leadership, its a pretty tight package right now. He did leadership pretty damn well second time around after benched for five, and now, people will continue to talk about his contract situation.

IMHO, Trust your QB to deliver, trust the organization is going to reward the progress you’ll make over five-five record post-Saints game. I’m not sure $$$ has to be a top-6 $$ amount, Prescott anyone? Mega deal with Lawrence? ‘Unless’ isn’t usually a positive operative word. Carolina Panthers have always been seen as fair to deal with.

Idzik’s primary role is moving the ball, sequencing effective plays, packages of players. One relatively recent addition is scoring off major plays vs. constantly slugging it out in 13-play drives. That fits with the ball control offense Panthers were structured around with Chuba Hubbard and offensive line upgrades, now quick strike is a legitimate option.

Some will bemoan Scourdon, Brazzell II loss for season, and latest drop by Legette, Wallace and Jimmy Horn gone and think season is in flux immediately. Despite the kickin’ in opener, the operational reality is this is a team with no major flaws, long on best practices. There’s an old coach’s truism, ‘Nothing wrong a couple Ws can’t cure.’ That’s where Panthers are. GShork 9/18/26

Playing a First Place Schedule Counts

For those who expect negativity about record, yes, Panthers will indeed be playing more good teams based on their 1st place in NFC South last year, and this year they draw the AFC North (Steelers, Ravens, Bengals, Browns) https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi/predicting-panthers-games-ahead-daunting-2026-schedule?page_source=v_recir. Except for the always dangerous Joe Burrow aerial show, thats not (any younger) ol’ MVP Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh, and God only knows- in Cleveland. Those are the places to get a little healthy along the way. Win one-lose one won’t really get the job done any more.

The offensive line, a strength through most of last two seasons after GM Morgan spent big money on a pair of guards to stabilize Young’s pocket- now has a raft of new faces. They’ll have to refocus on keeping Young upright in pocket, without forsaking the ground game Canales plans around. With Hubbard’s run-pass TDs as positives, and 361 well-distributed passing yards and three TDs (+1 rushing) by Young Sunday, is there anyone in Charlotte who feels actually BAD about losing *and* scoring 37?

Straight up, I’m going to grab a BUNCH of just giving 2 1/2 to ATL. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49974012/qb-cooper-rush-getting-second-start-falcons-sources-say The defense getting a couple picks/sacks, some turnovers versus outrageously blown coverages would reassert Eviro control. The offensive line is probably due for Showtime, with 100 yards by *somebody* or maybe 170 overall. Expectations? Nahhh, wellll, yeah, I guess it is time to see if (FA, GBay) Rasheed Walker is an answer at LT, and whether Ikem Ekwonu contributes there and in what time frame, $17.6M contract is only secondary consideration. Moton on the right, new guy, Hecht (R, Iowa) might get early start at center.

See how you like Chuba and that other RB, quick guy, won’t jinx with his name, but Real strong.

Panthers going five-five, including with win through game in New Orleans, is feasible. 7-3 seems like over-achieving, and given how Saints usually treat Panthers in the Dome, 4-6 record is just as likely. Panthers have Sun. late game at home with Lions, or calling for another win at that frozen tundra place, as biggest variables. I sure wouldn’t want to compare opener with Bears to a 160 yard-3 TD game by Gibbs when I’m sporting a losing record. Evero is still not able to make a single tackle, but overall, this is fixable.

Nobody’s heads are on the line in Charlotte, although Jimmy Horn, Jr. is not an option now. T-Mc, Coker, and Brooks should continue getting plentiful opportunities in Idzik’s flow. Ooops! thats still offensive stuff.

So if Jaelan Phillips gets another 13 tackles as Panthers move forward with the 23rd most difficult schedule in NFL (based on W-L record Week 1), thats kind of a new vibe, sacks too…? We should/better hear Moehrig’s name a LOT more regarding tackles, and all things to consider, how about 3-4 blitzes from Thornton in ATL? A blitz sack or two by Panthers defense, yeah, putting heat on Cooper Rush, who had a 2.6 QBR for a 12-22, 143 yds/1 TD/2 INT opener in Falcons opener vs. Steelers, sounds like a best practices deal.