Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball has been predicting the longer term since 1946. We ran a number of questions concerning the Carolina Panthers by one, and the outcomes had been pretty bleak.
For these unfamiliar with the idea, customers ask yes-no inquiries to the ball, give it a shake after which flip it over to disclose the reply. We opted for an internet model to ask the next:
Will Bryce Younger enhance in 2024?
Magic 8 Ball says: Very uncertain.
The dreaded B-word would possibly float round Younger if this prediction comes true. Nobody needs to be labeled a bust, but when Younger does not present a drastic enchancment this season, that is most likely what most will name him. Final season, he ranked close to the underside of the league in a number of metrics.
Amongst qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked thirty first in completion proportion (59.8), had the fourth-highest sack charge (10.5 p.c) and was final in passer score (73.7). Per ESPN, he solely ranked forward of former Jets quarterback Zach Wilson in its QBR metric. With one other disappointing season, Younger is likely to be on the new seat in Carolina.
Does Dave Canales final your entire season?
Magic 8 Ball says: Do not rely on it.
The Panthers first-year head coach won’t have as lengthy of a leash, notably contemplating proprietor David Tepper’s observe file with coaches. He is fired his earlier two, Matt Rhule and Frank Reich, midseason, and if Younger struggles, what’s stopping the temperamental Tepper from tossing one other coach to the curb?
Will the Panthers win greater than two video games?
Magic 8 Ball says: You could depend on it.
It is a low bar to cross, however at the least Carolina is predicted to rise above it. Working in its favor is the league’s projected second-easiest schedule per ESPN’s Mike Clay. The Panthers have a win chance higher than 50 p.c in 4 video games in Clay’s 2024 NFL Projections Information, together with back-to-back street video games in opposition to the Commanders and Broncos in Weeks 7-8 in addition to residence video games in opposition to the Giants (Week 10) and Cardinals (Week 16).
Will Tepper pour greater than 0.5 drinks on a fan this season?
Magic 8 Ball says: Higher not let you know now.
Being just a little cryptic, aren’t we? Tepper infamously poured out his drink on Jaguars followers following Carolina’s 26-0 loss on New 12 months’s Eve final yr, leading to a $300,000 league high-quality for the hedge fund supervisor (Forbes estimates his price $20.6 billion).
With that slap on the wrist, no marvel the Magic 8 Ball cannot predict if Tepper will do it once more. And with Carolina prone to be one of many league’s worst groups as soon as extra, he’ll have a number of alternatives to reside right down to his status.
