The Carolina Panthers were one of the biggest winners of NFL Week 2.
The team bounced back from an ugly loss and dominated a division rival, beating the Falcons 34-3. The defense looked much improved, Bryce Young looked phenomenal, and the offense in general looked hard to stop.
If the Panthers play like that consistently, they will be a playoff team again. This weekend, the team has another winnable game against the Browns. Of course, anything can happen in the NFL, but the Panthers are in a good spot to be 2-1 in a few days.
Now, let’s talk about the most interesting storylines surrounding the Panthers in Week 3.
Is Bryce Young Becoming Elite?
Bryce Young entered the 2026 season with all the pressure in the world. A bad or mediocre season, and Young would probably be playing for a new team soon. A season like 2025 or better, and Young likely gets a massive extension.
It’s still early, but it certainly seems like Young is closer to the latter scenario. The quarterback has 648 yards with six touchdowns and just one interception through two games. Has he actually turned a corner? If so, there’s no ceiling to how good this Panthers’ offense can be.
Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan’s Development
Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan have been one of the most productive receiver duos in the leagues over the first two weeks.
We knew McMillan was elite, but Coker has been surprising. The former undrafted free agent has eight catches in each of the first two games, and he looks to have a WR1 ceiling just like McMillan.
The Panthers are a team that’s had receiver questions for years now. It’s nice to see that those questions could finally be going away.
Will the Real Defense Please Stand Up?
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
In Week 1, the Panthers’ defense was horrible. In Week 2, the Panthers’ defense was incredible. It would be hard to have bigger extremes than the Panthers have had, so it will be interesting to see which result is closer to the truth.
The Browns don’t exactly have an elite offense, so it shouldn’t be hard for the Panthers to have another good day. Can Devin Lloyd repeat his historic performance? Will the defensive line play better? There are plenty of storylines just inside of this defense.
