Bryce Young's Frustration Boils Over

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Bryce Young’s third consecutive season-opening loss with the Carolina Panthers was a tough pill to swallow. After a failed fourth-and-1 attempt early in the third quarter, Young slammed his helmet to the ground, visibly frustrated. Panthers coach Dave Canales offered words of encouragement, but the 26-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars left Young and the team searching for answers.

Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

Young’s performance was marred by turnovers, including a lost fumble and two interceptions. A potential pick-six was nullified due to defensive holding, but the damage was already done. Young’s stat line—18 completions on 35 attempts for 154 yards and a 49.0 passer rating—highlighted a rough outing.

"I obviously can't turn the ball over like that," Young said. "It cost the team. I have to be better than that."

Offensive Struggles

The Panthers’ offense struggled across the board. First-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan dropped a perfectly thrown ball in the end zone, while Xavier Legette failed to get both feet inbounds on a crucial sideline pass. The offensive line also faced challenges, with high snaps and pressure from the Jaguars’ defense disrupting the rhythm.

Defensive Woes

The Panthers’ defense, which struggled against the run last season, gave up 200 rushing yards, including a 71-yard touchdown by Travis Etienne Jr. in the first half. The lack of execution on both sides of the ball left the team reeling.

Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny

Canales’ playcalling came into question, particularly on the fourth-and-1 play that left Young frustrated. Opting for an empty backfield instead of relying on running back Chuba Hubbard, the play resulted in a pressured pass that fell incomplete.

"We just liked our matchups," Canales said. "It didn't work out, but that was a situation where we wanted to put our guys in a comfortable position."

Looking Ahead

The Panthers face another challenge next week on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. With seven straight losing seasons, the team must quickly address its issues to turn the season around.

"This is just pure we've got to wake up [Monday] morning and you've got to light that fire," said center Austin Corbett. "It's go time."

Final Thoughts

The Panthers’ season opener was a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. While Young shoulders much of the blame, the team’s struggles were collective. Canales and his staff must find solutions to avoid another disappointing season.