CHARLOTTE — It's such a tricky time to figure out for the Carolina Panthers.
Obviously, Sunday was not what they wanted, needed, or what many people expected.
Just as obviously, things here are better than they've been in years.
When I talk to fans (and these people are my family, my friends, and my neighbors), the reactions to a 17-7 loss to the Saints range from confounded to apoplectic to irrational rage. And it was bad, no one disputes that. But I have tried countering with another set of numbers beyond that score.
2-15
5-12
5-5
Not everyone is ready to hear it.
Some people pause, breathe, and sigh, "I guess you're right," (which is my love language, except for the "I guess" part). Many remain unsatisfied. I suppose that's their right, I will never tell fans how to fan. But getting wound up about one result without considering the other nine this year seems like a tree-forest situation.
Remember a month ago last week in this Mailbag, when people were riding high after the win over the Packers?
The Panthers are making a lot of the progress they need to make. They're improving as a team. They're working on a weekly basis in a way that yields long-term results. They're steadily improving. That was the point of this season.
Beating the Packers on the road was a pleasant surprise. If they were 4-5 instead of 5-4 right now, the above paragraph would still be just as true. But hope is a powerful drug, and the Panthers are dealing right now.
And the same is true today on the coming down. At 4-4, if you'd have polled the populace and offered a split of the next two games, most reasonable people would have taken that offer. But the journey's always more important than the destination, and the ride the Panthers have taken fans on the last two weeks has them feeling some kind of way.
Onto the mail.
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Hi Darin. I have to say that I was not at all shocked by the way yesterday's game played. More disappointed. I really hoped we would be able to focus hard after last week's great result. But being a young team, I know that when a player or team in any sport experiences such a high after an amazing underdog performance, and in our case by beating Green Bay, it is very difficult to come back down to earth and focus on the next game.
But what I am more disappointed in is the performance of Bryce Young. I know you said last week that with such a young group of receivers, it will take time to establish a rapport. But Bryce looks way off compared to how he looked after he returned to the lineup last year. He seems to me to be late throwing and does not have confidence in his receivers. I really want Bryce to work out as he appears to be such a great person, and we did give up a lot for him. — Ronnie, Boiling Springs, SC
As you might imagine, there were a lot of Bryce-related questions this week, and most of them had a similar (if not angrier) tone.
The thing I keep coming back to is that quarterback decisions are different than any other decision an organization has to make, which means you have to be more careful making them. Which means they take longer. You can swap out a linebacker or a guard (and they've done both this year, often), and the greater whole moves along.
If, going into the season or two weeks ago, you were happy with Bryce, you probably should be willing to see what's on the other side of the next month, or the rest of the season.
He didn't play his best game. His anger at himself after the game made that evident. But the problems with the passing game are about more than one person, no matter how much was given to acquire or paid to that individual.
He's not getting the ball downfield this season at the same rate he was a year ago (5.6 yards per attempt in 2025, 6.6 per attempt when he returned to the lineup last year). He's also won nine games in his career by driving his team in the fourth quarter from behind or tied. That number puts him tied with Super Bowl champions Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, and veteran Geno Smith, since the start of the 2023 season. (And one ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff, and Matthew Stafford in that span.)
So it's complicated. But we've also seen him play effective football within this context, and recently. So there's time between now and the end of the season to gather more information and come to a clearer picture. One of anything can't be a trend, so no matter how good or bad any one game is, basing a decision off that is bad guidance.
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This one was rough, but I've seen too many Panthers fans say to get rid of Bryce. I get the loss was disappointing, but this was a case of the Panthers not coming to play and look over a 1-8 Saints team, but the Saints didn't come to get looked over. Bryce is the heart of this team, even though he hasn't looked as good as he did last season, he is still winning games. Since when did Panthers fans get so greedy? Our team is 5-5 for the first time in years, and we can't give up on Bryce and this team due to one bad game? KEEP POUNDING! — Mason, Spartanburg, SC
And then there's glass-half-full Mason here.
For the first 15 years of the franchise's existence, the high-water mark of quarterback play was Jake Delhomme, who was daring — which is a nice way of saying the exciting highs came with a lot of head-scratching interceptions. And then came the Cam Newton era, during which I tried to constantly remind fans not to take him for granted, since those kinds of players only come along so often (and not in the way we now describe a couple of quarterbacks in every draft class as "generational talents").
And no one has been, or will ever be, like Cam Newton, and expecting a quarterback to carry a team the way he did is irresponsible.
