CHARLOTTE — I'm far too old to go wishing days away, but I can't wait for Saturday night.
This is going to be an event the likes of which this city hasn't seen in a decade or so.
Primarily because this is the first home playoff game at Bank of America Stadium in a decade.
The Panthers and the Rams in the wild card round is something no one would have anticipated at the beginning of the season, and defying expectations is why we watch sports anyway.
But seeing the city rise up (Thanks, Atlanta; too soon?) for this kind of event is one of my favorite things as a Charlottean.
People are nicer when the local professional ball teams are doing well. They let each other merge in traffic, and wave when they do. They're high-fiving strangers who wear the same shirt. It's awesome.
And the atmosphere here is going to be electric. There are all kinds of stars on the way here (Not just the one), and we have surprises in store for you.
We have lots of football here on the website, and lots of mail to get to, so for a moment, let's just drink it in. This is why we do the thing.
Come join us and enjoy.
------------------------------------------------------
I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear that we don't deserve to be there. That we backed into our spot. That we don't stand a chance. Because whether anyone likes it or not, we are there and that means we do have a chance.
So if you could make one thing a priority for a Panthers win, what would that be? I would go with the old adage that fortune favors the bold and be aggressive, take shots downfield, go for it on fourth (OK, we already do that one), but I would lay everything out there. Probably just one of many reasons I'm not a coach! Interested to read what you think. I will be at the game. I'm a PSL owner, and I don't think there is any amount of money that would make me give up my seat! — Chet, Myrtle Beach, SC
Why apologize? That's just talk social media fodder, and the less time spent there, the saner you'll be. (Letting everyone publish was a terrible mistake.)
There are 18 teams wishing they were busy this weekend. For the first time since 2017, the Carolina Panthers are not among them.
And they're here, in part, because they were aggressive.
The Panthers converted more fourth downs than any team in the league this year (27). They attempted the second-most (40, trailing only the Jets with 41, and there's a difference between choosing to and having to).
But that's a philosophical stance, and one they share with the Rams. The Panthers are fourth in the league in fourth down conversion percentage at 67.5 percent, just ahead of the Rams' 66.7 (20-of-30). And Sean McVay is recognized as being one of the smart ones. So why not be in the same company?
Also, this is the playoffs, this is the time to empty your bag. That doesn't mean being reckless, but if all things are close to being equal, why not? That being said, my recommendations come largely from the kind of bedrock football that works for decades at a time. Run a lot, when you throw, throw deep, and take it away from the other guy more than they take it away from you. If I'm not careful, Dave Canales might offer me a job on staff.
------------------------------------------------------
OK, they are in the playoffs, and my prediction for a Panthers-Steelers Super Bowl is still alive! Keep Pounding!
My question is can we beat the Rams twice? Will the offense be as aggressive as it was in the first meeting? If they had been more aggressive on Saturday, they would've beaten the Bucs! Frustrating!!! — Roger, Matthews, NC
They beat the Falcons twice, and that's why they're here. (I understand that's not the same.)
My suspicion is that Canales will think back to what worked against the Rams, but not Xerox that game plan. McVay's smart enough to adjust, so they have to be ready to. He's also probably smart enough to create a PDF and print it rather than Xerox, which I am not.
Also, your prediction is still alive this week, Roger. And the fact that you knew the Ravens were going to miss a field goal and the Falcons would create a three-way tie means you're a true seer, and we may never need the crystal ball in Ben McAdoo's other pants again.
Either that or you've been out in the woods with Aaron Rodgers, who can be sure?
------------------------------------------------------
How can we make sure that Cam Newton gets to pound the Keep Pounding drum before this playoff game this Saturday? I've already heard that Cam is down for it. Call him up and see for yourself. — Jake, Breaux Bridge, LA
Hey, that's weird. I know a Jake from Breaux Bridge, and that doesn't seem like a message he'd send. It didn't have any typos.
Quite an idea, but the pregame entertainment isn't my department. I'll see what I can find out between now and then. But maybe show up early just so you don't miss it.
------------------------------------------------------
I've read your column for a number of years, have had many questions, but talked myself out of writing until now. My question is a bit unusual. Considering all the help the Falcons gave us this year, I was wondering if you could contact someone at their organization to see if there is a charity they would like to see Panthers fans donate to. I'd like to send them a concrete kind of thanks. I've seen other teams do this sort of thing. I feel like this a way to win twice. And thank you for all the good columns over the years, too! — Bob, Wise, VA
Thanks, Bob, and I'm all for it.
