It's only been two games, but the Carolina Panthers look more potent than they have in a decade as they move into Week 3 of the 2026 season.
The offense has been particularly impressive so far, averaging 35.5 points per game, second in the NFL only behind 2024 Most Valuable Player Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. They also rank fifth in yardage at 409.0 per contest.
Defensively, there's definitely room for improvement. However, the Panthers have also proven they have radically upgraded at both linebacker spots and are getting solid contributions on the back end from their rookie class already.
As a bonus, the Panthers appear to have found another weapon on special teams in the form of wide receiver Jalen Coker—who took his first career punt return
for 36 yards in Sunday's 34-3 win.
Oh, and according to CBS Sports, the Panthers deserve an 'A+' grade for that Week 2 demolishing of the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. John Breech writes:
After giving up 59 points in Week 1, this was the kind of rebound game that the Panthers needed. They were nearly flawless in all three phases of the game. The defense took advantage of a struggling Falcons offense by forcing four turnovers, including a pick-six from Devin Lloyd. The player of the game was Bryce Young (287 passing yards and three touchdowns), who looked like a star for the second straight week. Right now, it's hard to tell if Young has truly taken the next step or if he's taken advantage of two bad defenses, but whatever the case may be, he's been playing at a high level and if this is how he's going to play all season, then the Panthers will have a good shot of repeating as NFC South champs.
The Panthers have a solid chance of entering their Week 5 bye at 3-1. Week 3 will see them travel to take on the Cleveland Browns and Week 4 will play host to a Sunday nighter against a vulnerable Detroit Lions defense.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL analyst gives Panthers perfect grade for Week 2 win
