CHARLOTTE — Of course, it would be better for the Panthers if they were still playing this weekend, about to fly to Chicago.

But short of continuing to win, last Saturday's home playoff loss to the Rams was about as good as it gets, for a team that hasn't had a reason to throw a party in a long time.

And make no mistake, it was a party last weekend. A classic game, coupled with an electric atmosphere. Just from moving around the city and living life for the first week of the offseason, you can't imagine how many versions of "that was one of the best scenes" or "it hasn't felt like that in a long time" I've heard. People are genuinely excited about the team, and by being genuinely excited. The Panthers made people feel something last weekend, and that's worth a lot.

Of course, I celebrated a day off by going to watch a group of monks walking through town on their way from Texas to Washington D.C. to promote peace, draw a big ol' crowd in Elizabeth, and it was quiet and respectful, but everyone left with a smile on their face, too. Maybe it's just that collective experience is what people are after. (And maybe peace is something people are interested in.) But I digress.

For the first time in a minute, Panthers fans are going into the offseason with deserved optimism and a sense that things have stabilized and that playoff atmospheres might become the norm rather than the exception.

Of course, things will change, and people will come and go. There are dudes who walked out this week, who, if they ever walk in again, will be in a different uniform. But there's also a Patrick Jones II, who walked out with a smile on his face, because he was cleared by doctors, and gets to leave the arduous world of back surgery rehab and can come back and get to work. The last seven days have been a real circle of life around here,

The team will work to improve. But after going from two wins to five to eight, and then (waves hands around in a circle) all that, people will begin to expect more.

But what a memorable way to turn the page on the 2025 season, and begin the process of creating that kind of magic again.

------------------------------------------------------

First of all, even though we all wanted a win, THAT WAS A GREAT GAME. The growth is obvious and shows that the first win against them wasn't a fluke. So my question is, do you think that game earned them more respect from other teams? — Antonio, Laurens, SC

Yeah, that was quite a show. To go into the offseason losing like that is definitely better than losing by a lot, or a 9-6 game or something. And having a little style coming down the stretch will likely earn them some street cred for next year. You can just see them being a fashionable pick by the people who only like bands you've never heard of.

But they still came out of the NFC South and had to fight for that 8-9 record, so they also know what's coming.

"The first game next year we'll probably be underdogs. The second game will be underdogs. So it's what it is," guard Robert Hunt said. "And then you know we just got to keep working. I think we did a lot of really good things.

"This is only Year 2 of the program, and we had a playoff game here, and we took, I think, a really, really good team who I think can go win the Super Bowl to the end of the game, and you know we just fell short."

How much value you put on the respect of others is an entirely personal decision. If you can become a self-actualized person or team, you know that working to become the best version of your current self is the thing to strive for.

------------------------------------------------------

Good afternoon! I sat, and stood, watching the game and cheering loud for the Panthers and then, my heart broke for them with that last Rams touchdown. But then I realized the Panthers have nothing to be ashamed of! They did more than anyone gave them credit for! They proved they belong! Please pass on my congratulations and thanks for all they accomplished! Thank them for giving the fans something to believe in and cheer for! Thank them for never stopping the pounding! — Scott, Phenix City, AL

There was a lot of this in the 'Bag this week, more than I expected, actually.

There are some people who wake up in the morning looking for something to complain about. And we've built an entire economy of people who complain loudly in exchange for attention, money, and power.

But if you're angry about the Carolina Panthers right now, you're probably doing the performative outrage thing, and we all see right through it.

Are they a perfect team? They are not, or they'd still be playing. But they've returned to NFL normal and developed something resembling personality. If they continue to improve the roster the way they have the last two offseasons (aggressively, and steadily), it's reasonable to be hopeful about the future.

------------------------------------------------------

Last year, it was reported we'd be big-time players in free agency and linked to some of the big names. And I loved Tre'von Moehrig, but I wouldn't put either him or Tershawn Wharton (who really underwhelmed) as the absolute class of the free agent class.

