Welcome to the first Weekly Stat Review that will actually have some stats to review! If you missed last week’s introduction to this series, we’ll be tracking 6 key metrics that the Carolina Panthers should target to improve their performance during their 2026 bid to win the NFC South.
A rough loss overall but a promising offensive output leave some potential for mixed feelings with our first set of data.
Without further ado, let’s see where things stand after Week 1!
Offense
Explosive Play Rate
Percentage of plays that qualify
as an explosive play. Explosive plays being a carry of 10 or more yards or a pass attempt gaining 20 or more yards.
Week 1 vs. CHI: 12.9%
2026 average: 12.9% (*7th in NFL)
2025: 8.8% (23rd in NFL)
Pressure Rate Allowed
Percentage of dropbacks with a pressure or sack allowed
Week 1 vs. CHI: 12.5%
2026 average: 12.5% (*12th in NFL)
2025: 30.9%
3rd Down Conversion Rate
Rate of 3rd downs that converted to 1st downs.
Week 1 vs. CHI: 44.4%
2026 average: 44.4% (*12th in NFL)
2025: 36.5% (25th in NFL)
Defense
Zone Coverage Rate
Percentage of coverage snaps spent in a zone defense.
Week 1 vs. CHI: Will be updated when made available
2026 average: Will be updated when available
2025: 78% zone coverage
Pressure Rate
Percentage of pass rush opportunities that resulted in a sack or pressure.
Week 1 vs. CHI: 9.7%
2026 average: 9.7% (*24th in NFL)
2025: 10.1% (31st in NFL)
3rd Down Stop Rate
Rate of 3rd downs allowed to be converted into 1st downs.
Week 1 vs. CHI:
2026 average: 71.4% (*28th in NFL)
2025: 48.1% (32nd in NFL)
BONUS Stat of the Week
Not only was 59-37 a never-before-seen score in NFL history, it is also the highest scoring Week 1 game of all time and the Panthers most points given up in a single game. Hooray.