But Bryce Young is a very different kind of quarterback than Newton or Delhomme. He's more careful with the ball, far less likely to give it to the other team. That also comes with fewer hero shots. They're all unique.
Again, we've seen it work in defined spaces, and no one knows what the future holds. But the trajectory of the team as a whole is clearly pointing up, and he's been a part of that. I'm curious to see what the rest of the season looks like.
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Welp, the Saints took the Panthers to church on Sunday, and I think it's time for what my father would call a "come-to-Jesus meeting."
The Panthers are improving, but Bryce Young is not. He hasn't thrown for more than 200 yards this season with the exception of Week 2 at Arizona. In that game, they were forced to air it out late against a prevent defense after falling into a deficit precisely because of early turnovers by the Young quarterback. Speaking of turnovers, opposing teams have 51 combined points this year from Bryce-caused turnovers alone (68 total, most in the NFL). With seven interceptions and six fumbles (four lost) on his stat sheet in 2025, the only thing we can expect Bryce to do reliably at this point is turn the ball over at least once per outing on average. He did that again on Sunday (1 fumble, 1 Int), and would've had another pick if it weren't for a facemask call that came well after a terribly forced pass across the middle.
It is no longer an aberration; it has become the standard. I'm a believer that we are who we continually show up to be, and so far in his 2.5 years quarterbacking the Panthers, Bryce has shown up as a guy I love to have in the locker room, but hate to have on the field. His play this season has hurt this team, period. When they win, it is in spite of Bryce's performance, not because of it. That is, unless they scheme specifically to keep the ball out of his hands. Canales himself effectively said this week that more shot plays will be called when they are completed. Even he doesn't trust what he is seeing. And Bryce doesn't get credit for comeback wins if he is the reason they are down to begin with. The "nine game-winning drives" metric I've seen recently that supposedly puts him in rarefied air means nothing if you actually watch the games. His stats are some of the worst in the league, his measurables are some of the worst in the league, and the eye test on him is one of the worst in the league.
I'm sure you are getting a lot of this in the 'Bag, and I apologize for belaboring the point in back-to-back weeks, but too often Bryce's play is excused because of his pedigree or likability or the lack of talent around him or the organization he was drafted by. Enough. I hate to single any one player out in what is a team sport, but in this instance, one player is the greatest detractor from the team's chances. I won't ask about the draft (because it is too early) or call for Young's benching (because we don't have a better option), but I will call him out. Bryce, quit rolling out to take 10-yard sack-fumbles. Quit telegraphing. Quit collectively overthrowing one of the tallest receiving corps in the league. Take some of that piss-and-vinegar, helmet-slamming fire and buck up. Protect the dang football, climb the dang pocket, and put it on the dang numbers.
On the point of competitive fire, Dan Morgan's rookie edge duo seems to be legit. Nic Scourton had himself a day against the Saints' o-line, but it is the Fresh Princely Umanmielen that had my attention on Sunday. One moment, he was down for the count, and the next, he was on his feet, helmet off, hollering at his head coach. Has anyone asked him what he was so fired up about? — Jake, Candler, NC
Jake certainly came to preach, and he had a full choir behind him, and everything short of a love offering, a potluck, and a bake sale for the youth group. I'm the only one that gets paid by the word around here, Jake.
As it pertains to Bryce, it's kind of like I say to my skinny pants after Thanksgiving dinner — there's a lot that goes into that.
For starters, I'm not dinging anyone for anything that happened in 2023. Once avalanches start downhill, they very rarely turn around and go back up, and they are never the fault of one individual flake of snow.
And to make the problems of the passing game lately the responsibility of one person in particular also seems unfair. Dave Canales said as much on Monday, when he said he has to call better plays, receivers have to run better routes, and catch it when it comes to them, etc. This is a collective problem.
Did Bryce just play his best game of football last week? He did not. Again, he'd be the first to tell you that (and he did, Sunday). And when they're running for two bills and his passing numbers are diminished, that's a good thing, not a bad thing. When the Panthers went to the NFC Championship Game in 1996, Kerry Collins threw for over 250 yards twice, and over 200 just five times. He went 9-3 in his 12 starts (and 3-2 in the games with more than 200 yards, ergo 6-1 when he threw for under 200). That's a long way of saying, arbitrary statistical barriers aren't always the most reliable indicator of whether a guy is playing well or poorly.
