The Carolina Panthers closed the 2024 season with five wins, struggling early with Bryce Young benched during a 1-6 start but improving to 4-6 after his return. Entering 2025, the Panthers face expectations to surpass that mark, with an over/under win line set at 6.5. Despite these projections, an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL insider expresses serious doubts about Young’s ability to push the team beyond that threshold.
Brad Gagnon, a Bleacher Report analyst, predicts the Panthers may not reach the 6.5 wins forecast, casting uncertainty on the widely held belief in their upward trajectory.
Factors Supporting Panthers’ Projected Growth
Optimism surrounds the Panthers as their defense, which struggled by allowing a league-high 31.4 points per game last season, is expected to improve. Offensive weapons around Young have also strengthened, including rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, whose presence could significantly boost the passing game. Additionally, the Panthers have a relatively manageable schedule and the NFC South division appears less challenging, heightening hopes for a better overall performance.
Gagnon acknowledges these positives:
The soft NFC South and a fairly easy schedule could certainly help with that, as should the addition of first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan to Young’s receiving corps. They were also ravaged by injuries in 2024 and could have better luck in that area in 2025,
he said.
Persistent Reservations About Defense and Bryce Young
Despite the encouraging developments, Gagnon remains skeptical, particularly due to the defense’s failure to show significant reinforcement over the offseason. His concerns center on Young’s consistency and the defense’s ability to reduce the points they concede.
He stated,
I still don’t fully trust Young, and I have major concerns about a defense that didn’t get blatantly stronger after surrendering a league-high 31.4 points per game in ‘24,
highlighting his caution about the team’s readiness to elevate their play meaningfully.
Outlook Suggests Modest Progress Rather Than Breakout Success
While Gagnon stops short of wagering on either outcome, he forecasts a 6-11 record for the Panthers in 2025. This would represent a small step forward but fall short of the advancement many expect given the added talent and easier competition. The outlook signals a cautious fanbase and stakeholders who await clearer signs of development, especially from Bryce Young and the defensive unit.