CHARLOTTE — Part of the reason we spend so much time in this Mailbag talking about being normal and taking the long view is that it's so exhausting being the other way. Who can keep up?
The Panthers weren't headed to the Super Bowl when they shut out the Falcons, and it wasn't worth plowing the Earth with salt after they lost to the Patriots. The wild swings of emotion are a lot to process for everyone. And honestly, last week's 'Bag felt like therapy. Even the wife, who reads it every week to see if I made any jokes about her (Hi, honey! And not as far as you know), said there were "only so many versions of 'this is going to take time if you want it to be stable'" she could read.
But here's the secret. That happens to be just as true this week as it was last week.
The Panthers didn't fix every problem they had with last week's win over the Dolphins, though it definitely beat the alternative. They're still dealing with a thin margin of error, which can makes those early turnovers killers, but they showed some serious resilience that will serve them well. Now they just need to normalize some of the early football so it doesn't take a historic comeback to win.
And there were things about that win that will carry them through to a time when things should be better. The difference in the run defense this year makes me wonder if I'm watching the same sport. The running game can be sustaining on days when things aren't perfect. And as Xavier Legette showed with one of the more impressive touchdowns of the season (both in timing and execution, as Bryce Young threw it when Legette hadn't broken to where the ball would be yet), the young talent they've collected the last couple of years is still growing and learning. The opinions on Legette prior to last week were extreme to the point of incoherence sometimes. Now, hopefully we can discuss him rationally.
Thus, here they are, at 2-3 after five weeks, which is probably close to what most reasonable estimates were at the start of camp. They've just gotten there in an unconventional way. But look at it like this — if the season ended today, the Panthers would be drafting after both the Ravens and the Chiefs, and the Jaguars and the Patriots would be in the playoffs. Also, a lot of people would be saying, "Why did the season end on the Tuesday of Week 6?"
So let's see what a week's worth of coming back to center will do. (Spoiler: So many questions, way more than I can possibly address. Might save some for the Happy Half Hour on Thursday. Stay tuned.)
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I had the good fortune to be at the game yesterday. What a fantastic rebound after a rough start. I can't say enough good things about the offensive and defensive performance but to me the outstanding play of the day was Jimmy Horn Jr.'s fourth-down catch. My only question is, how do they carry this forward and become more consistent? — Roger, Matthews, NC
Roger, if you figure that one out, the boys in Stockholm will be sending you a shiny gold medal named after the inventor of dynamite this week. So, me making you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag and sending you the appropriate honorarium will have to suffice.
Those same wild swings of emotion that do a number on fans are vexing to football teams, too. And after checking off a lot of boxes last week, they know that becoming more consistent will be one of their biggest challenges.
The Panthers haven't won back-to-back games since the middle of last year, and one of them was in Germany. As the team matures, stacking things — especially when you're at home three times in a four-week span — is something they'll want to do.
But as we talked about last week, the best way to be consistent is by being consistent. That means working on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday the same way you did a week ago, and not letting external events change your approach.
That's really easy to say and really hard to do, and the teams that figure it out stay good for years at a time (that's also why it's unwise to assume the Chiefs and the Ravens are going to be picking at the top of the draft based on a five-week sample size).
Also, yes, the Horn fourth-down conversion was impressive at a lot of levels, starting with Horn making that contested catch, but also the sheer nerve by Young to throw a game-on-the-line pass to a sixth-round rookie who was playing in his first NFL game. But if all of those rookies who made plays late continue to learn and grow with Young, they'll have a shot to get to that place of stability you're talking about.
I also loved how utterly and completely unbothered Horn was by the fuss around him. After the game in the locker room, one reporter asked if he thought that fourth-down call was coming his way and he replied: "Mmm-hmm." Another asked how many congratulatory texts he had on his phone. Without blinking, Horn replied: "I ain't even looked at my phone man, I just came in here and washed my tail."
This man clearly has his priorities in order.
