In a disappointing turn of events, the Carolina Panthers suffered a 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints on November 9, 2025, dropping their record to 5-5. This defeat came just a week after a surprising win against the Green Bay Packers, raising serious questions about the team’s direction and the performance of quarterback Bryce Young.
Facing a 1-8 Saints team, the Panthers were expected to capitalize on their home advantage. Instead, they were outplayed, especially on offense. Young struggled significantly, managing only 130 total yards and throwing a critical interception in the fourth quarter. The Saints’ strategy focused on neutralizing the Panthers’ standout running back, Rico Dowdle, forcing Young to lead the offense through the air, which proved ineffective.
Challenges for Young and the Panthers
Now in his third year, Young’s performance has drawn scrutiny. The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to demonstrate the skills expected from a franchise quarterback. After a rookie season marred by challenges, including a midseason trade of star running back Christian McCaffrey and the loss of top receiver DJ Moore, Young entered a difficult situation. The Panthers finished the 2022 season with a 7-10 record, and their defense ranked 29th in points allowed.
Last season, the Panthers took steps to improve the support around Young. They hired offensive coach Dave Canales, known for revitalizing quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. The team also invested first-round draft picks in wide receivers Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan, the latter being the first receiver selected in the 2025 draft. Meanwhile, the defense improved notably, rising from 29th to 11th in the league.
Despite these upgrades, Young’s performance has not reflected the team’s efforts. He was benched for veteran Andy Dalton after just two games this season due to poor performance. Even after a brief resurgence, Young has struggled to maintain consistency, with his passer rating languishing at 79.7, ranking him 38th in the league. He has surpassed 200 passing yards in only one of his nine starts this season, leading to questions about his future with the franchise.
Future Prospects for the Panthers
As the Panthers navigate a challenging season, the franchise faces difficult decisions regarding Young’s role. The investment made to secure his position as the top overall pick in 2023 has not yielded the expected results. With the team’s playoff aspirations now in jeopardy, management must evaluate whether to continue investing in Young or consider alternative options at quarterback.
The performance against the Saints has intensified scrutiny around Young and the Panthers. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Young can turn his trajectory around or if the Panthers will need to look elsewhere for their future under center.