I can tell you that Dee Alford, the guy with the game-sealing interception, chose the Village Kids Youth Center for his My Cause My Cleats beneficiary earlier this season.
According to their website (at this link), "The Village Kids is dedicated to empowering youth to unlock their full potential by providing access to transformative experiences, mentorship, and resources. Our mission is to create a state-of-the-art youth center in Spalding County, where young people can develop their skills, build confidence, and connect with opportunities that inspire them to lead and succeed."
Helping kids seems reasonable, considering all the kids in the Carolinas and beyond he helped out.
Appreciate you, and come back.
------------------------------------------------------
Greetings! The last time the Panthers made the playoffs, I was in third grade. Thankfully, they make the playoffs the year I graduate from high school. What great timing!
During Week 11, I was on a bus headed back home from Charlottesville after a Model UN conference, and I listened to the game as we drove down historic US Route 29. We reached Lynchburg by halftime of the game, and we all expected to boogie down the highway into NC by the game's conclusion. In a failed attempt to find fast food for everyone on the bus, the driver took a wrong turn and headed down US Highway 221 towards the independent city of Galax.
We were going in the wrong direction and passing signs we had never seen before in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the driver must have realized we were going in the wrong direction and drove us straight back to Lynchburg. Amidst all of this, the Panthers converted two fourth downs to take a late lead over the Falcons, and I was screaming like I won the lottery in the back of the bus. I got a lot of dirty looks from some girls on the bus a few rows ahead of me who clearly did not enjoy an 18-year-old screaming "YESSSS" and "T-MAC TOUCHDOWN" at the top of my lungs, but it was worth it. I guess they just didn't understand how important that moment was going to be in the course of the season. When the Panthers ended up winning in OT, I screamed even louder, forcing the bus driver to pull over at the nearest Wendy's. I enjoyed the rest of the bus ride staring dreamily at the scenic countryside outside as we cruised victoriously back down US Route 29.
US Route 29 passes through seven states in the southeastern United States, starting in Alabama and ending in Maryland. What makes US Route 29 great? Its diversity. It is a road full of diverse landscapes, travelers, and stories — and it actually passes right by Bank of America Stadium on South Mint Street and South Graham Street.
How has the diversity of all the individual backgrounds of every member of the Carolina Panthers organization contributed to this successful, division championship season? Signed, Veteran Hodophile — Zach, Charlotte
Maybe the only thing more diverse than an NFL locker room is the United Nations.
It's truly representative of every corner of the country, every race, creed, and age.
Not long after 21-year-old rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton got drafted, he met almost-40-year-old long snapper JJ Jansen, and said: "My mom's your age."
That's a story about how two people with very little in common work together for a shared goal.
There's also a standing card game in the locker room that often includes Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, Rico Dowdle, Tetairoa McMillan, and punter Sam Martin, of course. If you can draw a Venn diagram that includes those five cats, I'd love to see it.
It does seem like the team has taken on a certain character, an Island of the Misfit Toys kind of vibe. When people who are different get together, they tend to find bonds they didn't realize they had to begin with. And frankly, that's a lesson for us all.
Also, Zach, that's not why the girls on the bus were giving you dirty looks. But you should not concern yourself with this at this point in your young life. When they get older, they'll wish they were with a guy who knew words like "hodophile."
Which you knew, because you continue to GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH. (Keep learning new words, so your future partners will swoon at your ability to help them finish their crosswords.)
------------------------------------------------------
Since the Panthers are NFC South champs, will they receive any kind of ring? Like a division championship ring? — Garry, Honaker, VA
You can't be giving out jewelry for division titles, or when you became a truly good team, people would be walking around looking like Mr. T.
They all got hats and T-shirts for winning the division, and you'd be alarmed at what people will do for a free T-shirt.
All you had to do was send a question in, and now you're the Friend Of The Mailbag, with all the rights and privileges that entails.
2025 NFC South Champions Gear
------------------------------------------------------
Now that I'm looking at this "crystal ball" a little closer, I think it might just be a really big marble. Maybe this mildly sauce-stained orb wasn't projecting any visions of the future at all? Maybe it was only me, projecting my own heart's desire upon its opaque surface and divining from it a kind of fool's gold? At any rate, it was wrong about the game, and I chucked it into the French Broad River (Wilma Dykeman, forgive me) so it could never fool anyone again. My bad, you guys.
I could say a lot about yesterday's game (it's Sunday morning as I write this), but it seems like the media and fans alike have already clambered to the internet to make those feelings known. Besides, I've been the "refs screwed us" guy enough as it is this season. The bottom line is that these things happen to varying degrees of blatancy all the time in sports, and it is on a given team to do enough with the fair shakes they do get to come out on top.
