In 2024, the Panthers will have to sacrifice defense in order to undergo another offensive makeover.
This season, the Carolina Panthers have gone from being a team that struggled right away to one that consistently reaches new lows in incompetence. Frank Reich is no more. Soon, most of his previous employees will work with him. And it’s not hard to guess that once a new administration is put in place in the spring, most of the roster will be changed. But we wait for now. Sorry to remind you, but there are still four games left. The Panthers’ only real goal is to keep the Chicago Bears from humiliating Carolina even more by holding onto the first overall selection (2024) from their deal for the draft in March. This week and for the remainder of the season, Kaye’s Takes and the Panthers mailbag are teaming up.
Ejiro Evero’s defense has persevered despite a roller coaster of injuries-related depth chart problems. A significant scheme adjustment has resulted in some growing pains, particularly when facing opposing rushing offenses. First-round selections included Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Brian Burns. In order to bolster the group with seasoned skill, Vonn Bell, Xavier Woods, Frankie Luvu, Troy Hill, Kamu Grugier-Hill, and Shy Tuttle were all acquired in recent years. Despite suffering severe injuries, Donte Jackson and Shaq Thompson have remained constants. The Panthers have a strong defensive foundation despite the system change, even if Evero returns the following season—possibly as defensive coordinator once more or, more improbable, in a different capacity. The team has solid foundations, regardless of improved in the next offseason or not.
It’s time to focus on improving the offense, which has been a complete disaster this year. With four games remaining on the schedule, the floor of the Sarlacc pit from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is higher than that of the Panthers passing game. Therefore, this summer, the next administration—whether or not they have some recognizable faces—must commit fully to offense. While it is true that the Panthers should try to give players like Burns, Brown, and Luvu market-appropriate contracts extensions, the major focus of the 2024 offseason should be on increasing their investment in Young. And so be it if it means moving Burns for significant draft money and franchise-tagging him.
