But with head coach Dave Canales entering his third season at the helm and quarterback Bryce Young entering a pivotal fourth year, Carolina is aiming to prove that its rebuild is finally over and their playoff appearance from last year was not a fluke.Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young celebrates after scoring with tight end Mitchell Evans against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept.21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)The Panthers were able to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2017.The team still had a losing record, but their division was one that no one seemed to want to win.
The team ended up being 8-9 after Carolina lost their last two games.They lost their first two games of the year, and their last two, and sandwiched a 8-5 record in between.
At their best, they were running the ball effectively, and Bryce Young was looking like a reliable quarterback.At their worst, the defense couldn’t get stops when needed, and their offense looked disjointed.
The best game they played actually was probably a loss against the Rams in the postseason.They never quit, but the defense just couldn't get the stop that was needed in order to win.Making it to the postseason was good, but you need to ride that momentum.
As mentioned, the defense needed to get some stop, and that usually starts with pressure on the quarterback.To address that need, they signed Jaelan Phillips to the team.
The Panthers seem to have focused on their offensive line as well, getting a couple of solid pieces.The most interesting thing is that they really didn’t make a decision on Young.
He does have another year, but this might be a make-or-break year for him getting a big deal.Carolina Panthers quarterbacks Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, and Haynes King during training camp at Bank of America Stadium.(Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)There is reason for tempered optimism when looking at Carolina’s roster m...