Optimism abounds for the Carolina Panthers as the 2026 season draws near. Yet, my mind keeps coming up with issues the 2026 team will face.
Yes, the Panthers won the NFC South. But they did so with a losing record of 8-9. They also had the third-worst point difference of any division winner ever (minus-69), It should be stated that Carolina did this while facing a much easier schedule than it will face this season. Remember, since the Panthers won the division they will play all the NFL’s other division winners this season as part of their schedule. Last year, they played teams from the bottom of the standings.
I worry that the franchise may not have the right coach. Dave Canales has a 13-21 in his two seasons, including a 34-31 playoff loss last year.
I worry that quarterback Bryce Young will not emerge as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. He is entering his fourth season and is guiding an offense that ranked 27th in points and yards last year. Young will be facing tougher defenses in 2026 so additional offense is a must.
Another concern on offense is at the running back position. Starter Chuba Hubbard injured his hamstring last week and is described as week-to-week, not day to day so who knows when he will return. Backup Jonathon Brooks was drafted two years ago and has had two ACL injuries already. Rico Dowdle, who had some big games last year, was let go and is now a Steeler.
And I have to be concerned about this stat. This is year 32 and the Panthers have yet to put together back-to-back winning seasons. Another stat that stands out to me is that since the end of 2017, their last winning year, they have the worst record of any team not based in New York.
Let me also throw some good news at you. Last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, WR Tetairoa McMillan, returns and should only get better.
More good news. The NFC South appears to be down again so this team will likely be in contention for another division title.
