The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

Postmortems for Wild Card Round losers

33 snips
Jan 13, 2026
Five NFL teams dissect their tumultuous Wild Card weekend as they pivot to 2026. The Panthers face roster challenges, evaluating Bryce Young and their inconsistent offense. Meanwhile, Green Bay wrestles with coaching debates and defensive gaps. The Jaguars balance optimism with OL concerns and draft strategies. The Eagles focus on play-calling and player retention, while the Chargers grapple with a crisis in their offensive line and Justin Herbert's playoff inconsistencies. A mix of caution and strategy fills the air as these teams plan their futures.
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INSIGHT

Panthers Improved Defense, Offense Still Fragile

  • The Panthers made clear defensive strides after historically bad run defense in 2024.
  • Their offense remained inconsistent and hinges on health of the line and Bryce Young's development.
ADVICE

Lock Bryce Young In Short Term

  • Pick up Bryce Young's fifth-year option to preserve a two-year runway and avoid a risky quarterback search.
  • Evaluate his 2026 performance before deciding on any long-term, high-cost extension.
ADVICE

Address Pass Rush And Safety Needs

  • Prioritize adding pass-rush juice and a rangy safety in free agency or the draft.
  • Target modest upgrades rather than wholesale roster flips given limited clear cap-saving moves.
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