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Gosh, I hope this ages well. So, I was recently watching "Supermen" and they mentioned the 2013 season when things started to turn around. I also recalled you stating in a previous Mailbag that someone should get back to you when we lose the next and rail off eight straight wins. Well, in 2013, L, L, W (38-0), L, you know the rest. Fast forward to today, L, L, W (30-0), L, ? Fan delusion or prophecy?
Sorry, there is a question: Maybe it's just me, but I'm in awe when a kicker kicks a long field goal with ease. What are your thoughts on changing the overtime rules to something more like hockey or soccer overtime rules? You know, like have both kickers start close and see who can make the most kicks while moving further back each time. Or, racing to the 50, starting from the 30, kicking field goals? — Jonathan, Whittier, NC
The parallels to the 2013 season have been noted. From the 0-2 start to the big shutout win (38-0 over the Giants then, 30-0 over the Falcons this year), to the deflating loss the following game. Of course, the 2013 team then won eight straight. This team doesn't have the same base of talent that team did, it was older, and in a very different place in its development. But you never know. Ask me in seven weeks. Or three.
As for your overtime suggestion, I love the fact you're willing to think outside the box. But sometimes, when you're trying to carry multiple loose items, what you really need is a squarish or rectangular receptacle with a bottom in it to get all those items to their destination. Which is a long way of saying, sometimes a box is good.
If I were going to change overtime, I'd be more likely to lean toward the college rules, with modifications. Put the ball at the 10. You've got four downs to do what you're going to do. Mandatory two-point conversion attempts after the first OT. Mainly, I like letting football games be decided by football plays, and not having so many of them is better for football players.
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The team had a great win today, but Bryce Young again struggled with turnovers early. How can he limit those turnovers moving forward, and what, if anything, is the coaching staff doing to help him limit his fumbles? It didn't cost us today, but as you said after the Cardinals game, committing quick turnovers that lead to early scores like that is not a sustainable way to win games. — Grant, Columbus, OH
It's certainly not, and they're certainly working on it. He's generally been better later in games than early, and if you had to pick, that's definitely the direction you'd prefer. But of course, getting in first-quarter holes and depending on a record-tying comeback is not a prudent business model. And part of the turnovers are on him, but it's also about keeping him in good positions as well, which Dave Canales mentioned Monday. (Having an unblocked Bradley Chubb in your lap greatly reduces the chances of any play becoming successful.)
But it's a little hard to put too fine a point on that fumble last week, because it was just such a weird play, and it's not something he does all the time. In fact, his eight fumbles the last two seasons don't even put him in the top half of the league in that category (that would be our old friend Baker Mayfield leading that category with 16, followed by Kirk Cousins with 13, and Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts with 12 each). Most of the time when a quarterback does lose the ball, it's because he's just gotten sacked, so that was more of problem for Young in 2023 (11, when he was sacked 62 times) than since.
On the whole, it was a complicated game for Young because, as bad as the turnovers were, the poise he showed in the comeback was that good. The pinpoint throw to Legette for the touchdown, the scramble-stop-dot to Tetairoa McMillan for a fourth down conversion, the sheer gall to go to Horn on another fourth down, those are all part of the ledger, too.
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Hey Darin, hope you're having a great day at work. Just wanted to ask how the game went, since I turned it off after the Panthers' first series. Yep, I suffered through the Dolphins cramming the ball down our defense's throat on our own field and jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead. Then, had to go throw up my lunch after Bryce fumbled the ball with Miami recovering in our territory. That was it - enough is enough is ENOUGH. Wasn't going to ruin another Sunday afternoon watching this same, tired old dumpser fire of what's supposed to pass as a professional football team. I will give Bryce his props for a pretty nice completion down the field to TMac before his eventual turnover. But one nice pass does not make up for all the mistakes. So, how did things go over the next couple of hours? BTW - totally changing the subject, have you enjoyed any fried livermush lately? Your biggest fan. — Jeff, Concord, NC
Darin, I'm so ashamed. I lied to you, my friend. I went back to the game at halftime. I guess I'm a weak individual, but I love my Panthers - always have. Rico Dowdle is another Cat that can ball. He was a hoss today. Congrats to the guys on a great comeback; a big-time gut check. — Jeff, Concord, NC
One of my favorite things about the Mailbag is how submissions become a time capsule. And in a whiplash week like last week, the angry ones from prior to Sunday's kickoff are like the good leftovers in the fridge, while the happy new stuff gets stacked in front of them.
