It’s been an unimpressive start to the season for the Panthers, but they have a chance to turn things around in week three against the Seahawks. They’ll be underdogs in Seattle on Sunday afternoon, but they may be able to find the spark they need with a new player leading the offense.
Andy Dalton at Quarterback
After missing practice this week with an ankle injury, it was announced that Bryce Young will miss some time after making his first two career starts. This puts Andy Dalton at the helm, as the veteran will step in to lead Carolina’s offense. The veteran signed with the Panthers in the offseason after starting in New Orleans for the majority of last season.
The 35 year-old known as the “Red Rifle” will be attempting to jumpstart the Panthers offense and lead them to their first win of the season. It’s definitely not what fans expected this early into the season, but it’s the reason a high-end backup was put in place. We’ll have to see if the rest of the team can perform in order to help him contend in week three.
Even More Injuries
Aside from the two losses, it’s been a horrible start to the season in terms of the team’s health. Even before Young’s status came into question, many key players had injury designations. Both of the team’s starting guards are out, as Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen remain sidelined. Christensen suffered an injury in week one, while Corbett is still recovering from his torn ACL at the end of last season. Starting cornerback Jaycee Horn also suffered an injury in the first game of the season and is expected to miss some time.
To top it all off, veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson fractured his fibula in the week two loss and will miss the rest of the season. It’s a crushing loss for the defense, as they lose one of their most crucial pieces. Thompson is a fan-favorite and reliable performer for Carolina, providing a presence that will certainly be missed. The Panthers have been about as unlucky as you could possibly be to kick off a season, all to go along with the troubles of finding a rhythm with a new group.
Matchup Against the Seahawks
Not many people are picking the Panthers heading into this one, similar to the last time these two teams met. That was in December of 2022, when the Panthers walked away with an impressive 30-24 victory. The Panthers intercepted Geno Smith twice that day, a feat they’d love to accomplish once again. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf is questionable to play in the matchup, but Seattle will still have Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. On the ground they’ll turn to Kenneth Walker III, the second-year running back.
As for the defense, the Seahawks will likely be missing cornerback Tariq Woolen. The second-year star is doubtful for the contest with a chest injury. We’ll see if the Panthers receivers can take advantage of a depleted secondary after failing to get open much at all last week. Dalton is known to have what it takes to lead a team to victory, should the pass-catchers be able to give him opportunities. It’s a unit made of veteran leadership and young talent, still with plenty of room for someone to step up.
Overall Outlook
It’s a big game for the Panthers should they still have any hopes of competing this season, as they aim to avoid 0-3. All three of their divisional opponents sit undefeated right now, making a win even more necessary. Without their first round pick, which the Bears own, there’s no reason to hold back this season. Gaining experience is always key, but fans are ready to see something besides a zero in the win column.
Young is the hopeful face of the future, but Dalton could instill some confidence into the franchise before the first overall pick returns. Regardless, it’s another important game between two teams who always seem to have interesting matchups when they collide.
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Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
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