I have mixed feelings about our fate coming down to a game between two of our rivals, but that is just the NFC South in a nutshell. I don't think Tampa really did enough yesterday to show they deserved to be conference champs, either, so at least it is still essentially a flip of the coin. I'm with Bryce on the matter, in that I don't know if I'll watch. The Panthers didn't do enough with what was in their power to control, and that is what matters.
My (perhaps final?) question for the season is about the run game. It was really good last year with Chuba Hubbard toting the rock. It was arguably better earlier this season when Chuba was hurt, and Rico Dowdle was playing out of his mind. I am not saying that Rico is better than Chuba, but I think that the Panthers' run game has not been the same since Chuba got healthy and Dave began to deploy this two-party system in the backfield. I know the o-line is banged up too, but things just look disjointed, and neither runner has been able to establish a rhythm. Do you think the Panthers should return to a single back system? Whether it be at home for the playoffs this year or in next season's opener (if Rico is even around), I think they need to pick a guy and let him work. The RB2 can come in to spell him.
Since I'm writing from the past, you will be the one with knowledge of the future when we speak again. Regardless of the outcome, my friend, Keep Pounding! — Jake, Candler, NC
I mean, you bought the thing at Goodwill, what did you expect?
Many people had mixed feelings about last Saturday, and then they evaporated Sunday afternoon.
I don't think it's likely that they'd lean into either one at the exclusion of the other. I keep going back to the first Rams game, when they had 40 carries for 164, and Hubbard went 17 for 83, and Rico was 18 for 58. If those two combine for 35 carries on Sunday, the news is likely good.
The Panthers averaged 31.8 rushing attempts per game in their eight wins, but 23.0 per game in their nine losses.
"Good things happen when you run the ball; you run the ball when good things happen," Canales said earlier this year. "It works both ways, and it's a part of who we are."
This issue might resolve itself in the offseason, since Dowdle is a free agent and gets to make his own decisions about his future. But until then, I think they're going to roll them both in there and see what happens.
------------------------------------------------------
Not the result anyone wanted yesterday, but I'm having none of the "they don't deserve to be in the playoffs after having chances to achieve that by themselves". The tiebreakers that might favor them in case of a Falcons win were achieved by them - and what has the Bucs "achieved" in needing the Saints to win to clinch? Anyway, my son (the Falcons fan at home) is really happy about being the Santa Claus for the day, about bringing joy to his little sister and the rest of the family (he even offered a Bijan shirt for her to wear today, in a kind spirit way, not a mean one). So until the end we'll hope the players, staff, and everyone there on the Panthers get into the playoffs.
The question needs your wisdom (it's not yet about the refs - holding that for the offseason still) after seeing a lot of staffs and front offices during those 30 years: does this current version correctly identify what the issues are with the players, schemes, and also take reasonable actions to fix those? Not that every action will work (that's sports and life), but at least they make sense. After reading your article on the development of the mindset of the program, I was curious to know if, to an experienced observer, those other things also happen there. Thanks! — Fernando, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Thanks for that. The story about how Canales invests in his young coaches and his young players was one of my favorites lately, and it's central to what he does.
This is a pretty accountable group, on the whole. Canales does the "Tell the Truth Monday" thing after games, where they talk openly about the stuff that needs to be fixed, then they go work on fixing it.
And time will tell what happens in Year 3 of this administration and beyond (and man, it's nice to not be covering a coaching or GM search for the second year in a row), but I can tell you these things are happening on purpose.
When Dan Morgan took over as general manager, he inherited a team that allowed 65 sacks the year before, when they ran through seven left guards and eight right guards in the 2023 season. So he invested in guard Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Results improved.
The following year, they ranked 32nd in most of the defensive categories, but were particularly egregious against the run, so he spent his money on linemen and linebackers and safety Tre'von Moehrig, who is part of the run defense equation. Results improved.
They're very intentional about the things they do, and self-scouting is part of the culture. Which is the right place to start.
------------------------------------------------------
Sister's socks had a .259 win percentage (7-27 over 2 seasons). Socks from the back closet you sent last Christmas currently have a .471 win percentage (8-9 this season). There's the only proof of progress you need, backed up by numbers and superstitions that don't lie. Here's to them — socks and Panthers — getting to .500 this Saturday! — Dustin, Advance, NC
Man, it took me a minute of thinking I was hallucinating (possible, this has been a big coffee and Diet Coke week), before I remembered Dustin used to live in Canada and I sent him a pair of socks from the fabulous prize closet last year, to replace the socks his sister gave him, which apparently weren't so lucky.