A year removed with more money and closer to contention, and the roster taking a step forward, do you think the team will make that true big splash? There's a pass rusher out of contract in Cincinnati that would look really good playing in the real Queen City.

Also it seems every year either the Bucs or Falcons get new uniforms, any chance we see a refreshed look for our refreshed roster? — Tyler, Charlotte

Well, that didn't take long.

Admittedly, we had posted stories about the team's list of free agents and next year's draft position before all the fans were out of the stands last Saturday night, so I suppose it's fair to start the free agent daydreaming.

Yes, Trey Hendrickson probably would look good here. This is true of approximately 30 other franchises in the NFL as well (I'm beginning to suspect the Bengals aren't on his list).

He does the thing the Panthers need the most -- get after quarterbacks. He had 70.5 sacks over the five years prior to his contentious final season in Cincinnati, which ended with him playing just seven games. But he just turned 31, still has some prime pass-rushing years left, and of course would fit in nicely here, as he would many places.

He'd also be very, very, very expensive. (That's three verys, in case you're counting.) A year ago, the Panthers made a bid on the top defensive tackle on the market, Milton Williams, before he took an even bigger bag from the Patriots. They turned that money into Wharton and Bobby Brown III, who helped stabilize the front. Wharton missed half the year with injuries, but he's been an impact player when well. And Moehrig was also a big part of the run defense's ability to go from "one of the worst ever" to "good, actually."

And man, after getting his first taste of home playoff football in a decade, Tyler here's getting greedy. He wants the best free agent in the class and new uniforms. That's a much longer process than can be turned around in an offseason, so you're probably going to have to wait on that part. The free agents? Stay tuned.

------------------------------------------------------

Well, Darin, my prediction of a Panthers/Steelers Super Bowl is over, but what a great ride they took us on. Thanks to the Panthers players and organization for a really fun season, and to you and your group for adding to the fun and keeping us all positive and excited.

Now on to the offseason football wilderness, thinking about next year. Who are, in your opinion, the most critical of our free agents whom we need to resign? Of the restricted and exclusive rights free agents, I hope they keep Jalen Coker, Brycen Tremayne, Claudin Cherelus, and LaBryan Ray. On defense, I hope they are able to keep Christian Rozeboom, D.J. Wonnum, and Nick Scott. Offensively, I hope they keep all the linemen, but especially Yosh Nijman and Cade Mays.

Any comments on other players, either ours or other teams' free agents that you would like to see them pursue? — Roger, Matthews, NC

Well, the Panthers can take steps to keep all the exclusive rights free agents and restricted guys if they want to; that's in their control. And most of those EFAs and RFAs you mentioned are the kind of players they want to keep, in some fashion. They control Coker's rights for two more seasons, so it's not like he's a threat to leave.

When it comes to the unrestricted guys, that's a little trickier. Mainly, because they get a choice in this deal too. They can decide to get what they can where they can. And considering the short windows for professional football players to cash in, no one blames them for that approach. So it's unlikely to keep them all, but part of that's because they'll be looking for upgrades at some of those positions. Of the UFAs you mentioned, Nijman is perhaps the most interesting, considering the uncertainty over Ikem Ekwonu's timeline after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon last week.

Also, it's a little hard to believe that was only a week ago. The last six weeks have been a blur.

After everyone takes a minute to breathe (the stadium's mostly closed next week), they'll have free agency meetings with coaches and set the priorities for the offseason. That hasn't happened yet.

------------------------------------------------------

Not sure if the Mailbag is still rolling for one more week after our playoff loss, but I thought I'd check in anyway. While the loss was tough, it would have been tougher if the Rams had rolled us. Instead, they got off to an early lead and wound up in the fight of their playoff lives. They can say what they want about "stealing our hearts", but this team had enough heart to spare, and I know Carolina had them sweating underneath all that wool (because Rams).

Proud of the guys for how they battled. Bryce Young, Coker, Derrick Brown, and Mike Jackson were particular standouts, and it is starting to feel like we are putting something together despite the inconsistency. We were at or a little better than I thought we'd be record-wise this season, so winning the division and getting a playoff berth were just gravy.

