On a rare downfield pass last Sunday, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette raced toward the end zone, unaware that quarterback Bryce Young looked in his direction for a spark.
Trailing 10-7 in the third quarter last Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, Young lofted a 30-yard attempt that Legette failed to track. It led to an incompletion, with bad optics. Not only did Young fail to connect on a pass longer than 20 yards, but Legette’s effort was questioned. The second-year receiver failed to record a catch on his lone target during the 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints attempted to slow down the Panthers’ running game. They employed a “heavy box,” which positioned seven or eight players near the line of scrimmage. They dared Young and the Panthers’ receivers to beat them with big passing plays.
Didn’t happen.
Young delivered only one completion beyond 13 yards Sunday. He is averaging 5.6 yards per pass attempt this season. With running back Rico Dowdle competing for an NFC rushing crown, opposing defenses undoubtedly will analyze what the 2-8 Saints accomplished Sunday.
In a copycat league, the Panthers (5-5) should expect to see more stacked fronts next Sunday at the Atlanta Falcons (3-6), who have dropped four in a row. Dave Canales on Monday spoke of the Panthers’ offensive struggles to produce “explosive plays.” The Panthers’ coach does not appear confident.
“In general, I think it’s a group effort,” Canales said, via Panthers.com. “Calling more of them, yes, let’s get some more opportunities, we would love to have those explosive plays come alive.
“We have to keep taking those shots in practice to make sure we feel comfortable with them.”
#Saints players celebrate “upset” win over #Panthers as they walk off the Bank of America stadium field on Sunday … pic.twitter.com/RSexSGG3aD
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 13, 2025
Carolina Panthers ILB Trevin Wallace Misses Practice
Trevin Wallace was in no mood to stop and chat.
When asked for comment following Sunday’s deflating defeat, the second-year inside linebacker waved away a reporter as he walked out of the locker room. When asked how he felt after injuring his shoulder, Wallace turned and said: “I’m all right.”
Is he?
Wallace did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, along with Dowdle (quadriceps) and rookie safety Lathan Ransom (hand).
Defensive tackle Derrick Brown (knee) was listed as limited on the injury report, while guard Chandler Zavala (elbow) and wide receiver Brycen Tremayne (hip) returned as full participants.
The Panthers re-signed quarterback Mike White to the practice squad.
#Panthers DL Derrick Brown remains slowed by knee problems. The 2023 Pro Bowler was limited during Wednesday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/vBrxs490rL
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 13, 2025
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