New Panthers HC has uphill climb to get most out of QB Bryce Young

Over the past two seasons, newly hired Panthers head coach Dave Canales has resurrected the careers of quarterbacks Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. Now comes his hardest task yet: reviving an entire franchise.

Canales' first job in Carolina is to get more out of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. The No.1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft ranked 31st in completion percentage and touchdown rate, 30th in QBR and was sacked 62 times, the second-most in the league behind Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, this season.

As bad as his numbers suggest he was, his problems had plenty to do with an awful supporting cast.

The Panthers were 23rd in ESPN's pass-block win-rate rankings and even worse in run-blocking situations (30th).

Luckily for Carolina, a weak offensive line didn't prevent Canales from helping Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield set career highs in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage.

However, its lack of elite playmakers could be a much bigger issue.

In Seattle and Tampa Bay, Canales had talented wide receivers, including D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, at his disposal.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have one of the worst collections of receivers in the league. Of the seven Panthers wideouts to catch a pass in 2023, only two D.J. Chark (35 receptions, 525 yards) and Mike Strachan (one reception, 45 yards), averaged more than 10 yards per reception.

Adam Thielen, who turns 34 before the start of next season, was Young's most reliable target, but he is better suited as a slot receiver at this point in his career instead of a true No. 1.

Without their first-round pick, the Panthers will likely need to find a wide receiver in free agency, such as Bengals wideout Tee Higgins, or via trade, perhaps involving Buffalo's Stefon Diggs.

However they improve the position, it must get done. As solid of a hire as Canales is, he won't be able to turn the Panthers around by himself.