CHARLOTTE — What do you do when the package arrives early? That never happens.
But for the Panthers, and their fans, it has.
There is an honest-to-goodness playoff-level football game happening in Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, which isn't anything we necessarily expected coming into the year of our lord 2025.
Reasonable estimations were that this team should have been better, but no one knew to what degree that was going to be the case. And when the pace got accelerated a few weeks ago when they beat the Rams, the expectations ratcheted up to another level. That created the inevitable whiplash when they lost to the Saints, but even in that loss, there was an immediate recognition that they're still tied for the division lead, with all that entails.
Having the same 7-7 record as the Bucs carries a different meaning for the two teams. For the Bucs, winners of four straight division titles but losers of five of their last six games before the bye, it might be a letdown. But the Panthers are ascending, matching their win total from the last two seasons combined already this season.
That will (hopefully) allow a certain perspective to arrive no matter what happens coming down the stretch. But now that players and fans can see it so close, you can't blame them for the excitement. So after the requisite soaking in the feelings of the loss to the Saints, the Panthers have a genuine excitement about what's right here in front of them.
And when the present is wrapped up and waiting for you, they call that a gift.
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I do not know how many times this team gives me a heart attack. How does this team beat good teams in the NFC, but lose to teams they are supposed to beat? Why is there no kind of consistency with those teams where they can put back-to-back winning games? What are we doing? I want this team to go into the playoffs, but this team is not consistent. It is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, one week they are good and can defeat top teams, the next they lose to teams they should beat. How can fans expect this team to make the playoffs and at least win if we can't even win against teams we are supposed to win at all? — Anthony, Fayetteville, NC
That "supposed to" is doing a lot of work in that question.
In this NFL, there is no accurate way to declare anything as likely, especially anything in the NFC South. This division is messy even when all the teams in it are good, so anticipating a linear progression of anything seems almost unfair. In this division, there's always one team that gives another one fits in ways that defy logic. The Bucs thought they were supposed to beat the Falcons last week, particularly when they had six guys around a loose fumble on the ground. But then the Falcons recovered that ball, and won the game in unlikely fashion. The reality is, no one can assume anything in this division.
And with the Panthers as young as they are in their development as a team, it's also unfair to assume they've learned the lesson of consistency. The teams that can do that are few, and they're the ones playing for bye weeks instead of scrambling for playoff berths.
The Panthers have made incredible progress to be able to post wins like the ones against the Rams, Packers, and Cowboys. They're still not far enough along that they can discount the ones like the Saints, Saints, and others. Look at Buffalo for inspiration, because the Bills are the kind of consistent winners you should aspire to. But the same team that lost to the Falcons just came back from a 21-0 deficit to beat the 11-3 Patriots. When the "good" teams ride those waves, how do you expect the younger teams to navigate them smoothly?
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How, with an extra week of preparation, can this team still continue to look down on an opponent? Why did they already look ahead to Tampa and look past the Saints? Why do they have to make things so frustrating? It's a game like this that makes the team continue to look years away from competing. — Eric, Brick Township, NJ
As the noted Eastern philosopher John Fox liked to say, "the other team practices too."
The Saints had something to do with this, as well, so it's not simply a function of things the Panthers did or did not do.
There are too many cats in that locker room who practice (and preach) the daily-ness of it all to make me think they were looking past anyone. They just got got. And that happens in the NFL all the time.
Also, Eric, this is where averages are your friend. The Saints game should not make you think any way about the Panthers' ability to compete at a high level, any more than the Rams game should have. The Panthers are 7-7 right now, and that seems like a reasonable representation of where they are as a team.
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I know ATOG isn't a confessional, nor am I Catholic, but all the same, I must say, "Forgive me, Darin, for I have sinned." I wrote in a while back about needing a laugh as we "stared down the barrel" of facing the Rams. Keeping my expectations and hopes and dreams for my team in the basement this whole season, especially after that 1-3 start, has been a defense mechanism against entering cardiac arrest during the Miami, Dallas, Green Bay, Atlanta, and LA games, and I refuse to keep them there anymore.
This is it. The cellar doors are open. Last spring, I predicted to my closest friends (the ones who wouldn't laugh at me as much or don't really care about football) that Carolina could go 10-7 and take the division. We all woke up this morning to learn that Atlanta had joined New Orleans in ruining Todd Bowles' evening, and I saw a short video of Terry Bradshaw emphatically shouting "Why not Carolina?" while Gronk kept grunting about BY's inconsistencies over him.