But my man Jeff here did it within the span of a single game. I love both his reliability and his accountability. He couldn't quit the Panthers, and he came back and was rewarded. And then, in the same way Dave Canales insists on Tell The Truth Monday, he owned it.
That's why Jeff is a Mailbag legend, in addition to our shared love of livermush. And speaking of gut-checks, I need to get to the store anyway, some of my own leftovers at home might have passed their primes. The chicken and pasta I ate for breakfast after my run this morning may have, in fact, been from last week. I usually give leftovers eight to 10 days before I let go. Don't be a pawn of Big Grocery. Those dates are just suggestions. Also, the wife should really start labeling these things if she doesn't want me to poison myself (Hi, honey!).
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So much good stuff to celebrate! My faves are (1) gotta love the personnel in the middle of this key sequence of plays in crunch time: fourth down conversion (Horn), run (Trevor Etienne), touchdown (Mitchell Evans), XP/kickoff (Ryan Fitzgerald), pass breakup (Corey Thornton). (2) Rico Dowdle sending "Hoov 2000" vibes into the universe. I know their resumes and the circumstances heading into the games were different, but I doubt I'm the only one who was enjoying this win and reliving an all-time favorite Panther moment at the same time. Would love to have your reaction to either/both. — Steve, Chapel Hill, NC
It was wild seeing the confluence of all the rookies making plays down the stretch. In some instances, it was out of necessity, as other guys were getting hurt.
But going with so many young players was also a deliberate and conscious choice.
They set a franchise record by keeping 12 rookies on the Week 1 53-man roster, and there are only 11 on the 53 at the moment who were acquired before Dan Morgan became the general manager. This is on purpose. The Panthers are trying to make this thing sustainable, and you don't do that with a bunch of old dudes. Even the unrestricted free agents they signed were young, none over 28, and Bobby hadn't even turned 25 when he arrived.
Not every rookie you draft is going to hit. But seeing so many contributions from the third day of the draft and beyond on Sunday was certainly a promising sign, because that gives you flexibility in the future.
And as much as I love a good Brad Hoover reference (he's also a favorite of mine, despite being one of the few Western Carolina players to ever beat my beloved ASU), Dowdle is a different cat.
He's done this before. Well, he hasn't done 206 rushing and 234 from scrimmage before, but few people have. What I mean is this man was a 1,000-yard rusher last year, which is why they wanted to bring him in this year as Chuba Hubbard's running buddy. It's really hard to play 17 games in a season, so as much as they want to move the ball on the ground, they want to have two guys who could lead the line.
Especially when one of them has the ability to make opposing linebackers fly helplessly through the air like they hit a force field.
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Hey Darin. John from Waxhaw now, formerly John from Matthews, and longtime Friend Of The 'Bag. I have been busy the last few months and especially weeks in gearing up to move and not to mention having a second kid on the way.
This past Sunday was the first game I was too busy to tune into since like 2018 (I like to be free on Sundays or make every effort to watch that I can because we only get so many of these games per year). I missed a real great one. That being said, I miss my man Jalen Coker and I think he is going to add something to this offense that we are missing. I believe he has untapped potential on the off-schedule plays that Bryce is such an expert with, and we saw that in the preseason. He also has fantastic hands and great play speed even though he doesn't pop off the tape as an undrafted guy.
I wanted to know if you think you see him primarily operating out of the slot, or if he will be the number two receiver behind Tetairoa? I firmly believe we need to see what we have with 4, 17, and 18 all on the field at the same time, but I don't know if the team still views Coker as a slot, or if we will be seeing him in two-wide receiver sets. What do you think? — John, Waxhaw, NC
First of all, mazel tov to the John From Wherever You Are Nows, all good wishes to you and your family, as you transition from playing man defense to zone. Like all good defensive adjustments, communication and reading your keys is imperative.
