Rapid reaction: Carolina Panthers drop Week 5 matchup to Detroit Lions, 42-24
Winless, the Carolina Panthers remain after a Week 5 matchup with the Detroit Lions, where the team looked overmatched in a 42-24 result. The Panthers never looked in the game. It was as if they were playing with a malaise that overtook everyone, from coaches down. Carolina managed to score three touchdowns while the defense […]
Winless, the Carolina Panthers remain after a Week 5 matchup with the Detroit Lions, where the team looked overmatched in a 42-24 result.
The Panthers never looked in the game. It was as if they were playing with a malaise that overtook everyone, from coaches down.
Carolina managed to score three touchdowns while the defense was gashed on multiple plays, leading to an uninspiring result. However, in the loss, standing out more than anything else was the inconsistent production from Bryce Young. It begs the question: Did the Panthers make a mistake? Maybe so. The only problem was — if Young isn't the guy — it could be the most costly mistake the Panthers have made in the last decade.
Panthers turnovers lead to points the Lions
The No. 1 overall pick threw two interceptions Sunday. Both interceptions were plays where Young made terrible decisions.
With seven minutes left in the first quarter, Young threw a pass on what looked like a screen play. It was a good concept. The only problem is Young didn't see Aidan Hutchinson directly in front of him.
The interception led directly to a Lions touchdown.
Young's second interception came with a little over three minutes to play in the second quarter. A pass intended for Jonathan Mingo landed in the hands of Jerry Jacobs. It looked as if Young didn't even see him before he threw the ball. The play ended up being the type of decision that breaks the back of a team, as the Lions went on to score on one play and go up 28-7 directly after.
In the game, Young threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns on 41 throwing attempts.
Young wasn't the only offensive player who turned the ball over. Miles Sanders, the Panthers' four-year, $25 million running back, fumbled the ball.
Sanders, on first-and-10, trailing by one touchdown (14-7) early in the second quarter, fumbled on the Carolina 38. Detroit then went on a 10-play touchdown drive.
Sanders has a history when it comes to fumbling the ball. He seemingly put that history to bed last season, earning him a nice payday from the Panthers. However, since suiting up for the Panthers, he has regressed to the same running back who struggles to run between the tackles and fumbles too much for anyone's liking. Already, Sanders has fumbled the ball twice in five games.
Panthers defense didn't show up
In an odd turnaround, the typically sturdy Panthers defense was a no-show against the Lions.
It didn't help that the Panthers offense gave the Lions golden field position nearly all day. But the defense didn't stop anyone.
Lions running back David Montgomery ran for over 100 yards and a touchdown. His longest run was 42 yards.
For context, this is how the game started for the Panthers defense.
Then there was Jared Goff, who collected four total touchdowns, three through the air and one on the ground.
Complementary football is the key to finding sustainable success. Allowing 159 rushing yards and 236 receiving yards isn't playing complimentary football. The Panthers still haven't figured out how to help themselves at a consistent rate.
Looking ahead
It isn't getting any easier for the Panthers. Next up on the schedule is the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have one of the league's most potent offenses. With a defense on shaky ground and a quarterback who hasn't been very good, the season will get worse before it gets better for the perpetually winless Panthers.
Panthers’ Chandler Zavala carted off the field with a neck injury
Midway through the first quarter, with the Carolina Panthers trailing in the game, the team took another blow.