As for the rookie pass-rushers, yes, they are on a roll, each in their own ways. Scourton is beginning to put up numbers commensurate with his work ethic and effort. Umanmielen's frustration largely stems from the fact that he keeps picking up dings. He had just come back from an ankle injury that had him on crutches two weeks ago, and then to be forced out of the game in his first week back was a lot to process, and it takes a toll on you. He cares about it a lot, and you get the sense he's going to be a sack-producer sooner rather than later.
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As it becomes more obvious that Dave Canales is in over his head as play caller, he apparently has no confidence in Young to throw the ball, keeps him in the pocket when he is better on the move, stubborn in his game plan (don't know what that is) no adjustment to what the defense is doing. My question is, is it time to hire a real offensive coordinator that can call a real offensive plan? — Mike, Mint Hill, NC
This is what I mean about the collective nature of offense.
Nothing looks good when it all goes bad, but how thinly do you slice that particular turkey (can you tell I have Thanksgiving on my mind)?
Canales implicated his own play-calling last week, but he's also the play-caller from the five wins this year, too. The transition from position coach to coordinator who calls plays to head coach is a fast one, and he's covered a lot of ground in a short time.
Again, the 2-15 team he inherited is now 5-5, and in those "in the hunt" graphics on TV when they talk about the playoffs. That's not everything, but it's not nothing, either.
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It is so cold here in Charlotte! When has it ever been 29 degrees at the start of November? I am migrating up to Charlottesville for the weekend to escape the cold weather and attend another Model UN conference. Any recommendations on how I can win an award?
What is the coldest game the Panthers have ever played in, and what's the coldest game you have ever attended in your life? — Zach, Charlotte, NC
After last night's snowfall that blanketed the Charlotte region, Young Zach here informed me that CMS was already closed for today. (Now I know why tigers eat their young.)
Yeah, this is no fun. After going for a run this morning at 28 degrees (many layers, faster than ever, so I could get out of it), I promptly changed into my thickest flannel-lined jeans. Tomorrow I'll be back to wearing shorts. Cold weather is for a lot of people, but it ain't for me. I remember a camping trip with my dad once, we were sleeping in our tipi, and the food was inside a cooler that was inside a wooden box. The next morning, the eggs were frozen solid. That was cold.
The coldest game the Panthers ever played and the coldest I've ever attended are the same — the 1996 NFC Championship Game in Green Bay, when it was a whole 3 degrees at kickoff. That is not enough degrees. I was living across the county line at the time, and went to the finest menswear store in all of Gastonia and bought a sweet wool overcoat to wear to Lambeau, which I have worn at least once every two or three years since. I had on so many layers that day. All the layers. I thought I was going to die. And I nearly did, from heatstroke, when they cranked the press box heaters up. They have a special room just for coats in the Lambeau press box. I pray to God that we never need one of those here (and I hope she's listening).
The coldest game at Bank of America Stadium was the 20-degree classic against the Lions in 2022. Loved that one, also because I was inside, and also the Panthers ran for 320 yards that day. That game also caused anything 32 degrees or warmer to fall out of the top 10.
You want to win an award? Be funny and charming. Meanwhile, you can stay warm by GETTING BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
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Bummed but still excited for the season to come. I just wish the defense could get some help. I have started thinking that a full game going for it on all four downs, getting 3-4 yards off tush pushes with Derrick Brown might be a better offensive game plan for the team. Sure they will sell out to our run but I would put our trench up against any other.
My question is, what two players do you put in the backfield behind DB in this scenario for the best chance at my well-thought-out offensive attack succeeding against the upcoming defenses? And/or what successes in offensive game planning have you seen that we can start bringing together for full games in the next few years? — William, Mokelumne Hill, CA
William's being kind of snide, and I appreciate that, but I think the offensive development is going to come with a lot of the young parts coming together over time. Bryce is still just 24 years old (two years younger than Saints rookie Tyler Shough, and a year younger than Falcons second-year man Michael Penix Jr.). He's got a bunch of receivers and tight ends that are between 22 and 25. There's a lot of growth to happen here, and plenty of room for it.
Now, to the meat of your question, and I do mean meat.
The easy answer might be to put big ol' Bobby Brown III back there with him, and Tershawn Wharton, who has legs the size of blue mailboxes, and let them push.
But if you're going to think outside the box, so will I.
Considering that Derrick Brown's superpower is throwing people rather than running with the ball, let's put him in shotgun and let him fling Wharton over the top. I don't care if that's illegal, I'd still pay to see it.
