Bryce Young got sacked an unbelievable 11 times in just five days last week. That’s not just a bad stretch, that’s a full-blown crisis for the Carolina Panthers, and it’s the biggest storyline heading into their matchup with the Denver Broncos this Sunday.
The Walking Wounded
You want to know why the Panthers are looking like the “vs Tampa Bay” version from their wild swings this season, including that 43-13 loss? Because their roster looks like a M*A*S*H unit. We’re talking RT1, LT1, LG1, CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, DT3, OLB1, OLB2, ILB2, RB2, RB3, and WR3 all out. Seriously, that’s a small army of starters and key backups gone since sometime between September and January, with two more missing just last week against the Packers. The depth chart isn’t just rough, it’s threadbare. How do you even field a competitive team with that kind of hit list? It’s no wonder they had blowout wins like 34-3 at Atlanta and 25-14 at Philadelphia earlier, but now seem to be trending the other way.
O-Line Meltdown and a QB Under Siege
And those injuries? They are hitting the offensive line hardest, with devastating consequences for Young. Their current starting left tackle, Rasheed Walker, center Luke Fortner, and right guard Robert Hunt are each leading the league in individual pressures allowed from their respective positions. Think about that for a second. Three guys, all at the top of a list you absolutely do not want to be on. It’s no surprise Young was getting pummeled 11 times in five days. Fixing that protection is *the* priority for them right now, and the progress they make, even in a few days, could actually decide the entire game this week. That’s how critical it is.
Young’s Targets Are Fighting Uphill
Despite the absolute chaos upfront, Bryce Young is still trying to get it done. He’s completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,921 yards, tossed 13 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions on the season. He’s moving the chains, especially on first down, spreading the ball around. But even his best targets are fighting an uphill battle. Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and tight end Darren Waller are all playmakers. McMillan had a 32-yard reception, Coker snagged a 51-yarder, and Waller pulled in a 50-yarder. These guys are legit, getting a first down on over 50 percent of their receptions and nearly 30 percent of their targets. They’ve combined for eight of Young’s 13 touchdowns. The problem? They need Young to get more than two seconds between the snap and pressure to even get a chance. That just hasn’t happened in their last two straight losses.
So, when the Panthers head to the Queen City to face the Broncos this Sunday, it’s about sheer survival for Carolina. Can they find *any* way to shore up that offensive line and protect Young? Can the guys who are actually playing step up? The health of this roster and the ability to keep Young upright are the only things that matter. Their third-down efficiency has been less than optimal, mostly because of that O-line. It’s going to be a brutal test, and every single snap matters for a team trying to find some semblance of stability.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mile High Report.
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