My question is simple: When will the Mailbag resume? Until it does, wishing you and the Panthers a merry offseason and some much-deserved rest. Can't wait to see what next season holds in store. Keep Pounding! — Jake, Candler, NC

Seek, and ye shall find, Jake.

Late-season schedule changes and people dropping these alleged "holidays" in the middle of the week knocked me off my normal Tuesday schedule for the last few weeks. But the 'Bag persists, because people continue to contribute. The archive is always here, so you can catch up.

We might not be weekly through the offseason, but it will be regular. I realized somewhere about Wednesday, when I slept in (7 a.m. like some kind of hedonist) and took something resembling a day off for the first time in months, that I was actually really tired. So we're going to recharge for a moment. But we do it for the people, so we're going to have offseason content coming your way soon. At least it's not head coaching or GM search content. Don't take what's happening here for granted.

------------------------------------------------------

First of all, I want to extend my congratulations to the entire Panthers organization for the work they put in during the recently completed season and how much it benefited them, the fans and the league in general. In my own opinion, we ended the season miles ahead of what most of us fans had figured was even remotely possible back in training camp. At times, I was as big a skeptic as anyone - more of a glass-half-empty kind of guy, so to speak. I've never been more happy to have been so wrong in all my life!

Another thing that brought a big smile to my face was the appearance of Cam Newton coming out of the tunnel to the raucous cheers of sixty thousand plus fans to beat the #KeepPounding drum prior to Saturday's kickoff. My question is this - might we now be able to anticipate that the relationship between the Teppers and Cam has made some significant positive strides, and that we could now begin to see Cam in a more prominent role in and around Charlotte and Bank of America Stadium as time moves forward? I, for one, would welcome the sight of No. 1 on a much more regular basis than has been the case over the past couple of seasons.

Thanks for your awesome work this season and for how well you keep us informed of the going's on in and around the Panthers and the Bank. Panther Nation is absolutely blessed beyond measure by having you on our team - and as the godfather extraordinaire of the FOTM! We love ya, brother! — Jeff, Concord, NC

Yeah, I gather that a lot of people liked that one.

Cam Newton coming out of the tunnel for some pregame hype set the right tone for the rest of the night. And yes, it was good having that energy. Even when he came back for that tough stretch in 2021, there was an eight-day window from his return for the Arizona game until about the third quarter of the Washington game the following week in which all was right with the world. As with many complicated situations, it didn't last.

Newton said on his podcast last week that the spark for his return was Tepper calling him.

Hmm, that's funny. People getting together and talking about things helps? Novel concept, let's franchise the idea and see if it catches on across the country.

I suspect you may be onto something, because frankly, this is where he needs to be.

He created those kinds of memories for a generation of Panthers fans, so having him part of the next generation just feels right.

Same with Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad, and Wesley Walls, hitting the Keep Pounding drum going into a memorable fourth quarter, their stories and their importance to this place magnify what was happening on the field, and helped make it such a memorable night.

------------------------------------------------------

Long-time reader, first-time writer. First, thanks for all of the coverage that was provided over the last few years — it has been terrific to follow! I could give plenty of examples, but between the game coverage and just the personal stories (Austin Corbetts injury rehab series to the help provided by various assistants on the staff), you all add much to the Panther story.

If any of us had said two years ago that the team would be involved in a playoff game like that so soon, there would have been nothing but laughter. Sad that they lost, but you can see they are building toward something special in the next few years. Can't wait to watch!

My question is what creates the situations where we can have so much success passing in the playoff game when we struggled with the same in the couple of prior games? Youth, the type of defenses we were playing, or something else? — Ron, Sarasota, FL

Appreciate you, Ron, and come back. We have fun here, and occasionally there are fabulous prizes.

Dave Canales has a lot of phrases that come up often, but one of his more frequent ones is "time on task."

The longer Bryce, Tetairoa McMillan, Coker, and Xavier Legette work together, the better it seems to get. And as they incorporate Jimmy Horn Jr. into the mix, it expands the universe of possibilities.

