Carolina Panthers among the league's worst in ESPN's 2024 NFL Power Index
It comes as no surprise that ESPN believes the Carolina Panthers will be one of the worst teams in football, again.
Though there is reason for optimism heading into the 2024 NFL season for the Carolina Panthers, ESPN is having none of it.
In ESPN's 2024 Football Power Index, the Panthers ranked No. 32, dead last, at -6.7.
The teams above Carolina were the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos. 2024 doesn't look promising, at least according to the worldwide leader in sports.
The Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance for the rest of the season, ESPN said. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule.
It is easy to see a world where the Panthers finish as the worst team in football again. However, the front office has taken steps to ensure that if the team falls short, it has done everything it can to improve.
In adding Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, the Panthers garnered insurance on the offensive line. Young was one of the most-sacked quarterbacks in the NFL during his rookie campaign. Protection is a priority in his second season.
Newly minted head coach Dave Canales has expressed a desire to lead with the run game, meaning, theoretically, the play action will be more of an option for Young to connect with wide receivers Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen.
Jonathon Brooks, once recovered from his ACL injury, provides much-needed versatility out of the backfield. Carolina also boasts Chuba Hubbard, who is coming off a career season.
ESPN may be down on the Panthers, but it shouldn't count the team out. There is a lot to be bullish on. It wouldn't be shocking if, midway through the season, Carolina is still in the mix for a Wild Card playoff spot.
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