Carolina Panthers fans feel hopeful after rollercoaster season
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young celebrates a touchdown. Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw the ball toward the end zone Sunday in Atlanta, he turned around and threw his arms up in the air, celebrating the touchdown — before even checking to see if tight end Tommy Tremble caught it.
Why it matters: Confidence. After a carousel of quarterbacks and head coaches, Panthers fans haven't felt confident in a long time. But with Young minted as their starting quarterback and head coach Dave Canales here to stay, hope is brewing on Mint Street — even if the team's season is over.
Context: The Panthers' 2-15 record during the 2023 season left fans dejected, especially after trading up to draft Young No. 1 overall earlier that year in a deal that cost them the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
- The organization went in search of someone with a reputation for resurrecting quarterbacks and found Canales.
- But it would take time for Young to find his footing. He was benched after the team's 0-2 start this season in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Young returned to his starting role after Dalton was injured in a car accident.
- The Panthers finished the season 5-12, with a 44-38 overtime win in Atlanta on Sunday and confidence heading into the offseason about who their head coach and quarterback would be next season.
What they're saying: "Well, I'd say we'll take it week to week, but we've got no more weeks, so, yeah, Bryce is our quarterback," Canales told reporters Sunday in Atlanta.
Between the lines: A 5-12 season isn't even the Panthers' best in the last five years (they went 7-10 in 2022). Yet it was enough to inspire hope.
The big picture: Charlotte hasn't been able to get over 2015 MVP Cam Newton, but it's time to reconcile with the fact that Superman isn't coming back (again).
- But Newton did give a blessing of sorts after Young's historic game Sunday commenting "that is nasty w[o]rk. That's boog1e approved" on social media after Young became the first Panthers player to throw three touchdowns and rush for two touchdowns in a single game.
- Panthers fans are transitioning from Superman to the Carolina Reaper, as some are calling Young.
We asked Axios readers how they're feeling about the season. Here's what they had to say. Editor's note: responses have been edited for clarity and brevity:
- "HOPEFUL!!!! I could kiss whomever in the organization worked with Bryce Young! He's a different QB now, and the QB the Panthers need! Now, can we please get him some decent protection and someone to throw to in the upcoming draft?!" -Kim O.
- "I've been a PSL owner since 2002. The Tepper years have obviously been difficult. It does seem that coach Canales has stabilized the franchise. The comeback of Bryce Young was pleasant to see. The issue remains that the team is short of talent mostly due to the trade with the Bears. I would not expect the team to have a winning record in 2025. (Sigh). Having said all that I remain a fan. Keep Pounding!" -Mike M.
- "My husband and I never doubted QB Bryce Young. He often argued his capabilities. He also pointed out that he has never been injured to the point that he's missed the game. We are Panthers fans good and bad seasons. Let's GOOOO!" -Paula M.
- "This season was a roller coaster ride for the Panthers and fans. Because of that, it seemed to go on FOREVER! Looking back so much happened! ... We are left with a renewed sense of hope and great anticipation for the next season. Go Panthers!" -Linda B.
- "[The] team will still need to address a lot of spots in the offseason, but think if we're able to [shore] up the defensive unit with some new additions, and add a couple of weapons to the offense, that we can be competing for a division title next year in an always down NFC South." -Blake P.
The bottom line: Charlotte businessman Rob Cummings is still in a group text called "suffering Charlotte sports fans," which "teeters on manic depression," he says, but after six years they finally have "hope."