NFL results are never about one thing and one thing only, because the game is so complex. (Well, I guess when they allowed 65 sacks in 2023, that was pretty much about one thing.) But as that group of young people continues to develop chemistry with each other, the results have a chance to continue to improve. As it pertains to the Rams game in particular, I think it was a case of Young meeting the moment. All of those game-winning drives in the fourth quarter didn't happen by accident. He's causing them.

------------------------------------------------------

First and foremost, this has been an amazing season, even with the ups and downs. I'm incredibly excited for the future of this team.

In Dave Canales's postgame presser, he mentioned that there are no moral victories in the NFL, but candidly, it's hard for me not to see this loss as a moral victory. This is probably me just being a fan and not being in the locker room, but with the way that the team was able to come back roaring off some of their early mistakes and be able to take a Super Bowl favorite to the final minute was just incredible to watch.

This gets me into the question: Even with this loss, can and would the front office and coaching staff use this game and the overall season to sell the vision to potential free agents? I mean, I expect that Dan Morgan and the entire front office have a multi-year plan that they wouldn't deviate too far from. Yet I have to think that people outside the building/fanbase can see we are on the rise, and even though we lost this game, there's something special being built on Mint Street. — Tom, Florence, KY

I think they can, they should, and they will.

Dan Morgan said as much during his season wrap-up presser the other day. Playing in games like that, in that kind of atmosphere, and playing that way makes people want to be a part of it. Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.

Even when things are bad, this has always been a destination for free agents. As the great Brentson Buckner said 20 years ago, "Charlotte is the married man's paradise." (Also, local institution Michael Graff wrote on this topic recently for the Charlotte Optimist. If you don't subscribe to his newsletter, you should. Not only is he an incredible writer [When Andy Dalton asked me about Graff's visit to the locker room, I said "You know how you feel when you see Cam Newton run, like 'I wish I could do that?' That's how I feel when I read Mike."] He cares deeply about this place and its people. Like playoff games, he's a positive addition to our city.)

But getting back to the point, I think people realize that something is happening here, and they want to be a part of it. A smart front office takes advantage of that.

------------------------------------------------------

First, I'd like to say, Thank y'all for having the Mailbag! This season I noticed that a lot of other teams don't offer the option for fans to write in and express their views, so thanks!

That being said, my question is: Will y'all please ask Dave Canales to take a long, well-deserved vacation now? I've been a fan of the Panthers since '95 when I was 18. I was watching when we played our first game, and I can say that this past season was the wildest since '96 when we were suddenly in the NFC Championship game our second year in the league. The whole season has been a blur of ups and downs and pumps. Along the way there were many times when I found myself just wanting to yell at fellow fans! "Y'all lay off!! It's his second year as a head coach! His method takes time to develop!" Instead, I just sat back and shook my head. But man, he was hit with a lot of flack this year and he handled it like a gentleman, working his tail off the whole time.

The dust hasn't settled just yet, but in the coming months there will be one central story that will ring true through all others, and that is this: Dave Canales took the Carolina Panthers to the playoffs in his second year as head coach. For that, I hope he takes some really well-deserved time off with the family. He's earned it. — Skip, Winston-Salem, NC

Yeah, everyone is taking a break. You have to. You can train as hard as you want, but after the bye week, that was like a five-week sprint. You have to stop at some point. People were scattering, heading out on vacations, or just reconnecting with their families. (I was surprised to come home, take a day off, and realize that I had a wife at home whom I like very much. She's super cool, and as it turns out, hanging out with her instead of standing on the gas at work all day is a thing I enjoy. I would like to explore the possibility further.)

And also yes, Canales appears to be good at the job. Coach of the year votes tend to go to first-year guys who bounce in unexpected playoffs, or people who defy expectations, or coach teams that win 12 or more games.

There are no prizes for steady climbing, other than the steady climbing itself. The work is its own reward, as guys like Dave Canales are learning, and Dom Capers has known for years.

