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1.Will there be changes to the defensive staff? This also could potentially be worded: How pervasive will the changes to the defensive staff be? David Tepper notably retained Frank Reich’s entire defensive staff for Canales — led by Ejiro Evero, who was blocked by Tepper from interviewing for other coordinator positions. Tepper has stayed behind the scenes during the seventh consecutive losing season since he bought the team. But it’s hard to envision Tepper running it back with the same defensive staff, which didn’t have ties to Canales in the first place. The Panthers already have established franchise highs for rushing yards (2,830) and points (496) allowed, and will finish among the worst teams in NFL history in both categories. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said early-season injuries — to Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson — hurt the defense’s chemistry
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1. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers Play style: Advanced processor inside and outside of the pocket Scheme: Adjustable scheme Head coach Frank Reich is one of the best at adjusting his scheme to his quarterback’s strengths. The Panthers’ strength on offense is their offensive line and run game. They’ll lean into a multiple-run game and quick-hitting play-action plays like drift concepts in the middle of the field and movement concepts that will get Young outside of the pocket. As far as the regular drop-back concepts (no play action), the offense will likely look closer to Reich’s 2020 offense with a 39-year-old Philip Rivers under center — a lot of shotgun quick game with some RPOs, as well as drop-back concepts that attack the middle of the field. Though shorter quarterbacks tend to avoid the middle of the field, Young has shown he throws with enough anticipation to not only avoid that trope but excel in that area. The Panthers have some big targets in DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr. and rookie Jonathan Mingo on the outside, along with Adam Thielen in the slot. Young doesn’t have the biggest arm so he’s not going to be launching deep shots too often, but the group’s lack of speed and ability to separate is a bit concerning. Young’s height and stature make having a dependable offensive line even more important, and the Panthers have a strong pass-blocking guard duo in Brady Christensen and Austin Corbett. They’ll give Young space to operate in front of him and keep his sight lines clean. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who was picked sixth overall in 2022, had a promising rookie season, and right tackle Taylor Moton is a plus starter. Though pressure is mostly controlled by how long a quarterback holds onto the ball, the line will do its part in limiting pressure. Young’s ability to handle a lot of information, Reich’s ability to shape an offense around his quarterback and the Panthers’ strong offensive line should lead to success early for Young.