I suppose this isn't so much a question as it is a statement. Panthers fans: We've watched our team fall from dominance and languish amongst the bottom feeders of the league for a long time now. But it's time. I'm too poor to afford tickets to that Week 16 Bucs game (my wife and I have a tiny Panthers fan due in January and we have to save every dime) but I want y'all to make the Bank the loudest stadium in the country next weekend, and I'll be chanting our motto as loud as I can from home, right along with you all. KEEP POUNDING! KEEP POUNDING!! KEEP POUNDING!!! — Layton, Raleigh, NC
Layton, go say five Yale Larys, and sin no more. Hope that isn't sacrilegious, because I like this new Pope. Saw a picture of him in his younger days in Chicago, wearing dark glasses, and he looked like the third Blues Brother. And the fact that he prefers the White Sox to the Cubs suggests he has a certain character, since he has chosen the more difficult path. I admire it.
I also dig the enthusiasm, Layton. Love the passion.
Again, at this point in the season, anything else the Panthers accomplish seems like gravy. They've already attained the "show steady improvement" phase of development. And now that it's here, might as well lean into it.
Will you be crushed if they lose some of these big games in the next three weeks? Probably. But you've found the thing to care about, and after too many Decembers talking draft positions and prospects, this seems refreshing.
And since you can't be with us in person. I'll at least make you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, and get the appropriate honorarium on the way to keep you in the appropriate spirit.
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Is there any way that the Keep Pounding chant can be promoted at the start of every defensive drive in the final two regular-season home games against the Bucs and the Seahawks? Or maybe quarter?
This team and their fans really need a motivational boost right now. The Keep Pounding chant is our battle cry.
Go Panthers — let's destroy Tampa and Seattle over these next three weeks. KEEP POUNDING!!!!! — Zach, Charlotte, NC
There's one surefire way to hear it. Start it. Get it going in your section, and watch it grow.
When those organic fan-led chants start, they have a certain power. I heard it in Atlanta, and I even heard a few from behind the glass in Green Bay. That was unexpected and cool.
But two weeks ago, against the Rams, in the rain and the cold, it came through loud and clear. And that was a moment.
This is going to be one of the biggest home games in years, and it doesn't need external hype. There is a built-in anticipation that comes with time, there are stakes, and the weather's going to be perfect, so it should be a full house.
And once all your neighbors start making that joyful noise, I guarantee the players will hear it. Speaking of joyful noise, I'm imagining your teachers celebrating when they get to Christmas break and don't have to consider you GETTING BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
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Hi DG, I just don't understand how Ejiro Evero still has a job after the absolutely embarrassing performance in Week 16 must-win game against the Saints. We all know that this was going to be better than last season which they are against the run. But really bad against the pass. But I must admit the Saints game Week 16 this game was the worst game Evero has ever coached in Carolina. He had over 10 days to prepare for the game getting Jaycee Horn and others back, yet the defense literally got destroyed in the air. Up 7-0, the defense committed so many stupid penalties. But on top of that they allow the Saints to have 17-play drive which resulted in 95 yard touchdown that is unacceptable. What is even more frustrating up 17-10 in the fourth quarter the defense got best up so easily in the air. Then 17-17 game forget about the stupid penalty by Ransom The defense again allow the Saints to complete easy deep downfield pass. One would expect in a must-win game for the defense to show up play hard but they didn't do that. — Shaked, Charlotte
Here we go again.
I'd say it might have something to do with making the defense about 15 spots better in the rankings than it was a year ago.
Was that the defensive performance you hang your hat (or your resume) on? Of course not. But it's also not the norm over the course of the long season. And that's the point.
This has generally been a stable group this year. As Mike Jackson pointed out Monday, a lot of the individual things being discussed haven't been problems for the bulk of the year.
Repeat after me: One of anything isn't a trend. And the body of work on defense this year has been solid.
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Merry Christmas, Darin. Short and sweet. Can you explain why Xavier Legette is still in the starting lineup? At this stage of the season, I think Brycen Tremayne offers more upside! Thanks. — Thomas, Winston Salem, NC
Ho, ho, ho. Thomas getting a holiday greeting in and trying to shake up the lineup in one short question.
I think part of it might be that Legette is big and strong and fast, and can make plays like the 34-yarder Sunday. And that's not to say Tremayne can't (he had a great preseason, and is a key part of their special teams), but Legette is a different athlete.
