What Does a Successful Season Look Like for the Panthers?

The only real answer is the playoffs, and I'm not sure they're close to it.

Outside the questions at wide receiver (they lack a burner) and the pass rush (Phillips' career-high sack total is 8.5), the season hinges on Bryce Young.

So what's a good season for him? He needs to avoid a slow start, and get to something like this: 3,700 yards, touchdowns in the 25 range, and no more than 11 interceptions. In my view, those are the baseline numbers to get this team to 8 wins. When he starts exceeding them, the wins follow.

On the other side of the ball, if they stay healthy, this defense has a shot at finishing somewhere around 10th to 12th in total defense.

In short, everything hinges on Bryce. But for him to take that kind of jump, I'm not holding my breath.