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10:20 left, Saints just scored. 17-7. I think we get it back. Almost all of it. The Saints, seriously, don't even want to win as an organization? This offense is pathetic. Rico has cooled off and we got nothing. Nothing. A'ight, let's see what happens. I might check back. Where has Rico's mojo gone? — Deric, Gastonia, NC
A'ight. Okay. I breathed in. I breathed out. I said a few Goose foi gras'. Sigh. I was incensed. I feel with good reason. If we can get Bryce the ball with under five minutes to play with a chance to win, he is money. The other 55 minutes, he doesn't seem to have a clue. When he can run around and do whatever he can do, he does well. When asked to produce within the structure of the offense, he seems to shrink. The Saints dared him to throw over them and Dave/Bryce didn't even try. There's plenty of blame. I get that. Jaycee Horn, literally, got pushed around and bullied by Olave (a great receiver, don't get me wrong). The o-line was meh. There's a lot. However, the play calling is predictable. Is this because of Bryce's shortcomings (no pun intended)? I didn't see much play action at all. I work on cars for a living, but that's always been how you deal with these stuffed boxes in my viewing experience. PA, throw it over the top. The run game is extremely blase'. There is zero creativity to it. That's not on Bryce, I know. It is starting to look like they don't trust Bryce to execute a full-fledged NFL offense. I dunno. I had them 8-9/9-8 this season. They're still on track for that. I'm just not...I'm going to say it. Dave needs a play caller. There. I said it. I'm hurting. Forgive me. — Deric, Gastonia, NC
This Mailbag comes out once a week on Tuesdays. This is not Twitter. Real-time commentary runs the risk of making you look foolish (and so does Twitter, honestly).
A lot of people are tweeting through it after last week. I get it. Love your passion.
But the Saints were determined to stop the run, and they did. Rico Dowdle described it as an all-out assault on an offense that had been working nicely.
"Heavy boxes from the start, safeties dropping out of the sky, things like that," Dowdle said, making me think the Saints were sending in paratroopers. And they kind of were.
Also, you had them winning eight or nine games this year, after winning two and five the two years previous? How generous of you.
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JJ Jansen has been an excellent long snapper for a long, long time. His skills are unquestioned. It's a pleasure to be able to rely on an important and underrated job being done so well for so long. But I never see him in on a tackle when we punt. In fact, don't even see his number in the area of the tackle (on the small TV screen). Has he ever had a tackle? Are his post-snap responsibilities to cover downfield? Or does he have some other responsibility? Is he a "last level of defense" like the punter also is? Or is he to stay away from contact as being too valuable to risk? P.S. Who would snap if he did get injured? Thanks. Always enjoy your work. Cheers! — Wally, Charlotte
I'll have you know, JJ has many tackles in his career — 23 to be precise. And never mind the fact that he hasn't had one since they were in New Orleans in 2023. That's not really his job, though he is capable of it from time to time.
Once Jansen snaps the ball to the punter, his responsibility is to block and make sure nobody is coming free up the middle. He can do that capably. And there is an internal clock in his head (i.e., once the ball's gone) that signals him to race downfield. And when I say race, I mean the way a 39-year-old races. (Though, in fairness to Jansen, he might be faster now than he was five years ago. Jansen takes his craft seriously, and something happened along the way that gave him renewed determination to prove his athleticism. I can't imagine what it might have been. Also, all dudes reach a certain point in their lives at which spite is one of their prime motivators. I both admire and resemble it.)
But he does become a part of the coverage at a certain point. There are younger, faster guys out on the edges to clean things up, and veteran safety Nick Scott laughed and said he'd likely get to any potential return faster than Jansen would. "Basically, if JJ's getting a tackle, it means there's great coverage outside, and he got lucky," Scott joked. Others were more harsh, including one co-worker, who cracked that any returner who was tackled by Jansen should reconsider their life's work. Then again, one of those co-workers is DeeJay Dallas, whom Jansen tackled in 2023 at Seattle.
Generally, you do not want him in harm's way because he has a very specialized skill. If anything happened to him, you generally think about the guys who also snap footballs, but not every center who can snap to a shotgun formation quarterback can also snap to a punter, so it's best to keep Jansen well, and continuing to break records every week (a franchise-best 270 games and counting).