If they prove to be lucky, you can never throw them away. I have socks from when I was in college that have no magical powers other than availability.
But as you know, being a learned man who follows football, that is the ultimate ability.
------------------------------------------------------
Hey Darin! Probably a late question, but I'm still drying out from Saturday night. My fault, everybody, moved to 0-6 in Panthers games in FL since I moved here.
Are roster rules any different in the playoffs than in the regular season? If Chandler Zavala or Hunt are not fully active come this weekend, can they still be activated afterwards if Carolina moves on? Can you still move around practice squad players or add players like how the Packers picked up Diggs? Thanks! Keep Pounding! — James, Sarasota, FL
Hopefully you haven't mildewed. Although a lot of people are going to make this your fault and hold you accountable.
Teams can still adjust the roster, sign guys, and make changes to the practice squad like normal.
With Hunt and Zavala, they can be activated any time during their 21-day window. Hunt seems likely to be this week, and Zavala can be activated. Fortunately for the Panthers, their relative health this year allows them the space to bring Zavala back for a second time if they keep playing.
Teams can only bring back eight guys from injured reserve in a season, and so far, they've only used five of those slots. LaBryan Ray, Jalen Coker, Austin Corbett, Zavala the first time, and David Moore have come back from IR to play. Hunt would be six, and Zavala's probably the only other real possibility this year, though Patrick Jones II is ramping up his work on the side in the return-to-play protocol.
------------------------------------------------------
Since Jalen Coker was recently promoted to WR2, can you see him flirting with 1,000 yards next season, if healthy? P.S. Happy Half Hour is a great show. You both are always very insightful. Cheers! — Donnie, Charlotte
Possible, but the way Dave Canales calls plays, one guy tends to be the focal point, and that's going to be McMillan. If Jalen continues to develop, it's possible because he's a big, physical receiver who has great hands and can move around the field to create matchups.
We appreciate you listening. I love having Kassidy around here. She may not always realize this, but she's been a tremendous addition to our team, and I appreciate her as a human being as well as a co-worker.
------------------------------------------------------
Let's say we lose Saturday (and so do the Falcons Sunday), just what will you make of the season? For me, it would still be a success, though one with some question marks. The potential of making the playoffs feels more like a culture leap than anything else; Despite beating great teams, I don't think 99 percent of us have any expectation of making a run to the Super Bowl.
This season has been wildly inconsistent, but has left a lot to be happy with.
- T-Mac is surefire hit, and not only that, Scourton has only improved throughout the season, and seems to be developing his pass rush while already being a significant contributor against the run. We've picked up quality players in the later rounds, too, with Mitchell Evans, Lathan Ransom, and Jimmy Horn Jr.. It's too soon to say, but this appears to be one of our best classes in some time.
- COACHING. Sure, it's not been flawless, but Canales has seemed far more comfortable, and Ejiro Evero has shown what he can do with some real players on defense. Also, how about the fact that we've basically been dealt a different configuration of the OL 85 percent of our games, and held up remarkably despite that?
- Culture and resiliency may just be the biggest thing. The team looked young, and even looked awful some weeks, but never have they looked like they don't care, and have demonstrated the ability to bounce back week to week, no matter how discouraging the circumstances.
I'll be disappointed if we miss the playoffs, but I won't be broken. I'd just like to hear some of your takeaways from the season and what has made you the most hopeful. — Derek, Hickory, NC
I love that Derek drove his stake in the ground pre-Week 18. And I largely agree with him.
But my main takeaway from the season is that it isn't over, and that's monumental news.
This year has been all about development, about stabilizing the roster and the culture. Last year was a good first step; this year, they put some more meat on the bones.
They're not where they need to be yet; they need more people and more time.
But man, the difference between where this team was and where it is now is ridiculous. This is now a competent professional football team in the NFL's big middle, and once you add to that, results should improve.
At a certain point, they'll have to get better at some concrete things (like winning more than one game in a row), and the Saints are improving, the Bucs are the Bucs, and the Falcons have a lot of young talent on defense for a new coach, so you never know how that's going to turn out.
But this year was a win regardless of last week's results, and regardless of Saturday's.
The credit for that goes to Canales and Morgan. It's easy to talk about process, building, and being patient. It's a lot harder to walk that walk, and they've done it.
