The Carolina Panthers enter the 2025 NFL season with modest expectations. They only have a 21.0% chance to make the playoffs, per ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI).

The Panthers went 5-12 last season. They are projected to win only seven games in 2025 under second-year head coach Dave Canales.

While previewing Carolina's 2025 season, David Newton of ESPN identified the team's biggest strength and concern.

Newton believes the Panthers' starting offensive line is a strong point. 

"Everyone is back, plus key backups, from a unit that allowed 36 sacks last season, which was way down from the 65 it gave up in 2023," Newton wrote. "This group also paved the way for the 18th-best rushing attack in 2024. Not great but a key to the offense's improvement, nonetheless. This bodes well for QB Bryce Young, whose late-season performance was bolstered by better protection and a strong run game."

Newton went on to say that the Panthers' defense is the weak point of the team. 

"There could be as many as six new starters on a unit that finished last in the NFL in several major categories last season, most notably run defense, quarterback pressure, total yards allowed and total points allowed," Newton wrote. "Getting Pro Bowl DL Derrick Brown back will help. So will the free agent additions. But overall, the depth is thin, and it might take a while for this group to jell."

The Panthers haven't had a winning record since 2017. It may be a while before Carolina fans see winning football since it's still unknown if Young will be the long-term quarterback after getting benched last season. 

You can't win in today's NFL without a star quarterback. Young enters 2025 with 5,280 career passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 30 games. The 24-year-old has a record of just 6-22-0. 

It will be fascinating to see how Young and the Panthers perform in 2025. Carolina begins the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.