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Darin, I think I can ask this question for all the faithful Panthers fans: What the hell is happening? The Panthers are only consistent in one area, playing like a championship team, almost winning or winning against a championship team, and then turning around and losing to a team like we did Sunday against the Saints. From the very start of the game, it was apparent that the team was playing with no motivation, as if they believed it would be a win with little effort. The offense wasn't showing enough energy, the defensive line was stopping the run, but as usual, it seems when teams, even teams like the Saints burn us over the top with passing. The D-Line is a stone wall against the run, sometimes they are backed up third-and-15, and they throw a pass for a first down, in my opinion to often. Proven by the Saints' win, two long passes for a TD is what won the game. Our hopes were high that we could go 6-5, improve our chances for a playoff run, and turn around and let a team, 1-8 beat us with a rookie QB. It was really painful when I was on base the other day, a fan from the Niners remarked, your Panthers are getting lucky, I replied with pride, why getting lucky, why can't haters just say 'getting better,' and then the performance and let down again on Sunday proves what many are saying, our Panthers are a bad team. I surely hope the team realizes how games like this affect the fans. The booing in the background towards the end of the game Sunday was something I hadn't heard in a while. I sure hope it won't become consistent again. So for the next game against the Falcons, START POUNDING AGAIN. — Kennth, Stuttgart, Germany
If you think the fans are upset, imagine how they feel.
"Sometimes you get the bar, sometimes the bar gets you" is never a satisfactory answer, even if it happens to be true. Because when I got home Sunday night and realized the actually-good Buffalo Bills lost to the now-3-7 Dolphins, I realized there was probably a fanbase more upset than this one.
It's a week-to-week league. Things happen; it's all they ever do.
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Cue the overreactions. This might be an unpopular take, but this recent loss to the Saints isn't that bad. Would we rather win? Of course, but the Falcons and Bucs lost as well. If we were forced to pick someone in the NFC South to lose to, it would have been the Saints. If the Saints win out and somehow go 9-8, yes, this would make us the springboard, but that's extremely unlikely. Plus, it's not like the Saints defense has been a pushover the last 5-10 years. Their offense just hasn't been able to keep up, something we as Panthers fans have a lot of experience with.
Another way to look at this loss, the Falcons still have one game against these rejuvenated Saints, and the Bucs still have two. And it appears that the Saints have found a mature QB who isn't afraid of the challenge. The Saints could very well end up winning four more games.
Also, Darin, I have my receipts. I asked a few bags ago if this team was reminiscent of the 2013 team. Well, now, I'm getting a mix of 2014 vibes whipped in there. The reason I remember it so well is that I decided to purchase a "Division Champions" shirt when we won the NFC South while going 7-8-1. I thought it was both humorous and exciting, and I sensed something bigger was brewing. Turn the page to 2015 and, well, we know the rest. Definitely not saying we're going to the Super Bowl next year, but I'm excited.
So, as you requested, I will ask again, but in a different way: Am I delusional, or are you getting those same 2013/2014 type of vibes from this team as well? — Jonathan, Whittier, NC
I have been thinking a lot about 2002, when a John Fox team won three straight to start the season, then lost eight, before closing with four of their last five to go 7-9. But more importantly than the record, they figured out their how. Then they added people.
And yes, 2014 was a little like that, too. Going 7-8-1 to win the second of three straight division titles was a feat, and it cemented some of the philosophical lessons they implemented the following year.
I'm with you, I'm not necessarily suggesting this team's going to the Super Bowl next year, but to suggest they're not making progress because you're mad about last week is just being obtuse.
Also, where can a man lay hands on one of those 2014 division champion shirts? I'd wear the heck out of one of those, just like my Bobcats "Play the Right Way" Larry Brown special. In fact, I'll make you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, and get you a fresh, clean shirt on the way, and you don't even have to send me an 11-year-old T-shirt in exchange. But if you see another one in good shape in an XL, let me know.
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Hi Darin. I've been reading you for many years, even after I moved to Texas 18 years ago, I'm still a die-hard Panther fan. This season is finally giving me some reason to trash-talk the other fans around here. Thank you Panthers! My question is, How do we keep Dowdle from leaving after the season? Do you think we will attempt to resign him, or is this a wait-and-see kind of thing? I love Chuba Hubbard, but it looks like he is still hesitant to hit the holes. Thank you for many years of inside information and great writing that I can enjoy and still feel like part of the family. — Brian, Pearland, TX
I have this picture in my head of Brian standing against the fence in the alley like Hank Hill, drinking beers with his buddies and talking up Rico Dowdle, propane, and propane accessories. I have no idea if that's what Brian looks like. Also, Chuba is fine, Rico's just the hot hand right now.
