Thursday, September 14, 2023

Carolina Panthers Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Carolina Panthers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

Best debut performance: TE Hayden Hurst
Week 1 stats: 5 catches for 41 yards, TD

Coach Frank Reich said the tight end was going to play a big role in his offense, and Hurst showed that even on a down day for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. He led the team in catches, targets and receiving yards. He and Young connected for Carolina's only touchdown of the day. Hurst's only real mistake was throwing Young's first touchdown ball into the stands. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 27

There have been far worse first starts in the history of the NFL, but I honestly thought Bryce Young would play a tad better than he did in Sunday's loss to the Falcons. Jessie Bates baited him into two picks, in virtually the same way both times. Those should provide a good lesson for the rookie: He can't always get away with some of those tight-window throws he loves. Yet, it was pretty clear that the game was not too big for Young -- and that's what makes me confident he'll be fine. The No. 1 overall pick misfired on some passes, including what could have been a 99-yard TD to Jonathan Mingo, but that was one of the few times a receiver had clear separation. Young struggled, but his playmakers didn't do him a ton of favors. He should settle in with more help.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 28

Bryce Young had a rookie showing in his first NFL start, which he lost to the Falcons. That's to be expected, but he has to get better each week.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

Despite the presence of rookie QB Bryce Young, he wasn't really close to becoming the first passer drafted No. 1 overall to win his debut in the past 21 years.

The Athletic -- Rank: 28

That was a lot to give up for the No. 1 pick. Carolina sent wide receiver DJ Moore, two first-round picks and two second-round picks to the Bears for the right to draft Bryce Young. On Sunday, Young was picked off twice and had a passer rating of 48.8. He didn't look overwhelmed, but he did look sort of average.

FOX -- Rank: 29

The makings of a solid team are here somewhere — particularly on defense, where Brian Burns, Derrick Brown and Frankie Luvu picked up where they left off. But while Bryce Young had some nice moments in his debut, it's fair to wonder if this offense has enough juice to keep up.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 28

The Panthers don't have the receivers to support Bryce Young. Adam Thielen got a three-year, $25 million deal, but he is past his prime. Rookie Jonathan Mingo will be good, but it might take a while. D.J. Chark returning from injury won't fix everything. Young didn't play well on Sunday, but he also didn't have a ton of help.

PFT -- Rank: 29

Bryce Young will need some time. And some help.

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