Prediction: When Will Frank Reich Win Game One? MIKE KAYE OCTOBER 11, 2023 AT 6:30 AM Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich discusses communication issues in a line-swinging Ford Field environment and more after the Panthers’ 42-24 loss.
The Carolina Panthers are off to an indifferent 0-5 start under head coach Frank Reich.
As the only undefeated team in the NFL through five weeks, Charlotte’s streak became an early point of interest for national pundits and social media fans on television.
And while there is clear evidence that this season was always going to be some kind of rebuild, this reorganization of the organization — at least in its early stages — has been disastrous. Even this writer (who had relatively soft expectations for the Panthers with an 8-9 preseason projection) was surprised by how ineffective and undisciplined the team was out of the gate.
Plus, with the Panthers still looking for their first win of the season, a big trade is looming for the first pick in this year’s draft — along with rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Unlike other struggling franchises such as the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers are not expecting a potential top-5 pick. Instead, the Bears, who made a splash with Carolina in March, own the Panthers’ 2024 pick, which is currently the first overall pick. So with 12 games left in the season, the Panthers’ campaign to contain Ovarian Face becomes a double whammy. The Panthers must prove Young was worth the epic trade up to No. 1 while preventing the Bears from capitalizing on their misfortunes at an alarming rate. With that in mind, The Observer decided to project an updated projection for the rest of the Panthers’ 2023 record:
Week 6: @ Miami Dolphins (4-1) Prediction: Lose (0-6) The Dolphins have the most explosive offense of the connection . With the Panthers still scoring 30 points a game, it’s hard to see Carolina competing against a team that averages 37.5 points per contest. Carolina heads into the bye week undefeated and looking for answers (and scapegoats). Week 8: Vs. Houston Texans (2-3) Prediction: Lose (0-7) A matchup against the top two picks in this year’s draft should fill Bank of America Stadium – if only Young vs. C. J.
For the drama of Stroud. Young has looked pedestrian through four starts, while Stroud has exceeded most pundits’ expectations. The Panthers have struggled in large part due to a lack of explosive offensive plays.
They also turned the ball over quite a bit. But Stroud just set the NFL record for most throws to start a career without a pick, and the rookie QB regularly came up with big plays in the passing game. It’s a perfect storm of disappointments and sadness. Week 9: Vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-2) Prediction: Win (1-7) According to multiple reports, Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick this year, was hit by a ball thrown between his shoulder. Week 5. And with Reich facing his former team, one can imagine the head coach throwing everything he has at the Colts. Indianapolis has Jonathan Taylor back in the lineup and linebacker Zack Moss is coming off an epic start in Week 5, but the Panthers should be able to put up enough points to compete with the Colts and upset the Colts at home. This game hinges on the Panthers’ run defense, so there are no guarantees. Week 10: @ Chicago Bears (1-4) Prediction: Win (2-7) Thursday night games tend to produce murky results. With a pair of base runners struggling in their prime, it’s fair to wonder if the Panthers can pull off a road win.
The Panthers have several reasons to want this game. After making a mega-deal in March, losing it to the Panthers would not only hurt the rankings, but also the trade compensation department. Sure, the Bruins put up 40 points on the Washington Commander, but the Panthers surprisingly have a better pass defense than Ron Rivera’s team. While it’s easy to predict that DJ Moore will have a huge game, Carolina might get the last laugh. In a battle of bad teams, the Panthers should want it more. But does it matter? Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-2) Prediction: Lose (2-8) After a special start to the season, Dallas has fallen off a bit in recent weeks. However, the Cowboys have all the makings of a playoff team and their roster is clearly better than the Panthers team from top to bottom. The crowd for this game will be epic as Cowboys fans travel well and it will be hard to see PSL holders hanging on to their tickets once this season has started. This outing could make last year’s game in San Francisco a nice home base meeting.
Week 12: @ Tennessee Titans (2-3) Prediction: Win (3-8) Make me unimpressed with this Nashville team. Through five weeks, the Titans are averaging 18 points per game. And while Derrick Henry remains a doozy in the backfield, the Titans aren’t particularly impressive in the passing game. This looks like a road game the Panthers could steal if they avoid turnovers — which is easier said than done. Week 13: @Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) Prediction: Lose (3-9) The Buccaneers have been the surprise of the NFC South so far this season. Most pundits had their sights set on the Tampa Bay Panthers at the start of the season, but Todd
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