THE Carolina Panthers Yesterday, they pulled off an improbable upset of the visiting New Orleans Saints, ending their five-game losing streak and sticking it to a division rival who thoroughly embarrassed them in the season opener. Better yet, the Panthers got excellent performances from several young contributors, particularly second-year players. quarterback Bryce Young and rookie tight end JT Sanders, both of whom were among the team’s highest-rated players this week.

Let’s see what we can learn from this week Pro Football Focus Notes for the Panthers, starting on offense.

On offense, the highest-rated player this week was running back Chuba Hubbard, who rushed for 72 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner. Hubbard earned an 81.5 overall grade for his effort and an 85.0 run. For the year, Hubbard has an overall rating of 75.9, which ranks 22nd among all NFL running backs.

Rookie tight end JT Sanders came in second with an overall grade of 78.9. Sanders had four catches, a team-high 87 yards and overall had the best pass-catching performance of any Carolina tight end since French legend Greg Olsen’s final season five years ago .

The third-highest mark for Carolina’s offense this week went to quarterback Bryce Young, who had his best game of the 2024 season so far against another tough defense. Young threw for 171 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception – but the numbers belie the quality of his throwing. Without a drop from David Moore and a fumble/INT from Xavier Legette, they would look much better. The important thing is that Young was precise when he needed to be and much more decisive and confident.

At the bottom of the team’s offensive grades this week was wide receiver Deven Thompkins, who was elevated to the practice squad and played only eight snaps. Therefore, the lowest score should go to right guard Robert Hunt – which is a pretty big surprise considering how he has performed in just about every game this year. PFF only gave Hunt a 50.8 overall grade, the lowest of any offensive starter. He graded out at a particularly low 41.4 in pass blocking. Right tackle Taylor Moton didn’t fare much better at 55.1 overall, with wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (53.1) sandwiched between them.

On the other side of the ball, top marks have been dominated by cornerbacks, starting with Dane Jackson. He earned an 81.2 rating with 85.2 coverage. Next up was corner Mike Jackson, who earned a 78.8 overall grade with a 74.0 aa in run defense. Third place went to star cornerback Jaycee Horn, who posted a 72.6 overall grade, bolstered by a 74.6 tackling grade.

At the lower end of the defensive grades this week is defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (42.8), who posted the highest grade of any interior defensive lineman in the league last week alone. Cornerback Caleb Farley – another practice squad elevation – evened his grade at 42.8. A’Shawn Robinson and DeShawn Williams also earned poor grades, reflecting the interior’s complete inability to stop the Saints’ running game in Derrick Brown’s absence.

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