------------------------------------------------------
Okay, seriously dude - you're startin' to freak me out. The last Mailbag I can find is dated December 26th. Is that right? Or is my new iPhone 17 Pro Max already cheating on me? I'm praying that it's not your health…I know you've been working because I've read like, what, 500+ articles you've written in this same time span (all of which were quite excellent, I might add). And trust me, I can absolutely imagine how busy you are because of the importance of this particular week.
So, help your Mailbag buddies out a little here. Is everything good with you on your end? . . .
Oh, and one last very important shout-out to Don in Trinity, my household will be enjoying pinto beans, cornbread, and pork chops in memory of your sweet wife this Sunday - because WE are family, and family should celebrate one another. Gone but certainly never forgotten, brother. This family is here with you and wrapping you in our prayers. #KeepPounding — Jeff, Concord, NC
I am a creature of habit, and for 16 weeks a year, this 'Bag lands in your box on Tuesdays. So I appreciate Jeff recognizing that we've been out of sequence.
When they start changing my days, I get all jacked up; my wife hates it when I say, "This week, Tuesday's a Wednesday." So when my Mailbag day becomes practice/open locker room/all the other things day, this gets pushed back.
But I want to keep doing this as long as they're playing, because to Jeff's second point, this is a family.
I've had people reach out to the Mailbag from their deathbeds. I've had readers connect with other readers. I've gotten to know some of you at a different level, and may or may not have written recommendations for some of you. I'm humbled that it's become this kind of place.
The spirit of community is one of the things that sustains us as a society, keeps us sane when the world goes mad, and brings meaning to life.
So Jeff out here making sure I wasn't asleep in the ditch (possible) or that Don's not feeling isolated after the death of his wife while continuing their game-day rituals, that's what makes this place special, and that's why I'll keep doing it as long as I can.
------------------------------------------------------
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.
I knew I had to pull for the Dirty Birds. This just feels wrong as I am watching the Falcons and Saints now. I hope the Falcons win today, but I think I need a shower. I feel unclean pulling for them. I am used to pulling against Saints, no conflicts there. — JP, Yadkinville, NC
My enemy's enemy is my friend is convenient, but perhaps not the most virtuous way to go through life. And schadenfreude is unbecoming of a lot of people. But I'm also one of the pettiest people you'll ever meet. My stamina for carrying grudges around is endless.
As long as you've showered since then, consider yourself absolved. Say three Yale Larys, go forth and sin no more.
What jersey color are we wearing on Saturday for the playoffs? — Shane, Huntersville, NC
Darin, excellent writing on the "Development" feature! It really struck a chord as my own journey has been education, but mostly with 3-6 year olds going on 50 years! Maybe Coach Dave has room for another if I ever decide to retire! You earn a gold star! Keep Pounding! — Jan, Flat Rock, NC
I appreciate you Jan. And I appreciate that gold star. My mom will be so proud. Now what I really need is a snack and nap time.
Darin - your hair, explain. Feel free to unleash your full breadth and depth of sarcasm, bonus point for tying in a Panthers football analogy. Enjoy reading your stuff, Go Panthers — Micah, Matthews, NC
I don't know, I just stopped getting it cut for a few months, then found a great stylist (Thanks, Janna at Shine Salon) who keeps me looking good. I'm afraid that if I cut it, I'll start making crappy albums like Metallica did. Two years ago at training camp, when Ted Lasso was still a thing, the team barber started calling me "Trent Crimm," and I'll take that. That dude had glorious hair. Saw the barber in the stadium again today, and told him I'd get back to him when I was ready (not really, when it comes to marriages and hair stylists, I am monogamous.).
But yeah, it's just hair. Kevin Greene had long hair until he cut it to wrestle, and Christian Rozeboom is letting it fly now. Respect the flow.
How can one officiating crew miss so many calls on behalf of one team? While it seems cheap to fault a group of refs. Well, the fact that even commentators are pointing out how much is missed really says something. — Eric, Brick Township, NJ
At least they didn't go full Hochuli and tell Bryce Young and TMac they weren't old enough to get that call. JJ Jansen never gets that treatment.
The play calling in those conditions? Flea flicker? Don't deserve the playoffs. — Kyle, Fountain Inn, SC
Like Clint said in Unforgiven, "Deserve's got nothing to do with it." They're in.
A day delayed YAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! — Bart, Monroe, NC
The best kind. This is growing on me.
Can I become the patron saint of the last spot in the lightning round for holding it 3 weeks in a row? (I have no idea who Jeff from Fuquay-Varina is, but I hope to approach him someday.) — Micah, Gastonia, NC
Jeff's a legend, put some respect on his name. Also, maybe, depends on what kind of mood I'm in next week.
