Diontae Johnson comments that the Panthers’ moves are not a good sign for Dave Canales

The Carolina Panthers are only two games into the 2024 NFL regular season and are already starting to fall apart. From a historically poor start on offense to a season-ending injury to their best defender, Derrick Brown, there were few positives for this team to begin the season. Losings are soon followed by dysfunction, and it may already be underway.

Following the team’s 26-3 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers today, wide receiver Diontae Johnson was asked if he was surprised by the lack of deep throws. Johnson’s response is a warning sign of the current state of the locker room. Here’s his response, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

“We all are. But it is what it is. We’re not the ones calling the plays. So our job is to go out there and make every play they call and get it on film.”

Not exactly what you’d expect from a player who was expected to catch the most passes for the Panthers earlier in the season. Johnson actually caught six passes today, which was the most on his team, but only caught three of them and totaled just 15 yards. That was the story of the day, as Bryce Young finished the day with 3.2 yards per pass and a passer rating of 57.2.

According to postgame comments, Young’s teammates aren’t ready to give up on him yet. However, Johnson’s commentary on the plays could be a sign that the locker room is already turning against new head coach Dave Canales, who may be out of his depth. In two games, his team has scored 60 more points.