------------------------------------------------------

Hi Darin. I hope you are doing well. I love this team. They seem to play for each other with no personal ego, just confidence in each other. They exceeded everyone's expectations, and they should feel proud. Watching the pregame show yesterday, I got really annoyed. Only Terry Bradshaw had any confidence in us. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but I almost felt like we were being made fun of. They were making it sound like the Rams beat themselves in Week 13 with mistakes, but we caused the Rams to make those mistakes, and we proved ourselves again yesterday. I'm done with my rant, and I do have a question. Being such a young team, how many of our guys have never played in a postseason game? Thank you. — LeeAnne, Lincolnton, NC

Because the Panthers are a young team, only two of their oldest players had ever played in a playoff game in this uniform prior to last week. That was JJ Jansen (7), and Taylor Moton (1).

They had 28 guys who had never played in a playoff game, including all of their draft picks for the last six years, and a few guys who were either on practice squads or injured reserve with playoff teams but had never played in a game.

They had 23 guys who had appeared in at least one playoff game, and two guys (Nick Samac and Trevis Gipson) who were on 53-man rosters for the playoffs but inactive for the game.

But here's the cool part. Now they have a roster full of guys who have played in a playoff game, and that will serve them well in the future.

(All numbers prior to Rams game)

PLAYED IN PLAYOFF GAME (23)

Tershawn Wharton 13 (2 Super Bowl rings); Sam Martin 9; JJ Jansen 7; Christian Rozeboom 7 (1); A'Shawn Robinson 7 (1); Austin Corbett 6 (1); Nick Scott 6 (1); Bobby Brown 6 (1); David Moore 6; Yosh Nijman 5; Andy Dalton 4; Krys Barnes 3; Robert Rochell 3 (1); Robert Hunt 2; Damien Lewis 2; Taylor Moton 1; Jake Curhan 1; Rico Dowdle 1 (Dal IR in 21 and 22), Mike Jackson 1; DJ Wonnum 1; Tre'von Moehrig 1; D'Anthony Bell 1; Isaiah Simmons 1.

ON ROSTER IN PLAYOFFS BUT INACTIVE (2)

Nick Samac 2 (inactive both BAL 24); Trevis Gipson 1 (inactive with CHI 20).

PLAYERS WITH NO PREVIOUS PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE (28)

Tetairoa McMillan, Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen, Lathan Ransom, Trevor Etienne, Mitchell Evans, Cam Jackson, Jimmy Horn Jr., Jared Harrison-Hunte, Ryan Fitzgerald, Bam Martin-Scott, Xavier Legette, Chau Smith-Wade, Bryce Young, Ikem Ekwonu, Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, Tommy Tremble, Chuba Hubbard, Jalen Coker, Cade Mays, James Mitchell (was on WAS PS 24, DET IR 23); Bryce Tremayne (WAS PS in 24); LaBryan Ray; Claudin Cherelus; Thomas Incoom; Maema Njongmeta; Akayleb Evans (MIN IR 22).

------------------------------------------------------

Why did Ejiro Evero's defensive unit employ what looked like a soft defense with 2:38 left on the clock? — Bob, Matthews, NC

Love the Cats as a Day One PSL owner. Can someone please explain to me why we go into a prevent defense for the opponent's last drive?? We give them first downs until they get into scoring position to beat us. What's the thinking on this? — Brent, Matthews, NC

There must have been something in the water in Matthews this week. Actually, it was a lot of places, because there were about a dozen versions of this one when I opened the mail.

Which is understandable, because that's what it looked like.

But it's complicated.

On the previous eight times the Rams had the ball, the Rams managed a touchdown, a field goal, three punts, two turnovers on downs (one ending on a blocked punt), and an interception.

All eight of those possessions were called by Ejiro Evero, and it wasn't terribly different than what he had been doing the rest of the game.

Prior to that final possession, a friendly fire collision took out a pair of defensive starters, one of whom was Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn. So on that decisive drive, they had rookie Bam Martin-Scott replacing Claudin Cherelus, and Akayleb Evans, primarily a special teams player, replacing Horn. Also, as you have perhaps noticed this year, the Panthers were not exactly well-stocked in pass-rush options.

