Carolina Panthers Offensive and Defensive Reviews During Bye Week

During the bye week, the Carolina Panthers are taking the opportunity to reflect on both their offensive and defensive performances this season. According to Cat Scratch Reader, the Panthers' offense has been unpredictable.

They've shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with the running game led by Rico Dowdle, who stepped up after Chuba Hubbard's injury and contributed significantly in recent wins against the Dolphins and Cowboys.

Despite this, quarterback Bryce Young has struggled with consistency, failing to exceed 200 passing yards in most games and leaving fans concerned about his future as the team must decide on his fifth-year option soon.

The offense has scored 13 or fewer points in six games, highlighting a need for improvement. On the defensive side, the Panthers have made significant strides, moving from the league's worst defense in 2024 to the middle of the pack in 2025.

They've improved to 16th in points allowed per game and 18th in total yards allowed. Key players like Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn have excelled, with Brown being recognized as a foundational piece of the defense.

However, the team has faced challenges, including injuries to key players like EDGE Patrick Jones and the ongoing recovery of Horn from a concussion. As they prepare for the second half of the season, the Panthers must build on their recent successes while addressing their inconsistencies on both sides of the ball.