The Carolina Panthers shook things up on Monday with coach Dave Canales deciding to bench Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. This move sparked attention and raised questions about the team’s decision-making process, especially considering what the Panthers gave up just 18 months ago to draft Young as the No. 1 pick in 2023.
The spotlight on the Panthers’ draft decisions only intensified as the Chicago Bears, who acquired multiple draft picks from the Panthers, struggled to improve their offensive line. This lack of protection was evident in the recent game where quarterback Caleb Williams faced relentless pressure from the opposing defense, resulting in a disappointing 19-13 loss to the Houston Texans.
As a result of these developments, both the Panthers and Bears found themselves in the losers section of recent rankings. On the winners side, underdog teams from Week 2 emerged victorious, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints. However, the standout team of the week was the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals showcased their potential as playoff contenders with a commanding 41-10 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s strategic play-calling, which involved getting Marvin Harrison Jr. more involved early on, set the tone for the game. Harrison’s two early touchdowns, courtesy of Kyler Murray, proved to be game-changers. Petzing’s decision to emphasize the running game also paid off, with James Conner delivering a stellar performance with 122 rushing yards on 21 carries.
Many had underestimated the Cardinals (1-1) as a sleeper team this season due to their deep offensive arsenal, which includes tight end Trey McBride and the return of a healthy Kyler Murray. This team’s potential was on full display in their dominant win over the Rams, solidifying their status as legitimate contenders in the league.
