BrownsCarolina Panthers: the NFC South after Week 1
The Panthers lost 59-37 at home to Chicago, giving up their most points in a game since 1980 in a matchup that produced an NFL-record 96 combined points for a season opener. Bryce Young threw for 361 yards, the second-most of his career, but Carolina's defense could not slow the Bears down.
Carolina Panthers0-1
How they play
Offense
New offensive coordinator Brad Idzik has taken over play calling from Canales, building a motion-heavy, rhythm-based passing game around Young in his third year in the system.
Defense
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero runs a secondary-centric, odd-front scheme with two edge rushers, and enters 2026 with more talent than he has had in Carolina, headlined by free agent additions Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.
Strengths
- Bryce Young playing his most decisive, efficient football through Week 1
- Tetairoa McMillan, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, as a true No. 1 receiver
- A retooled pass rush with the additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd alongside Derrick Brown
Weaknesses
- A defense that has finished bottom five in sacks for three straight seasons and looked overwhelmed in Week 1
- Soft zone coverage and poor quarterback contain that Chicago exploited immediately
- No proof yet that Carolina can hold a lead against a good offense
Key players
Threw for 361 yards in Week 1 despite the loss.
2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year and the offense's top target.
Free agent signing from Miami meant to fix Carolina's pass rush.
Anchors the run defense up front.
Panthers injury report
Injury watch
Wide receiver Jalen Coker rolled his left ankle in the first quarter against Chicago, played through it and still finished with 8 catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He wore a walking boot on Monday as a precaution, called it minor and expects to practice and play in Week 2.
| Player | Pos | Status | Injury | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Coker | WR | Questionable | Ankle | Sep 14 |
| Patrick Jones II | LB | Questionable | Back | Sep 15 |
| Trevor Etienne | RB | Injured Reserve | Ankle | Sep 8 |
Panthers vs Buccaneers in 2026
The Bucs angle
Carolina is on Tampa Bay's schedule twice, first in Week 7 at Bank of America Stadium on October 25, then in Week 12 at Raymond James Stadium on Monday Night Football, November 30. A defense this porous through one week is an inviting matchup for the Buccaneers' offense in the first meeting.