Based on the way they were deploying receivers all offseason, a three-wide set is effectively their base offense. And part of the reason they were fine with sending Adam Thielen back to Minnesota was because of the progress Coker had shown in his spot, knowing that transition was going to be eventual anyway. Having McMillan, Legette, and Coker on the field together gives Bryce three big, athletic targets with go-get-it skills, and Coker has shown he can operate inside.
Jalen has to get through a week of practice (or maybe two) and ramp up his workload, because football is different than rehabbing on the side for five weeks. But I think they'll use the three you mentioned at the same time, while mixing in the rest of that deep stable of targets (Horn and Brycen Tremayne have done nothing to discourage coaches with their ability to step in and make plays).
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Another great win for the Panthers! The first few plays on offense aside, there was a lot to be excited about on both sides of the ball. I'm sure we are in for a lot more ups and downs this season, but it was especially nice to see good play from a lot of our younger guys. Also, props to the coaches and defensive players who made the adjustment on Darren Waller - he had our number the first half, but it looked like we figured it out ourselves in the second.
So, Rico Dowdle! Impressive! My question is this: once the Panthers get Hubbard back healthy, do you think that they will make any changes to how they utilize the two backs? Hubbard has been the "lead back" so far, at least in terms of snap counts, but could that change if Dowdle keeps playing so well in Hubbard's absence? I figure you at least have some good insights about how a previous Panthers team handled the 1-2 punch of Wiliams and Stewart. — John, Charlotte, NC
You beat me to the punch. I was going to say, we've seen this movie before. It might be complicated if they didn't get along, but it was also cool seeing how excited Hubbard was when Dowdle was getting the game ball. And DeAngelo and Stew gave the perfect example of how to make it work.
The best news is that if you have the ability to keep both backs in carries, it means good things are happening for the team as a whole.
During Stewart's rookie year, he had 184 carries to Williams' 273 (and Stewart had 836 yards to Williams' 1,515). Their second year together, the split was Stewart 221, Williams 216, and they both went over 1,100 yards.
I'm not sure it's ever going to be that even a distribution. Hubbard's a foundational guy, and the clear starter, and Dowdle's here on a one-year deal. But I also know the realities of a 17-game season mean both will likely get plenty of chances.
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Hello Darin, I was at the game Sunday, and what a beautiful day to be outside. The game was disappointing, then exciting, and finally thrilling. I'm very curious about the third down call on our last drive. As one local reporter wrote, "Needing one first down to seal the game, the Panthers and Canales correctly took one last risk, letting Young throw on third down instead of conservatively running the ball into the line to use up Miami's final timeout. Win or lose, I loved that call." Really?
Yes, it worked to our favor. But I turned to my friend when the offense lined up and said, "We can't possibly be throwing the ball." If that pass is incomplete, we have to punt and Miami still has one timeout to use. Miami just needed a field goal to tie the game. I can only imagine the second-guessing if the pass was incomplete, so I'm second-guessing, given the DPI call against Hunter Renfrow Isn't running the ball the "better" play call? What are your thoughts on this play calling decision? — Tracy, Lewisville, NC
In the immortal words of Admiral Gial Ackbar, "It's a trap." I don't usually partake in second-guessing play calls, especially ones that work, and if Dave Canales offered me the headset I would decline, for the sake of all humanity.
Running the ball might be the safer play call (three things can happen when you throw, and two of them are bad), but whether it's better is a question of art rather than science.