Also, as it turns out, Sean McVay is good at calling football plays, and Matthew Stafford is good at executing them.

Sometimes you just get got, and that happens more often when you're playing the best in the game. Fans like it when coaches are aggressive, but when you get too aggressive, without the people to pull it off, you get exposed, and then they yell about something different.

Evero's coming back, unless he gets a head coaching job. Which he might. And in this market, he has skills that translate to certain jobs. (The Raiders, for instance, are expected to use the first overall pick on a quarterback. You think Evero, who was here when Young was drafted in 2023, might have some insight on how to protect that player? That probably came up in his interview this week.)

------------------------------------------------------

Hey Darin, I have been reading the "Ask the Old Guy" section, as well as everything else on the Panthers website, for years now without sending in a comment or question. I love your work and appreciate how you keep us informed and your willingness to answer questions regardless of how obscure. With that in mind, this old guy has a fairly obscure detail that I hope that you can clarify for me. I saw that the Panthers had signed Mapalo Mwansa to a futures contract, and I was wondering if this means that, pending his making either the team or the practice squad next year, he will be eligible to play in a game? In other words, will he still be an IPP player with the same restrictions, or will he be like everyone else? I really like seeing these foreign players make it in the NFL, as it grows the popularity of the sport worldwide. — Eric, Rutherfordton, NC

There is nothing this Mailbag likes like the strange and unusual. There's nothing too obscure here.

So sure, let's talk international exemptions.

The Monday after the Super Bowl, all the players who signed futures contracts this week will join the active roster. And Mwansa will get a roster exemption prior to the start of the offseason program, which effectively offers him a free roster spot, a 91st player. And since the league changed the rules in 2024, teams can carry an international player on the practice squad for the year, a 17th practice squader, and another year to develop. And IPP practice squaders can be activated by standard elevation three times, just like other players on the practice squad.

Mwansa's still unlikely to make the 53 out of training camp next year, but there are reasons to think he's worth developing. He effectively has one year of football training to his name, after a short stint at the IPP academy.

But he's an elite athlete, and he doesn't turn 22 until April. Mwansa ran a 4.45-second 40 at a CFL combine, and when you watch the linebackers on this year's roster do individual drills, he's got the fastest feet among them. Now, he is still learning how to play football, and he's trying to learn the hardest position on the field to play (inside linebacker). They worked him out as a pass-rusher at the IPP camp, but he's not big enough to do that in the NFL (6-2, 230).

Where he shows real potential is as a special teams player. If you are strong and can run fast (check), you can make a living doing that. For instance, they had linebacker Maema Njongmeta on the roster all year; he played 15 games and played five snaps of defense all season. That's where Mwansa could eventually shine.

During the joint practices against the Texans (who are still playing this weekend), Mwansa forced a Houston fumble during a kickoff drill.

"That was big," Mwansa said as he left the field that day with a huge smile on his face. "Now just have to keep working, keep learning, keep stacking days."

And he's going get another year to keep stacking them.

------------------------------------------------------

This is the first time in years I'm optimistic about next year. I see double-digit win totals this time. My question is what do you think are the chances they will re-sign Rico Dowdle? In recent years, anytime they've had two good backs, they let one go. It's been a long time since the days of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. — Frank, Mount Airy, NC

I wouldn't say they're great, primarily because, as a free agent, he gets a choice in this deal, and he didn't sound particularly enthusiastic about it when he talked to reporters as he was packing up.

Usually, a free agent will say something like, "I had a great time here, but I'll leave the business side to my agent, and we'll see what happens, and I'll make the best decision for my family and me."

Instead, Dowdle admitted not getting the bulk of the carries last week was confusing to him, and when asked if he wanted to return, he replied: "I don't really, I don't really know right now. I really don't have an answer for that question if I want to be back or not. I'm just going to see how things go."

People change their minds all the time, and you never know what's going to happen. But the Panthers are going to add someone. Whether it's a draft pick or a free agent, it makes sense to supplement the group that includes Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, and Trevor Etienne. But after listening to Dowdle this week (source, my two ears), it didn't sound like he was really excited for it to be him.

