4 Panthers Already on Thin Ice After Inexcusable Week 1 Blowout

Not even the most pessimistic Panthers fan could've imagined a worse start to the Dave Canales era in Carolina. With a 47-10 final score, there's much blame to go around

The Panthers got destroyed in every phase of the game against the Saints in Week 1, raising questions about the entire franchise's long-term viability while simultaneously destroying any hope fans once had entering the year.

If you thought things couldn't get worse, think again. There are zero positive takeaways to draw from Week 1's disgusting effort. With that in mind, let's look at some Panthers already on thin ice after one of the most embarrassing losses in the organization's history.

4 Panthers Already on Thin Ice After Week 1

1. Bryce Young - QB

2023 first-round pick Bryce Young entered this season with no excuses after Carolina invested significant resources into the offense, acquiring WR Diontae Johnson and spending valuable draft capital on WR Xavier Legette, RB Jonathon Brooks (who is on the PUP), and TE Ja'Tavion Sanders.

After putting forth one of the worst rookie QB seasons in recent NFL history, Young has immense pressure to prove he's deserving of even a third year as a starter, let alone a contract extension at the end of his deal.

The immediate returns could not have been worse. Young routinely missed open receivers, displaying terrible accuracy on easy throws. He completed 13 of 30 attempts for 161 yards and two interceptions for a 32.8 passer rating, a worse number than if he'd simply spiked the ball into the ground on every single attempt.

Last year, Young threw only 11 TDs to 10 interceptions. He now has more interceptions than passing TDs for his career, and his struggles look worse thanks to C.J. Stroud's incredible start as the No. 2 pick in the same draft.

At this point, the former Alabama star has to show something to indicate he's a starting-caliber signal caller in this league. The early returns are worse than even his harshest critics imagined, and the boo birds will only grow louder moving forward.

If Young doesn't show considerable improvement, the Panthers will need to consider alternative options quickly. He's had one of the worst starts by any QB in NFL history. Despite his talent, Young has to produce or he'll be remembered as one of the biggest busts in recent memory.