The way Dave Canales builds an offense, there's a focal point in the passing game, and that's obviously Tetairoa McMillan. But there's still room for other guys to step up, as you've seen from Jalen Coker over the last month, and Legette at times.
XL can also impact the game as a blocker, as he's been in the mix on a number of big plays from Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard over the last handful of games.
His stats are a little off last year's pace, but he's also playing with a guy who is on pace for a 1,000-yard season. That matters too.
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First, I am as disappointed as anyone with Sunday's results, but let's take a step back for a moment. At the beginning of this year, I was simply hoping to increase our win total to between 7 and 9. That seemed reasonable. If you had told me we would be competing for the division I'm not sure I would even have believed you. So to my fellow disappointed fans, keep things in perspective, keep hoping, and of course, Keep Pounding!
My question would have to be where do you think we need to add depth the most when we draft? I say linebacker. My son says cornerback. What are your thoughts? — Chet, Myrtle Beach, SC
Even with the strides made on defense this year — and they have been significant — they need more dudes on that side of the ball.
The Panthers had 5.0 sacks Sunday, but that moved them to just 23.0 for the season, which is 29th in the league. So adding pass-rush help, to supplement the development of Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, will be important.
But the inside linebacker spot will also be a focus of the offseason. They have six on the roster now, but veterans Christian Rozeboom and Krys Barnes are going to be unrestricted free agents, and second-year special teamer Maema Njongmeta and rookie Bam Martin-Scott have mostly played special teams. So they clearly need to augment that position.
The Panthers have always had a strong tradition of inside linebacker play, from Sam Mills through the current general manager, Dan Morgan, all the way to Luke Kuechly. So beefing up that spot is always something to consider.
I'm not saying cornerback isn't a need, but I don't think it's as much of one as some other spots. That's partially because Horn and Jackson are under contract, but also because of the development of Corey Thornton. He had earned more playing time and was doing good things when he broke his ankle in San Francisco, and he'll come into camp a more established player, for whom they have plans.
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Hi Darin, I dont really have a lot to say about Sunday's loss to the Saints. (No, that's a false statement. We all know that I can't do anything in 25 words or less.) Anyway, those guys seem to always play us tough, especially in their building. I'm still very gung-ho about our Panthers, but that doesn't mean we didn't play poorly in some areas. Too many penalties, most of which came at the most inopportune times. Too many dropped passes. Not enough solid, consistent blocking up front. Too many times the defense couldn't get off the field after 3rd downs. And some questionable play-calling throughout the game. But hey, when I woke up Monday morning, the sun was shining, and I found myself above ground for another day. The world really didn't end during the night, and we still have a good NFL football team in BOA Stadium. Praise the Lord!
OK - my question. It really didn't look like Rico was running as hard as he had been before his injury. To me, he looked somewhat tentative, hitting the line of scrimmage, and wasn't crashing into the holes with the same reckless abandon and punishing force that he had been earlier in the season. Is he still having some issues from the injury? Is he more protective of his body than before? I hope he's back in great shape and my eyes just misinterpreted what they were seeing. I'm still Chuba's No. 1 fan, but we've got to have them both if we're going to have a successful stretch run. — Jeff, Concord, NC
I still think it has a lot to do with the Saints being pretty salty as a run defense and able to cause problems for a lot of people.
Rico went to the medical tent Sunday but came back without missing a series, and he still looks capable. I think Chuba is also able to make some big plays. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they start making them soon. And yes, I agree, Jeff, having both is better than having one or the other.
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Seen some people retract a mailbag question and submit another. Hopefully, it's not too late to do so this week. While my previous question about sliding penalties stands, I think I know what the response would be based on what Canales had to say to the media yesterday. Props to that guy, by the way. May we all have such tact and poise in the face of frustration, disappointment, and criticism. He seems downright unflappable.
Now, for the big news: I recently purchased a well-worn pair of Carolina Panthers sweatpants at Goodwill, and lo and behold, there was a crystal ball in the pocket of them. There were no initials on the laundry tag to confirm, but based on the marinara stains, I am confident they once belonged to one Benjamin Lee McAdoo.
That's right, everybody, I can now see the future! Spoilers to follow:
Turns out, the Panthers continue the alternating win-loss pattern they began in Week 7 and carry it out for the rest of the year. Fortunately, that is good enough to sweep the Bucs and win the division. Sure, they lose in the first round of the playoffs, but they make the playoffs. That is a lot better than we expected out of this very young, rebuilding team, and is something to be celebrated! Besides, I don't think most of us are emotionally ready for the stress of a deep playoff run just yet.