But I actually thought about this in a different context this week. Went to Queens University to see best-selling author Daniel Pink last night, and he spoke about his book "The Power of Regret." (Man, do me and the wife know how to party.) He's studied this common emotion deeply and scientifically, and he's learned that most regrets are universal and don't change all that much based on demographics. But the one data point he cited is that people tend to regret things they didn't do more than things they do, and that increases with age. (He used the example of a young man named Bruce falling in love with a stranger on a train while traveling in Europe, and not following her off at her stop in Belgium, never to see her again. Poor Bruce dragged that what-if around for 40-plus years, including while being married to a decidedly non-Belgian woman back home. On the other hand, going off on unannounced road trips with attractive strangers in places you don't speak the language is also a good way to become the subject of a true crime podcast. But I digress).
As unscientific as it sounds, a lot of this is based on feel. And even though Dowdle was on a heater, Canales showed a profound trust in Young and Third-and-Renfrow to make a play. That was the go-for-it move, and if it was incomplete, or if the Dolphins stopped the run, they would have been fielding a punt with 40 or 45 seconds left, against a defense that tightened significantly as the day went on.
So Canales decided to take the chance and trust his guys to finish it. I admire a bold call, even if I am personally wired to stay on trains until they reach my pre-planned destination and run the ball whenever possible.
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What a roller coaster of a game. I believe this needs be this team's identity and formula going forward, minus the turnovers. It is interesting that Mike Rucker said the goal for that team was to run the ball, stop the run, and the ball going in the air didn't matter. The rookies showed up big this week. I would've liked to see XL get a shoutout in the postgame just because of all the attention and criticism he has received so far this season. The play calling was vastly different in this game. Rico mentioned he asked for the inside zone run to be called in the first half. There were end arounds, more zone runs from under center, and some outside runs mixed in. I think those calls and the effort to push the ball down the field more opened it up. Do you think this will be the style of football and play calling we will see moving forward? Heavy run offense, push the ball down the field on play action, and a tremendous defensive effort to stop the run as well? — Dustin, Albemarle, NC
It feels scientific (which is, empirically speaking, a ridiculous thing to say) that we all tend to revert to what we experienced in our teens and early 20s as a bedrock belief. So for Mike Rucker, believing in defense and running the ball is a core memory because he saw it work and he experienced it himself in the early to mid-2000s. I, too, am an admirer of Dan Henning, who came up under Joe Gibbs, and called offense the way I think it should be run — good offensive line, run the ball, throw shot plays downfield to fast guys when you throw it at all.
So perhaps the dirty secret about Dave Canales — who came out of the Young And Handsome Offensive Mind factory that has produced so many other future head coaches — is that his philosophies are fairly old school. He's got some Dan Henning in him, even if they've never met. And working for a defensive-minded Pete Carroll in his formative years helped cement those philosophies in his head.
Also, while we're talking about Mike Rucker, how cool of a moment was that Sunday when Melanie Mills was here to hit the Keep Pounding drum pregame, along with her son Marcus? Rucker talked last week about the need to keep the story of Sam Mills and Keep Pounding alive, and that game Sunday became another chapter in the legacy. When things are shaky, you push through the adversity at hand, surrounded by your people, doing it for each other.
Sometimes when the universe talks to you, all you can do is listen.
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Which of your Panther players put in the most hard work? — Lyndsay, Mooresville, NC
Short question, long answer. And this speaks to the foundation Dan Morgan and Dave Canales are trying to build.
If you want to know what someone's really all about, don't listen to what they say, watch what they do. So since taking over this team in January 2024, here's what they've done.
— Extended Derrick Brown
— Signed offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson in free agency
— Drafted Xavier Legette
— Extended Chuba Hubbard
— Extended Jaycee Horn
Those are seven fairly different cats, but they all share a ridiculous work ethic as one of the top lines on their personal resumes. And they also share that DNA with a bunch of guys who have come on board lately, like that collection of grinders on defense they brought in last year in free agency and a bunch of those rookies who were making plays Sunday.
Bringing in people like that to supplement a young core is how you build that culture thing that every coach talks about but few pull off. And you see it when times are hard. When Legette dropped that potential game-changer in Philly last year, his first move was to join Hubbard at the Jugs machine. That's the power of example, and when you reward your hardest workers, those are the kinds of down-the-line effects.
