The Chicago Bears have already benefitted from the Carolina Panthers trade for the 1st overall pick back in March. Wide receiver D.J. Moore is among the best in the NFL for both receiving yards (5th) and touchdowns (2nd). He’s been a huge part of Justin Fields’ sudden evolution over the past two weeks. Conversely, the Panthers have felt his absence at every level. Their passing game is in the bottom half of the league and a big reason they’re 0-5, the worst record in the NFL.
They are current favorites to land the #1 overall pick in 2024. The only problem is the Bears hold that pick because of the Moore trade as well. If that weren’t bad enough, now it appears there is some drama unfolding. Head coach Frank Reich took over this off-season after Matt Rhule was fired. The move made sense. Reich is experienced and a quarterback specialist. He would be the one you want to develop a young guy. There is only one problem. It appears Carolina may not have selected the quarterback he wanted.
His latest comments indicate the Bryce Young selection wasn’t his call but that of team owner David Tepper. Colts beat writer Stephen Holder confirmed as much.
Carolina Panthers drama only helps the Bears.
It’s hard enough winning in the NFL when there is cohesion at the top of an organization. The fact Reich feels like he has to battle with a meddling owner while coaching a quarterback he didn’t prefer is a recipe for disaster. Every facet of the team isn’t working. They’re 28th in points allowed and 25th in points scored. Carolina can’t stop the run on defense. Offensively, it’s even worse. Young has already been sacked 12 times in four games, and the running game hasn’t been much help.
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The schedule doesn’t let up, either. Miami is up next. Then they get Houston, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Dallas out of the bye. If they can’t pick up a few wins in that stretch, the finish could get really ugly. It starts with three straight road games against the Titans, Buccaneers, and Saints. Then they get the Falcons and Packers at home before finishing up against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay again. Six of their final eight games feature an opponent that currently has a winning record.
Reich is no stranger to comebacks in his long football career, but this slow Carolina Panthers collapse may be too far out of his control.
I think the Bears are going to win a couple more games and be out the running for #1. Hopefully Carolina does them a solid and wins the race to #1.
I blame Ted Phillips.