Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) checks the play against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
AP Photo/Scott Kinser
The Carolina Panthers began the 2026 season with the goal of reclaiming their title as NFC South champions. At their bye week, they led the division at 2-2. In these first four games, there is a lot to like and not to like about the 2026 Panthers so far.
Brad Idzik
Idzik followed Dave Canales from Tampa Bay to Carolina in the 2024 offseason, with Canales naming Idzik as the offensive coordinator. In Canales’ first two seasons, he called the plays. In February 2026, Canales handed play-calling duties to Idzik; after four games, the offense finally clicked.
The Panthers currently rank No. 3 in yards per game at 405.8 and No. 4 in points per game at 30.3. Last season, the Panthers ranked No. 27 in total offense and No. 26 in passing offense.
Idzik has gotten the Panthers’ playmakers more involved. Second-year wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is ranked No. 10 in receiving yards; running back Chuba Hubbard has 390 total yards and five touchdowns; and wide receiver Jalen Coker is also producing.
Bryce Young’s breakout
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on after defeating the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C.
AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman
Entering the 2026 season, Young faced immense pressure to solidify himself as the Panthers’ franchise quarterback. So far, he has not disappointed. Young led the league in passing yards with 1,268 and nine passing touchdowns, ranking No. 3 before the bye week.
With Idzik’s play-calling stretching the field more, Young also led the league in air yards with 834, a stat he finished ranked No. 19 last season. One of Young’s most impressive outings came in the Panthers’ previous game on Oct. 4 against the Detroit Lions, where he threw for 329 yards and two passing touchdowns, resulting in a 32-26 win. It was a pivotal win not only for Young but for the Panthers, as last Sunday marked the first Sunday night football game in Charlotte in 11 years. Through the first four games of the Panthers’ season, Young has set himself up nicely for early season MVP discussions.
Evero under pressure
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero looks on before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C.
AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman
The Panthers’ defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, faced heavy criticism from fans and supporters before the season began, and the Panthers’ historic Week 1 performance put him in the hot seat. Evero’s defense allowed a franchise-high 59 points against the Chicago Bears. The Bears had 552 total yards, 291 of them on the ground. The struggles didn’t end in Week 1; the Panthers currently rank No. 26 in opponents’ PPG at 27.3, No. 29 in opponents’ yards per game at 387.3, and No. 25 in opponent red zone scoring percentage at 72.73%. In the Panthers’ most recent game against an explosive Lions offense, they allowed 452 yards, with quarterback Jared Goff throwing for 412.
The Panthers’ defense also ranks No. 21 in sacks, with only eight so far this season. Evero’s defense hasn’t been healthy since training camp began in July, when linebacker Nic Scourton tore his ACL, ending his season before it started.
After Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, both starting cornerbacks Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn suffered injuries that landed them on injured reserve (IR). Jackson suffered a groin injury and Horn tore his quadriceps. Free agent signing edge Jaelan Phillips marked another injury for the Panthers, who has been out with a hamstring injury.
One of the Panthers’ few bright spots has been the play of another free agent, Devin Lloyd. Lloyd signed a three-year contract with the Panthers this spring to strengthen the team’s linebacker core. His Week 2 impact against the Atlanta Falcons earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week, showing his value to the struggling defense and providing much-needed stability in the middle of the field.
Short-handed Panthers
With an impressive offense and a lackluster defense, injuries have told the Panthers’ story early in the season. Scourton, Jackson and Horn were highlighted earlier, but injuries have plagued most of the team.
The Panthers have two offensive linemen on IR: tackle Taylor Moton and guard Brady Christensen, and one on the physically unable to perform list: tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Wide receivers Chris Brazzell II and Xavier Legette are on IR; Brazzell missed the entire 2026 season with a torn LCL, and Coker missed Week 4 with a quadriceps injury.
While injuries have been an issue for most teams, the Panthers’ loss of key players could be potentially devastating and season-altering. At the bye week, they sit 2-2 at the top of the NFC South with 13 key injuries. The Panthers will hope this bye week gives everyone time to get healthy before their next game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Up next
The Carolina Panthers travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. CBS will provide coverage of the game.