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Biggest takeaways from the Panthers’ Week 7 loss to Commanders
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Biggest takeaways from the Panthers’ Week 7 loss to Commanders

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after throwing a pick six against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after throwing a pick six against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers have hit a new low this season, as they suffered an embarrassing 40-7 loss to the (mostly Jayden Daniels-less) Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Here are the biggest lessons from the sixth defeat of the campaign:

Bryce Young should see the field again sooner or later

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Now that Dalton has thrown multiple interceptions in two consecutive games, it’s time to start the conversation about getting the former No. 1 overall selection on the field.

There’s no telling if Young playing this season will change things for Carolina. However, it is worth a look.

A lot has changed since Week 3, when Canales decided to sit his young signal-caller. And after a 93-yard passing performance led to a 1-6 mark, it’s not like things could be any worse.

Young flashed in his only drive against Chicago in Carolina’s road loss two weeks ago, and played again on Sunday in Carolina’s final offensive series. He’s still a talented quarterback and deserves a chance the rest of the way, especially considering Dalton’s recent decline.

There’s no right or wrong answer to how to approach this puzzle, but the prospects under center could change after the team’s Week 11 bye.

Panthers need to hit the reset button this offseason

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 04: Dan Morgan, President of Football Operations and General Manager of the Carolina Panthers, attends the Carolina Panthers OTA Offseason Workout on June 4, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 04: Dan Morgan, President of Football Operations and General Manager of the Carolina Panthers, attends the Carolina Panthers OTA Offseason Workout on June 4, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 04: Dan Morgan, President of Football Operations and General Manager of the Carolina Panthers, attends the Carolina Panthers OTA Offseason Workout on June 4, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Carolina may have the worst roster in the NFL, which has been evident by their worst point differential in the league (-133). (No team entering Sunday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets is even close to -100.)

Their lack of talent is especially evident in defense, where numerous injuries have given way to many weaknesses. The Panthers have allowed the most points this season, leaving their offense little room for error.

If the Panthers want to build for the future in hopes of some success and competitive football, general manager Dan Morgan needs to rebuild their defensive trenches and the overall depth of the program.

This won’t be an easy solution. There’s a decent chance that Carolina could be big sellers at the trade deadline on November 5, which could speed up the offseason rebuilding process and allow them to quickly get younger through a slew of draft picks.

The Panthers are donating more than $41 million in cap space — which could be increased to at least $70 million with just a few moves. They also have nine picks in the 2025 NFL draft.

There are a few core pieces that need to be kept on both sides of the ball, such as Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, cornerback Jaycee Horn and guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Still, they need to get younger, and if they commit to a full rebuild, the Panthers can reap the rewards.

Ja’Tavion Sanders and Charles Harris stand out

October 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (L) talks with Carolina Panthers linebacker Charles Harris (40) after their game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory credits: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesOctober 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (L) talks with Carolina Panthers linebacker Charles Harris (40) after their game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory credits: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

October 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn (L) talks with Carolina Panthers linebacker Charles Harris (40) after their game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory credits: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders had another productive outing. After racking up 49 yards in Week 6, he hauled in six catches for 61 yards, showcasing the receiving skills that made him an intriguing selection in April’s draft.

By stacking good performances together, the Panthers can continue their evaluation of the rookie class. First-round wide receiver Xavier Legette, linebacker Trevin Wallace and nickel back Chau Smith-Wade have flashed all season, while second-round running back Jonathon Brooks awaits his debut a year removed from tearing his ACL in Texas.

Sanders has emerged as a threat on the flanks and with crossers in the middle of the field. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he makes plays and remains productive throughout the year.

Edge rusher Charles Harris has become quite a find for Morgan and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. He now leads the Panthers with 2.0 sacks and has shown the ability to pressure the quarterback on a consistent basis.

How they both progress will be telling, especially in the case of Harris, who is looking for a place to stay for more than two years.

More Panthers coverage

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Ja'Tavion Sanders #0 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Ja'Tavion Sanders #0 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Ja’Tavion Sanders #0 of the Carolina Panthers is tackled during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

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. . . and even more Panthers coverage

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Washington Commanders throws down Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers after breaking up a pass during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Washington Commanders throws down Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers after breaking up a pass during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Washington Commanders throws down Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers after breaking up a pass during the first quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Biggest insights from Panthers Week 7 loss to Commanders