Panthers Face Worst Start in History Amid Injuries and Quarterback Bryce Young's Struggles

Panthers' underperformance tied directly to first-round pick Young's shortcomings and spiraling injury count, setting the stage for possible sixth consecutive losing season.

• After trading away four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to pick Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall selection, the Panthers now face the prospect of having drafted the wrong quarterback.
• Despite the team's constant support for Bryce Young, his on-field performance pales in comparison to the Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud, who the Panthers could have chosen with their top pick. Stroud is averaging more than 283 passing yards per game while Young is averaging fewer than 200.
• The underperformance of first-round pick Bryce Young, combined with a series of significant injuries, has aligned the Panthers for their sixth consecutive losing season since David Tepper purchased the team in 2018.
• A bright spot for the struggling team is wide receiver Adam Thielen, who has had a career season with 62 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns through the first eight games of the season.
• The Panthers' offensive line, initially considered a strength, has underperformed, leaving quarterbacks Young and Andy Dalton under constant pressure and significantly contributing to the team's struggles.

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