Dave Tepper’s Ownership Under the Spotlight: Grading the Panthers’ 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 NFL season was one of uncertainty and change for the Carolina Panthers, a franchise with a storied past and high expectations. Under owner David Tepper’s leadership, the team started with promise but quickly found itself in turmoil. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young's struggles and the coaching staff's decisions left fans and analysts questioning the direction of the team. Now, as the season comes to a close, it's time to evaluate Tepper's stewardship and assess the Panthers' progress amidst the highs and lows.
A Rocky Start to the 2024-25 Season
The Carolina Panthers’ 2024-25 season began with two crushing blowout losses to division rivals, the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers. In both games, second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who was expected to lead the team forward, failed to show the promise anticipated from the Number one overall pick. The Panthers’ offense struggled, and defensive lapses highlighted the team’s early turmoil. Despite the bleak start, the Panthers finished the season on a slightly more positive note, securing a thrilling overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. These moments of improvement, especially in the final games, raised questions about the future trajectory of the franchise and what Tepper's vision for the Panthers truly is.
The Quarterback Controversy: A Sudden Change in Leadership
One of the most significant moments of the season came in Week three when Bryce Young was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton after just two games. Despite head coach Dave Canales' previous declaration that Young would remain the starter, the decision to bench the rookie came less than 24 hours later. This sudden change in leadership highlighted the growing pains the team faced under Tepper’s management. The benching followed a dismal 26-3 loss to the Chargers, where Young posted a career-low 6.4 QBR, deepening concerns over his development. Tepper’s influence and decision-making came into question, especially with regard to the limited preseason reps given to Young. The lack of live reps seemed to hinder his preparation for the regular season, which ultimately contributed to his early struggles and the team’s overall inconsistency.
The Preseason Dilemma: A Missed Opportunity for Development?
As the season unfolded, the preseason became a key talking point in the ongoing discussion about Bryce Young’s struggles. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals gave their starting quarterbacks significant reps during the preseason, allowing them to build chemistry with their new teammates and sharpen their timing. In contrast, Young played only one series in the preseason, a move that limited his preparation and chemistry-building opportunities with the receiving corps. This oversight seemed to have lasting effects on the Panthers' offense, especially early in the season. Given Young’s rocky rookie season and the pressure on him to perform, providing him with more meaningful game time in the preseason could have helped smooth his transition into Year two and mitigated some of the challenges that arose early on.
Signs of Promise: A Cultural Shift and Resilient Finish
Despite the rough start, the Panthers showed flashes of promise as the season progressed, particularly in their final stretch. Dave Tepper’s investment in the franchise was beginning to bear fruit, with the team's culture starting to shift under Head Coach Dave Canales. After a 5-12 season, the Panthers showed resilience in their final games, winning two of their last three, including impressive victories over the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. Canales' emphasis on "finishing strong" paid off, with the Panthers showing improved chemistry and execution. Bryce Young himself acknowledged the growth, noting that the team had laid a solid foundation for the future. Though the season had its challenges, the Panthers’ late-season performances suggested that Tepper's commitment to leadership and resources was beginning to show promise.
Grading Tepper’s Leadership: Room for Growth and Hope for the Future
Grading the 2024-25 season and David Tepper’s leadership reveals that there is room for growth, but also a glimmer of hope. Tepper's financial backing and investment in the team’s facilities demonstrate his commitment, yet the lack of strategic clarity—particularly in key decisions like Young’s development and the preseason approach—left the Panthers in a difficult position early in the season. However, the team’s resilience and the cultural shift instilled by Canales offer hope for the future. Tepper's leadership remains under scrutiny, but the improvements made in the latter part of the season indicate that there is potential for success. On a lighter note, this season was also free of the controversial moments that have marked Tepper’s previous tenure, such as the infamous incident where he threw a drink at a fan. Despite the ups and downs, Tepper’s performance this season warrants a grade of C, reflecting both his commitment and the need for more strategic clarity moving forward.
