Panthers' Young: 'I have to be a lot better'

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is shouldering plenty of blame for the team's abysmal start to the 2023 season.

"First and foremost, I have to be a lot better," said Young after the team's 16-13 loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday, according to team reporter Darin Gantt. "We're competitors, and losing is frustrating. It's fresh, you feel it, but at the end of the day, you've got to turn the page. Being frustrated, however you feel, it's not going to win you a game, it's not going to help."

The Panthers have stumbled to a 1-8 record this season, with Young holding a 1-7 mark. The signal-caller missed Week 3 with an ankle injury.

Young has thrown for 1,560 yards with eight touchdowns against seven interceptions on 62.8% passing this campaign. Carolina ranks 30th in yards per game and 27th in points per game after Thursday's effort.

"We're just not hitting on all cylinders right now. We're not hitting on any cylinders," wide receiver Adam Thielen said, per Gantt. "It's an embarrassing effort. I think everyone's just embarrassed, you know, put up what, six points on offense."

Thielen, 33, has been one of the few bright spots on offense through the season, hauling in 68 receptions for 652 yards and four touchdowns.

"We're doing the right things; building the momentum that way, but it's just not translating. That's tough," he said.

Carolina's next opportunity to get the offense on track and back in the win column will come in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas ranks near the top of the league in most defensive categories.