Morgan talks all the time about wanting to find guys who love ball, and while that seems like a prerequisite in this business, it's not as common as you'd think. They still need to add more, and they need to add ballers as well. Work ethic without talent isn't going to get you very far. But talent without work ethic isn't going to get you anywhere.
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Dorothy was right, there really is no place like home! Despite the proverbial house falling on them in the first quarter, the Panthers did not shrivel away, nor would they have their cleats taken by some handsy out-of-towner. Instead, they found a shovel beneath the house that turnovers built and dug their way out from under it. Then, as if nothing had occurred, they dusted themselves off, calmly walked inside, and made themselves at home. Why? Because it was THEIR house.
These guys found the brains, the heart, and the courage to get the job done on Sunday, and I feel like we got a real glimpse behind the curtain at what type of team they might be building. No wizards needed, just good, old-fashioned execution. Best of all, when the credits rolled, it was the Dolphins left clicking their heels and longing for Miami.
Despite more impressive performances on the day (Run, Rico, run!), my favorite part was XL finding his hands, or, better put, letting his hands find the ball. Like Canales, I could've cried when he hauled in his first score of the year. Though the criticism surrounding Legette lately has been loud (and, I believe, largely overblown), I truly think all the hate comes from a source of love. Despite having more sponsorships than touchdowns in his brief career, this young receiver has the kind of humble, drama-free work ethic that is refreshing for a player of his position in 2025. I think people like that, and like him, and want him to catch footballs for the Panthers for a long time. I think the jeers are merely a fear that he will fail. But fear makes for poor fansmanship, and it doesn't catch footballs.
So, oh wise and balanced observer, what was your favorite moment from Sunday's win and/or what is your favorite XL-approved sponsorship? Keep Pounding! — Jake, Candler, NC
Nothing like a win to get people all up in their extended metaphors. (Is this what I've wrought?)
I also appreciated the Legette touchdown, for a lot of the boldness we talked about above.
It's not the easiest thing in the world to throw a ball to a dude who had 8 receiving yards on the season in that situation. But all Legette did was run a great route and catch it with his hands.
I've mentioned this previously, but he has worked to become a better hands-catcher. Like a lot of size-speed guys in college, he caught with his whole body, but he has put in the time required to become better at it. You can only appreciate that. That it comes with a healthy side of organic joy, that helps.
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Well, well, well. Took a few weeks off. Reading last week's 'Bag was a traumatic experience, worse than the game really. It's day to day in my world, so just ignore the negativity and doom and gloom. I really thought we would win this game before we won, because I've been seeing the capability of our young team right from the beginning. So the question is how do we sustain it? And question two. Do the players and coaches read the nastiness and use it as motivation? Or just plow ahead and KEEP POUNDING! — James, Wilmington, NC
(Ron Burgundy reading the question mark voice) Thanks?
Consider it group therapy. I don't know who was harder on last week's Mailbag, Jimmy or the wife. I also know that I love them both unconditionally. Keep your head up Jimmy, and keep fighting your fight. You've got all kinds of people behind you.
And yes, football coaches and players will use anything as motivation, even if they have to make it up. But perceived disrespect is one of the easiest triggers. Everybody on the TV show picked against you? That's going on the board.
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G'day Darin, I'll admit, after Bryce's interception, I started questioning whether getting up at 3 a.m. on a workday to watch live was a valid use of my time, but I'm glad I stayed to watch the defence stand up. Fantastic performance by them, especially stopping De'Von Achane. Are you able to talk to any of the adjustments that Evero made after the first three drives?
And also, kudos to Sam Martin. That man can punt a ball. — Peter, Brisbane, Australia
YES! I love it when one of the OGs comes back. Peter the Australian Punting Expert was a staple of the early Mailbags, back when Australian Lachlan Edwards was punting here.
And yes, Sam Martin is punting well, though the returns in the Patriots game are going to hurt his average for weeks to come. He's a pro though, and has a lot of different shots in his bag.