The short answer is, Rico is a free agent at the end of the season, and he gets a choice in this deal, too.
Signing a one-year contract with the Panthers was about positioning himself for his next deal. And if he keeps running the way he has this season, it ought to be a lucrative one.
It's slightly complicated because Dowdle is 27 years old and will be 28 before the start of next season, but other backs in his age range have gotten deals, so it wouldn't be unheard of. It also wouldn't be unheard of to pay two running backs here (see Stewart, Jonathan, and Williams, DeAngelo. People made fun of former GM Marty Hurney for that, until it kept working).
But there's also seven games left in the season, so there's a lot of time to discern what the market ought to be.
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Amazing game yesterday! My question is about Rico and Christian Rozeboom. These guys are playing lights out! Has there been any talk of signing them for longer terms? Also, how is Jonathon Brooks doing in his rehab? Thanks again for all you do! — Scott, Phenix City, AL
Like Dowdle, Rozeboom is on a one-year deal. They tend not to do a lot of contract work during the season (Hubbard's earned extension last November notwithstanding). He's played well and is a good fit in many ways, but the Panthers also figure to spend next offseason continuing to add pieces to the defense, and pass-rushers and inside linebackers figure to be on the shopping list.
As for Brooks, he continues to work and rehab that knee. When well, he's one of the fastest backs around, and since he's under his rookie contract for two more years, it's a free lottery ticket at this point. And, he's good people, and has been positive throughout. He also appreciates everyone asking about him. Sometimes when guys are on IR, they can feel isolated, but position coach Bernie Parmalee and the rest of the staff have kept him engaged.
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Hey Darin, I have a question as much as a statement to throw at you. First of all, the Carolina Panthers are looking like a different team. I knew they would. I knew they would have a chance at wild card this year and by next year with the FA and the draft I think they could finally be contenders again. With that said so many people comment about Bryce being a team manager because of not throwing the ball. I'm sorry, but maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the idea was to get the ball down the field. Canales has stated over and over that they want to be a running team and that's what they've been doing. So my question is why are so many people so negative on Bryce because he's not getting 300+ yards in a game when he is in fact moving the ball down the field. When he makes mistakes, he corrects it. In the end, he puts a fight in every game that he plays in. I think the passer rating is unfair. I think the rushing yards and touchdowns should count just as much towards the quarterback as a passing does because it does put points on the board. So can you please explain to me why people are so negative and why it shouldn't count with what he's doing because at the end isn't the win what it's about? Just a little frustrated in Fuquay. — Cheryl, Fuquay-Varina, NC
As an old sociology professor once told me, there were "Two things I know to be true. 1) People are funny. 2) We don't know why."
If I could explain why people were so negative, I'd be retired somewhere warm right now.
But good for you, bringing the sunshine with you wherever you go. Like this picture of Bryce and Canales taken fewer than 10 days ago.
Be more like Cheryl, everybody.
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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.
Hey Darin, how do you have the patience to deal with the complainers, even when the team is winning? — Mick, Salisbury, NC
It's the inner peace that comes from self-actualization. Either that or egg nog.
I've been a fan of this team ever since I could see with my two eyes. I've seen it all. From Cam's improbable 15-1 season to now. My question is, why are we so inconsistent as a team? We beat the Packers but lose to the Saints? — Harry, Lorton, VA
Does some quick math, realizes Harry here could be in high school, if he remembers all the way back to Cam Newton.
Pass the egg nog.
What would it look like if we put Hubbard in the slot, who has great hands and can run routes, then we have both on the field? Rico is a much better running back, but do you think this could work? — Jonathan, Clearwater, FL
It would look like a running back playing wide receiver, on a team deep enough in wide receivers to keep Hunter Renfrow inactive. Chuba is a running back, and a good one, having just passed Rueben Mayes as the all-time leader in rushing yards among players born in Canada.
Pass the poutine.
How much do Young bench? Do you guys have him in the gym? Is Young getting enough calories? I am asking these questions because I know these things will make him a better player and person. This will help his conditioning. I want the Panthers to be all that they can be! — Ronner, Troutman, NC
I have confirmed with the weight room staff that Bryce Young does, in fact, lift weights. The nutrition staff also informs me that he does, in fact, eat. I do not, however, know his feelings on egg nog and poutine. I will commit a journalism and find out.
