Panthers Passing Game Falters as Bryce Young Struggles Against Saints

The Carolina Panthers faced a significant setback on October 29, 2023, as they fell to the New Orleans Saints with a score of 17-7. This loss not only marked a turning point in their season but also underscored the struggles of the team’s passing game, particularly the performance of quarterback Bryce Young. Despite a promising start to the season, Young’s inconsistency has raised concerns about the Panthers’ playoff aspirations.

Entering Week 10, the Panthers had an impressive record of 5-4, buoyed by a four-game winning streak that included a surprising victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. However, the defeat to the Saints exposed the vulnerabilities of their offense, particularly when it came to their passing attack. Young has only surpassed 200 passing yards in a single game this season, achieving a total of 328 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Over the past eight games, the Panthers have struggled to find rhythm in the air.

In the recent matchup against the Saints, the Panthers failed to score over the final 52 minutes. Young threw a crucial interception in the fourth quarter that allowed New Orleans to extend their lead to ten points. Despite the Panthers’ defense offering multiple chances to either level the score or take the lead, the offense could not capitalize.

Young’s performance this season has been a mixed bag. His completion percentage stands at 61.7 percent, placing him in the bottom quarter of the league. With 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, his progress appears stagnant compared to his first two years in the league. After a standout game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he threw for 199 yards and three touchdowns, Young managed only 364 yards and one touchdown in the following three games.

As the Panthers rushed for only 73 yards against the Saints, it became evident that Young was unable to shoulder the offensive burden. Carolina’s recent success had largely depended on a robust rushing attack, which had seen them accumulate at least 125 rushing yards in their previous four victories. When that element was neutralized, the team’s offensive struggles were laid bare.

The Panthers are now at a critical juncture in their season. Young, a promising talent from Alabama, has the potential to evolve into a star quarterback for the franchise. However, to lead the Panthers to the postseason, he must address his inconsistencies and find ways to elevate the passing game. As the season progresses, the team will need to rally and support their young quarterback to ensure they remain in contention for a playoff spot.