Bryce Young’s resurgence has been a bright spot for the Carolina Panthers, especially considering the early season struggles they faced. A 2-3 record since his return in Week 8 is a step in the right direction, and the competitive games against the Buccaneers and Chiefs highlight the progress the team is making under his leadership.
Young’s ability to elevate the offense and keep Carolina competitive against quality opponents suggests he’s starting to find his rhythm at the NFL level. Even during the recent two-game losing streak, pushing a defending champion like Kansas City to the brink shows that the team is building something sustainable. The overtime loss to the Buccaneers, though disappointing, indicates that the Panthers are capable of hanging tough in tight games.
What stands out most is how Young has grown in poise and confidence, likely aided by adjustments to the offensive scheme and improved play from his supporting cast. If the Panthers can address some of their key weaknesses—such as pass protection and consistency on defense—they could set themselves up for a strong finish to the season.
Traveling to face the NFC East-leading Eagles is a daunting challenge for the Panthers, especially with their current form and the Eagles’ dominance this season. Losing a key defender adds to the difficulty, as Philadelphia’s offense is among the most versatile and explosive in the league.
The Eagles’ ability to control the line of scrimmage with their elite offensive line and leverage playmakers like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith will likely put significant pressure on Carolina’s defense. Without a critical defender, the Panthers will need others to step up, particularly in the secondary and pass rush, to avoid letting the Eagles dictate the game.
On offense, Bryce Young’s ability to continue his growth under tough circumstances will be crucial. Philadelphia’s defense, led by their fierce front seven, is known for its ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. If Carolina’s offensive line can hold up and give Young time to operate, the Panthers could make the game competitive.
Jadeveon Clowney’s absence is a tough blow for the Panthers heading into a challenging matchup against the Eagles. As Carolina’s sack leader and a veteran presence on the defense, his recent surge in productivity—2.5 sacks in the past two games—has been instrumental in helping the team stay competitive. Losing him against an offensive line as dominant as Philadelphia’s will undoubtedly make it harder to disrupt Jalen Hurts and slow down the Eagles’ offense.
The Panthers will need a collective effort to fill the void. Players like Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Derrick Brown will have to step up to generate pressure and contain Hurts, who is dangerous both through the air and on the ground. Carolina’s defensive coordinator will likely need to dial up creative blitz packages or rely on stunts to compensate for Clowney’s absence.
Offensively, the Panthers will also need to sustain drives to keep the Eagles’ offense off the field. Bryce Young will have to navigate Philadelphia’s ferocious defensive front, led by Haason Reddick and Jalen Carter. A quick passing game and creative use of the running backs could help neutralize the Eagles’ pass rush.
The Panthers’ sack leader won’t suit up Sunday against the Eagles
Jadeveon Clowney’s career has been an intriguing journey. After an electrifying college career at South Carolina, where he was known for his jaw-dropping athleticism and highlight-reel plays (like the infamous hit against Michigan in the 2013 Outback Bowl), he entered the NFL with sky-high expectations as the first overall pick in 2014.
During his time with the Texans, Clowney showed flashes of dominance, especially as a run defender and disruptive force in the backfield, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. His three Pro Bowl seasons (2016–2018) showcased his ability to be a game-wrecker when healthy, but consistency was always a question.
The trade to Seattle in 2019 and subsequent short-term stints with the Titans and Browns seemed to signal a shift in his career trajectory, as teams became cautious about committing to him long-term due to durability concerns. Despite that, Clowney has remained a highly sought-after player, largely because his athletic upside and ability to disrupt games—particularly against the run—still make him a valuable asset.
Now with the Panthers, Clowney has carved out a niche as a veteran leader and pass-rush specialist. His resurgence this season, especially with his recent sack production, is a testament to his ability to make an impact even after the ups and downs of his career.
Clowney’s 2023 season with the Ravens was a great reminder of what he’s capable of when healthy and in the right system. Matching his career-best 9.5 sacks while contributing across the board with 43 tackles, two forced fumbles, a recovery, and five passes defended, he proved he can still be a highly impactful player. The Ravens’ defensive scheme, which emphasizes aggressive pass-rushing and versatility, seemed to perfectly suit his skill set.
His performance in Baltimore likely helped revitalize his reputation as more than just a rotational piece. He showed he can still be a disruptive force against both the pass and the run, and his ability to bat down passes at the line remains a unique weapon.
The strong season also likely contributed to his earning a significant role with the Panthers in 2024. Even though injuries have hampered his career at times, it’s clear Clowney still has plenty left in the tank when he’s in the right environment. It raises the question of whether he could have a late-career resurgence like other pass-rushers, such as Chandler Jones or Cameron Wake, who found ways to remain productive into their 30s.
Jadeveon Clowney’s decision to prioritize stability with a two-year deal in Carolina has paid dividends for the Panthers, even if his stats this season don’t reflect his full impact. His ability to set the edge and create pressure has been a key part of the defense, and his absence against a juggernaut like the Eagles will undoubtedly be felt.
Philadelphia’s dominance during their eight-game winning streak underscores just how tough this matchup will be for Carolina. With the league’s best defense and a potent offense that has rediscovered its rhythm, the Eagles are a complete team. Their league-leading rushing attack, spearheaded by Jalen Hurts, D’Andre Swift, and an elite offensive line, poses a massive challenge for a Panthers defense missing one of its best run defenders and pass rushers in Clowney.
For Carolina, escaping the NFC South’s basement will be an uphill climb, but it’s a realistic goal as long as they remain competitive in games like this. Bryce Young’s growth remains the focus, and keeping this game within reach against such a formidable opponent would be another step forward. Without Clowney, the Panthers will need big contributions from Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and the rest of the defensive front to disrupt Hurts and slow down the Eagles’ rushing machine.