------------------------------------------------------

Hey, Darin, this is the Buddha, as you called me on my last submission. I haven't heard anything on my Friend Of The Mailbag T-shirt.

I hate to be proven wrong, but on this I'm glad I was. I was like a lot of people who thought Isaiah Simmons should have been our pick instead of Derrick Brown. Glad I was proven wrong. My question is, though Simmons was considered a can't-miss, what happened? Is it because even though he was great athlete and football player, he was a square peg in the NFL and didn't fit in any of the round holes? In the second round of the same draft, we picked another square peg named Jeremy Chinn. He also was not a pure linebacker or safety, but was a heck of a football player. Remember when he scored two touchdowns on consecutive downs. The Panthers put a square peg on the board for him. I was sad to see him go because of the business side, but I understand it. Now they have another square peg in Tre'von Moehrg. Once again, the Panthers put a square hole on the board, and he did a great job filling it. Too many football executives and coaches stick to the round holes, and you either fit or you're gone. On the offensive side, think of Taysom Hill with the Saints.

One last thing, and you can drop it if you like, but I would tell the Panthers that the first half counts. Too often this year, they have come out, done great on the first drive, then gone home until halftime. When the second half starts, they're almost always in a hole, and that's why they lost many games and had to come down to heroics at the end of the game. — Marc, Indian Land, SC

Marc, I'm sorry, I'm going to get caught up on mailing T-shirts next week. Been a little busy with the day job lately.

And I'll pass that thing about the first half along, and I'm sure they'll work on that in the next seven months.

Simmons is an interesting case, and I think it's mostly that he fell into some spots that weren't always conducive to success. Fit is always more important than talent, and he was drafted by a team that hasn't found stability lately.

But he's a real talent and has skills that can be used in a lot of ways. He's a free agent this offseason, too, so he gets to make a choice in this deal, too. I could see him becoming one of those special teams players who make an impact for years to come. But he has potential as a matchup problem on defense, too.

------------------------------------------------------

Hey Darin. Longtime reader of your work since the Gaston Gazette days. As a fan, every year I go into a season expecting the team to go undefeated, and then I adjust as the season goes on. (Although I did almost nail it in 2015). While this season didn't go exactly how I envisioned, the fact that we're in the playoffs with a home game for the fans to celebrate the team's return to the postseason feels like a good second year for this Dan and Dave regime. I can not think of a team with this young of a WR room combined with a third-year QB being in this position. Regardless of how Saturday's game goes (I'm expecting a Panthers W, of course), this season has been fun, and I can't wait for the next chapter. — Jermaine, Newport News, VA

Jermaine's seen some things, gang, even if he picked the game wrong.

I worked at the Gaston Gazette for maybe 30 months, from the spring or summer of 1995 to October of 1997.

I loved, loved, loved working there (three loveds, if you're counting), surrounded by a bunch of passionate young people who cared deeply about doing a job, and spending all the time it took to do it, and not caring even a little that we were making $21,000 a year to do it, which was barely enough to afford Waffle House and bad haircuts. I remember on-the-record confirming that legendary coach Dean Smith was retiring (no unnamed sources needed) by finding then-UNC basketball recruit Kris Lang. Called his house, no answer. Called his grandpa, who said he left with his girlfriend. Knew the girlfriend worked at Bojangles on Garrison, so went there, and found Kris, who said, "Yeah, he called me today and told me he was retiring."

I also started covering this particular football team while I was there. The first time I ever got on an airplane in my life was to go to the Panthers first regular-season road game in Buffalo. It had propellers (the plane, not Buffalo). I was in Clemson for the first win in franchise history, and frankly, I looked a little lost in the locker room later. It was a long time ago. But memories were made.

