This was the worst loss against the Denver Broncos since, well, you know. At least this one was different, I suppose. Could you imagine if the game on Sunday was surrounded in controversy due to some highly questionable refereeing that seemed to heavily favor one side and for all intents and purposes ended on a sack-fumble? That would have been traumatic.
The obvious route to take this game review would be to list out and dwell on the many aspects of the game that boiled my blood. I will even encourage
you to do so yourselves in the comments and I’ll join in, as there’s probably something cathartic about listing out the laundry list of frustrations stemming from Sunday. That said, rather than add on to that vitriol here, I’m going to take a different direction for the sake of our collective sanity.
Let’s take a moment to look back and acknowledge the encouraging moments from Sunday that would have received some praise and fanfare had there note been all the rest of the other nonsense taking up the conversation.
Bryce Young bounceback
Young had had back-to-back games with less than encouraging performances. While far from being the central issue or reason for the disappointing performances given the state of the offensive line and the quality of football being played by the defense, the downward tick in performance coupled with rumors of a contract extension led to some negative, even if somewhat warranted, takes being spread on social media.
Despite Facing a defense that’s near the top the league at creating pressure and producing takeaways, Young found a way to be productive and find ways to move the ball. 276 yards, 3 touchdowns on 71.8% completed passes would get the job done on most NFL Sundays.
Tight end renaissance in Carolina
After Sunday’s 8 reception, 90 yard performance Darren Waller is up to 299 receiving yards this season. For comparison’s sake, that already surpasses Tommy Trembles 249 yards in 2025 which lead the position in receiving yards. Speaking of Tremble, those 249 yards were his career high to date and he currently stands about 80 yards short of that total in in 2026.
Young talent making splash plays
There were a handful of splash plays intertwined with the baker’s dozen of penalties and other mid-play meltdowns. Tetairoa McMillan continues to improve and produce when needed, including a critical first down as well as a touchdown while lined up against Patrick Surtain. Lee Hunter flashed on multiple plays including an outstanding tackle for loss early in the contest that will surely earn him more than the 13 snaps he played Sunday. Chau Smith-Wade had multiple touchdown-saving pass break-ups while Corey Thornton baited Bo Nix to throw him his first interception of his career.
Run defense improvements
The Panthers rush defense has some Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde thing going on, but overall rank as the 28th rush defense in the NFL. Holding the Broncos to 82 yards and 3 yards per carry is certainly an improvement for the newish-look defense that Todd Wash is trying to implement. Let’s hope they can make a trend out of keeping the opponents to less than 100 yards rushing a game.
One game closer to reinforcements
It wouldn’t be an article on the Panthers if there isn’t mention of the injuries currently plaguing the roster. Dave Canales spoke on Monday and mentioned that the practice window for Xavier Legette will be opened this week and that Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson and Jonathon Brooks are close. Brady Christensen is likely to return in the next couple weeks as well to boast the offensive line one way or another. Fingers firmly crossed for the returns of Damien Lewis, Bobby Okereke, and Jaelan Philips who all remain on the active roster.
There’s a lot to be mad about right now. But there’s also a lot of positive aspects and improvements lying underneath.
We’ll meet back here next week after the Panthers take on the New Orleans Saints for the first time this season. Until then, keep pounding.
