As of Monday, no team in the NFL has given up more points than the Carolina Panthers this season. Unfortunately, things could get even worse before they improve.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson will be out for the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon, and fellow linebacker Josey Jewell is sidelined for at least a couple of games because of a hamstring and groin injury. This leaves the Panthers with even more gaps in a defense that can’t afford to lose any more key players.
Both players got hurt during Sunday’s 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, Claudin Cherelus and Trevin Wallace, who have only made six tackles combined in their careers, will have to start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Thompson’s injury is just the latest setback for a struggling defense.
The Panthers also lost their top defensive lineman, Derrick Brown, to a knee injury in Week 1. This followed trades of key players like edge rusher Brian Burns and cornerback Donte Jackson, plus letting linebacker Frankie Luvu leave in free agency.
“We will evaluate our players as changes happen and adjust based on what they can do well,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said regarding the injuries. “The challenge ahead is figuring out how to put our guys in the best position to succeed.”
So far this season, Carolina has allowed an average of 32.3 points per game, including 15 touchdowns over four games.
Some of these struggles can be linked to the offense’s inability to keep the ball and score points while Bryce Young was quarterback. Still, it doesn’t excuse the poor performance at home in Week 4 against the Bengals.
Joe Burrow threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase Brown led a rushing attack that gained 130 yards in the second half alone and scored two rushing touchdowns.
