Studs & Duds from Panthers' 2023 Season

We look at which Panthers exceeded expectations and which ones underwhelmed.

The 2023 season didn't go as planned for the Carolina Panthers. It resulted in a fired head coach and GM, and unsettling question marks around the QB they took No. 1 overall in last year's draft.

There were, however, a few bright spots on the roster. Today, we take a look back at which Panthers exceeded expectations in 2023 and those who disappointed.

RB Miles Sanders - Dud

Sanders pulled in the richest contract handed out to a running back last offseason and was expected to give the Panthers a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield. He was far from that, eventually losing the starting job. After rushing for a career high 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022, Sanders finished the '23 season with 432 yards and only one score.

RB Chuba Hubbard - Stud

Hubbard received the bulk of the workload down the stretch and nearly ended the year with a 1,000-yard campaign. You'd like to see his 3.8 yards per carry average go up a few ticks but you can attribute that to the several lineups the Panthers had along the offensive line. He's positioned himself to be the guy in 2024.

WR Adam Thielen - Stud

No one expected Adam Thielen to have the kind of year he had at age 33. It marked the second time in his career where he hauled in 100+ receptions and went over the 1,000-yard mark in the same season. He's aware that there is more football behind him than there is in front of him, but he's making the most of his last handful of years in the league.

TE Hayden Hurst - Dud

Hurst did not have a great season prior to the head injury and he admitted that during exit interviews last Monday. He caught a career-low 56.3% of his targets, resulting in 184 yards and one touchdown.

LT Ikem Ekwonu - Dud

There might not be a bigger disappointment in 2023 than second-year left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Too many pressures and sacks allowed, taking a massive step back from his rookie season. There's enough of a sample size to be concerned about his long-term future at the position. Kicking Ekwonu inside is something that has to be on the table.

DL Derrick Brown - Stud

Brown is rapidly becoming one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. He set the league record for most tackles by a defensive lineman with 103. Everyone expected him to make a jump, but not like this. Another huge year for DB will result in a massive payday next offseason.

S Jeremy Chinn - Dud

Chinn expected to play a big role in Carolina's defense, but saw himself watching from the sidelines more than he was on the field, playing in just 39% of the team's defensive snaps. Chinn expressed his frustration during exit interviews last week and seems as if he's ready to move on.

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