The Carolina Panthers faced a disappointing setback on November 9, 2025, losing 17-7 at home to the New Orleans Saints, who had entered the game with a dismal record of 1-8. This loss not only halted the momentum gained from their previous week’s victory over the Green Bay Packers but also intensified scrutiny surrounding quarterback Bryce Young. In a game where the Saints focused on containing the Panthers’ standout running back, Rico Dowdle, Young’s inability to deliver through the air became glaringly evident.
Young’s performance was underwhelming, as he managed just 130 total yards and threw a critical interception in the fourth quarter. This game marked a significant moment in Young’s career, now three years into his tenure as the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As the season progresses, questions about his ability to lead the franchise are becoming increasingly urgent.
The Panthers have made substantial efforts to improve Young’s supporting cast since he joined the team. In his rookie season, Young was thrust into a challenging situation. The Panthers had traded away superstar rookie Christian McCaffrey mid-season and dealt top wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears. This left Young with a receiving corps featuring a 33-year-old Adam Thielen and journeyman DJ Chark, while the defense ranked 29th in the NFL in points allowed.
The decision to replace head coach Frank Reich after only 11 games last season underscored the urgency for change. Young’s rookie statistics reflected the turmoil; he threw 10 interceptions against just 11 touchdowns and completed fewer than 60% of his passes. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Panthers brought in offensive strategist Dave Canales, who had previously helped revitalize Baker Mayfield‘s career in Tampa Bay.
In subsequent drafts, the Panthers invested heavily in Young’s development, selecting wide receivers Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan, the latter being the first wide receiver chosen in the 2025 draft. The defense has also improved, moving from 29th to 11th in the league in points allowed this season. Additionally, Dowdle has led a rushing offense that ranks fourth in the league.
Despite these efforts, Young’s performance has not met expectations. His second season began poorly, resulting in a benching for Andy Dalton after just two games. Although he showed signs of improvement later in the season, he has struggled again in 2025, consistently ranking among the league’s least effective quarterbacks. In nine starts this season, Young has surpassed 200 passing yards only once and currently holds a passer rating of 79.7, ranking him 38th in the NFL.
With the significant investment in Young’s draft selection and the resources allocated to surrounding him with talent, the Panthers face a pivotal decision. While the franchise is committed to giving him opportunities, the evidence on the field suggests that he may be more suited to a backup role than that of a franchise quarterback. As the season unfolds, the Panthers will need to assess whether Young can rise to the occasion or if they must explore other options to lead their team into the future.