Canales talked on Monday about the way they changed the defense in the second half on Waller. A lot of it was getting a more aggressive rush on the passer. But it worked, as Waller was shut out in the second half. Switching the play-calling from Christian Rozeboom to Trevin Wallace was also good for both players, as they had their best games of the year.
And don't look now, but after five weeks, which is beginning to be a representative sample size, the Panthers are 12th in the league on total defense, 14th against the run, and 10th against the pass.
After last year, you could say that's quite a, ... boomerang.
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What's it like on the team plane? Do you have mobility restrictions like the press do on Air Force One? Are there flight attendants on the plane at all? What was the flight to Germany like? Have you ever been on a flight where the pilot and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar get sick eating fish and can't fly the plane so some guy who couldn't drink water properly had to fly the plane alongside inflatable Otto? — Zach, Charlotte
Speaking of OGs, it's our youngest OG, Young Zach. And Shirley he can't be serious. His curiosity and eagerness to consume pop culture from 30 years before his birth are two of my favorite things about him (it's a significant list).
The plane is nice, the food is good (and plentiful), and the service is friendly. And yes, we have flight attendants who already remember what Kassidy likes to drink when she sits down. Mostly, it's like every other business traveler trip. People are either working, sleeping, or locked into their screens. It's fairly normal. The Germany trip was like that, except longer.
As for mobility, for the most part, the trips are short enough that there's not a lot of wandering around, but I have enjoyed a few conversations in the galley with JJ Jansen and Luke Kuechly, just a few old dudes standing around solving the world's problems while waiting in line for the bathroom. OK, admittedly, there's nothing normal about that. What is normal is me telling you to GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
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And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.
When someone ties Dan Pastorini for anything (namely, initial road record 1-15), can we not entertain the notion that maybe we need to rethink the idea that QB is not a problem? Yes, I do know who signs your paychecks. — Spence, Greensboro, NC
As someone old enough to remember Pastorini as a player, I also know he was thrown in as a rookie on a team that went 6-35-1 his first three years in the league (including that 1-15 road record you mentioned). I'm also old enough to know that kind of losing is rarely one person's fault. And also that after those first three seasons, he was 51-36 as a starter and went to the playoffs and a Pro Bowl when that used to matter.
This is a question I believe you can address. Over the years, we've seen changes in ownership, general managers, head coaches, scouts, players, and trainers. Yet, for at least the past eight years, the on-field results appear largely unchanged. From my perspective, it feels less like growth and more like stagnation. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you for taking the time to respond. — James, Winston-Salem, NC
This is a new thing under Morgan and Canales and Brandt Tilis. And it's about having a direction and sticking with it. They were hired with the mandate to build something sustainable, and they've been supported in that effort. And since the crystal ball remains in Ben McAdoo's other pants, we don't know how it's going to work. If they were worried about being short-timers, they'd have probably behaved differently, but the moves they've made are of people who have time to work on this project and build it the right way.
Bryce is not perfect, and he is still growing. The whole team deserves tons of credit for the win, but the mental toughness Bryce showed bouncing back from those brutal turnovers to start the game is very impressive! Also good to see Brady Christensen play so well. He deserves to be on the field! I think the 2013 comparisons might be apt. — Willy, Birmingham, AL
Brady Christensen is a good player to have on any roster, for his ability to play all five positions. But his ability to play any of them well is where his value truly lies. He was a big part of that run game and the protection Sunday.
Do you think Rico and Chuba will have an even amount of handoffs after this game, and should I add Rico to my fantasy football team? (I'm 1-4 and clinging on for hope). — Michael, Charlotte
The only person you want fantasy advice from less than me is Miss Kassidy G. Hill, who benched Patrick Mahomes for Justin Fields last week. Even if a decision works out one week by 1.2 points, that doesn't make it a good decision.
As I sit here in The Bank basking in the afterglow of this historical 27-24 come back victory over the Miami Dolphins, I can't help but ask, whatever will the haters complain about this week? Peace, love, and touchdowns, brother. — Deric, Gastonia, NC
Haters are forever. Don't let them get you down. The view's better up here on the high road anyway.