------------------------------------------------------

Welp. Dammit. All packed up Saturday for an overnight trip to the bank, and bam, a bad day hits that comes along with this disease and the medication. Still working full-time, and the choice was pretty easy; I had to rest up to take care of my clients this week, who are going through one of the worst times of their lives. Gave our tickets to a great Panthers family who had the time of their lives. Sitting on the back porch in front of the fire with my beautiful wife and good friends ain't bad. Gotta say, after listening to the interviews with the coach and the players who are leaders, they've adopted what they've obviously been taught their whole lives. It's minute by minute, day by day, week by week. You just Keep Pounding! See ya next year, my friend. — James, Wilmington, NC

It wasn't the same without you, Jimmy. Until next time.

Keep stacking days is the only way. For football teams, and people.

Keep Pounding, sir. And all the people here have your back and are ready to see you in the fall.

------------------------------------------------------

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.

That felt...correct. We proved that we belonged, yet at the same time, also proved that we are not done rebuilding. How do we take the next step in the offseason, continue to rise, and KEEP POUNDING? P.S. I didn't mean to diss Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, I'm just new to the 'Bag and don't know who he is. — Micah, Gastonia, NC

The short answer is people and time. More good players. Another year of teaching the ones on hand.

Jeff is a legend around these parts. When I started writing this 'Bag, he yelled at me because some of the lightning round questions (and my answers) were too long to be considered rapid-fire. And maybe he was right. Some of you people are a little long-winded. And so am I sometimes (#selfawareness).

I'm glad to hear Ejiro Evero will be back next year. I have heard his name pronounced several different ways, and I'm not sure which is correct. Is it Eh-jeer'-o Ev'-er-o? I have also heard Eh-jeer'-o Eh-veer'-oh, like his first and last name rhyme. I try to listen for the correct pronunciation in press conferences and live media from those close to the team, but there is a tendency to use nicknames like Ev. Maybe you can settle this definitively for me. — Deirdre, Tega Cay, SC

You're not the only one confused. That list includes players, other coaches sometimes, and co-workers. He's a good sport, so he'll answer to E or EJ. But for the record, it's pronounced AY-jer-OH eh-VARE-oh.

When is Jonathon Brooks coming back? — Bryan, Saint Pauls, NC

Early in the morning, just about every day. He should be healthy for the start of the offseason, and he's ready to get going. Chuba Hubbard complimented him on his work ethic last week, and, as I told Brooks when relaying the compliment, that's like Manute Bol saying, "That guy's really tall."

Thank you, Darin, Kassidy, and the rest of your crew for providing the insight for this Panthers season! From Inside The Numbers (which contains my favorite Snap Counts) to the human interest features, it's been a year to remember! Now take some time for yourselves and rest up because March will be here before you know it! Can't wait for the next chapter! Keep Pounding! — Jan, Flat Rock, NC

I was going to keep working, but Jan told me to take some time off. I would never argue with Jan.

What a game! It would have been amazing to win, but hard to ask for much more from the team this year. Consistency will come. They have their QB. Bryce was amazing. Coker is even better than we thought. There is an encouraging foundation to build on. Isaiah Simmons seems like someone who needs to stick around and see some playing time in defense. I hate to be that guy, but Greg Olsen was super irritating on the call. He repeatedly refused to give the Panthers credit. I expected better. Oh well, it was a classic. A shame it ended the way it did. — Willie, Birmingham, AL

Greg played here, but he has a national audience. So he has to be fair, which he is. So don't start any beef with Greg and me. JJ Jansen already worked too hard to settle the old one.

Where is the Carolina Panthers' home stadium located? — Linda, New Kensington, PA

The address is 800 S. Mint Street. In reality, the answer is "the center of the universe."

How can I get into the Panthers football team after making it out of college? — Isaac, Virginia Beach, VA

Just like the old joke about the man on the street in New York who asked how to get to Carnegie Hall -- practice, practice, practice.

No question, just the yaaaaa guy. Proud of these guys for the fight. Yaaaaaaaa!!!! — Bart, Monroe, NC

Love Bart's passion (and consistency). He's this week's Friend Of The Mailbag for sending us into the offseason with the right kind of energy.

I think everybody was saying the same thing last Saturday night.