Anyway, that's all I've got. I'd love to share the winning lotto numbers, but the only thing on this crystal ball other than football scores is a recipe for chicken tetrazzini. If you want the recipe, just let me know. Keep Pounding! — Jake, Candler, NC
Jake found Ben McAdoo's other pants! You have to promise to only use your powers for good.
In a perfect world, the Panthers could do things multiple weeks in a row. But if they're going to sync things up to a pattern, this is the right time to do it.
And I seldom say this, but I think I agree with JJ Jansen on this topic. It's hard for defenders to know what part of a person to try to tackle when that thing is falling.
I'm also not arguing with Sir Isaac Newton, because the only thing that caused Derrick Brown to fall on Tyler Shough was gravity.
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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.
Pure lack of coaching ability, predictable running pattern, Canales should be fired he should not be the play caller. Tepper needs new defensive coordinator new head coach and find a QB that is either accurate, fast release or can run. This will be by last year as PSL owner, HEARTBROKEN fan. — Jerome, Kernersville, NC
Yeah, they should absolutely get rid of everyone responsible for going from two wins to five to seven, with a chance to go to the playoffs. That makes perfect sense.
So close but yet so far away! New Orleans is always a tough game for us. Seems to me in the short and a foot we try and hand off into the teeth of a tough defense! You know they are coming. Wouldn't it make sense to have a running back or like the Saints have a QB that can take a snap and get that tough yard! Bryce is coming but he won't ever be that stud QB that can get a "tough yard!" He will sneak a few in but you can't hardly take the time to turn and hand off because they are waiting on you! Thoughts? — Walter, Gastonia, NC
I think having a 250-pound quarterback who might have been the best goal-line runner of his generation ruined a lot of people. There's more than one way to skin a cat (if cat-skinning is a thing you're into). Until he grows five or six inches and gains 30 pounds, Bryce isn't going to be a guy who runs a sneak. But there are a lot of other plays to call, and those fourth-down touchdown bombs against the Rams are another way to do business.
Work with what you've got, not what you don't have.
I knew the Saints were going to be a tough matchup. This one was completely brutal. Why does it always have to be so hard for the Panthers? Other teams seem to complete a handful of passes every game with wide-open receivers. That never happens for the panthers. Why is that? The touchdown pass to Coker was the most beautiful throw I've seen. No Panthers QB that I've ever watched has ever made a throw like that. There is hope, but it had to be ugly. Why? — Willy, Birmingham, AL
Because if it were easy, you wouldn't appreciate it as much. Doing hard things on purpose builds character.
Been a fan since Day 1. Seen it all the good and the bad. When are they going to get a good QB to get to the next level? Right now the Panthers are a good team but need that QB to make them great. Tell the owner to spend some of his billions and get that QB. Last of all in the NFL you have to be great all the time to be a winner. Look how many QBs they let go and are doing great. I'll watch the game this week and hope for a miracle. — John, Largo, FL
The funny thing is, many of you were ready to ditch all those previous quarterbacks at the time and draft one. Maybe the best idea is not changing every year, and letting something grow.
The alternative? Philip Rivers, or bringing back Vinny Testaverde.
Is Dave Canales still calling the plays for the offense? Do you think the team should get a full-time offensive coordinator to do the play calling? — Mark, Windsor, CA
I don't know, is Philip Rivers available, or maybe Vinny Testaverde? Unless you're bringing back Dan Henning, it might be hard to upgrade.
I don't think the play-calling is the issue some people do, in part because I've seen the progression in the last few years.
FINALLY taking the plunge and submitting a question for the first time, glad to be here!!!
I was hoping to get a deeper understanding as to why Jaycee Horn doesn't shadow the other team's No. 1 WR? I know Canales has said their scheme doesn't necessarily allow for that, but it seems plausible to me that if that was the case a few big plays could have been prevented in some games that could have swung the needle in our favor. — Samuel, Lewisville, NC
Well, what have you been waiting for, Samuel?
Mostly, they don't want to disrupt the entire system for one of anything. It's not like running a box-and-one in basketball; having a cornerback travel with one guy has layers of trickle-down effects, since it changes the communication and coordination of the whole secondary. Not sure it's worth it, since you have a talented corner in Mike Jackson on the other side.
I have thought of so many different ways to say this, but none of them felt right, so I'll stick with this: WHAT WAS THAT? — Micah, Gastonia, NC
Possibly the set-up to something legendary. Tune in Sunday, and let's see what happens.
