CHARLOTTE — (Puts on oven mitts, opens mail)
So, that didn't go well, and we all realize that. And it's fair to be upset with the result of last week's game.
But the one thing we ask around here, or at least the one thing we hope for, is that people approach this with a reasonable degree of perspective for what's real and what's fake, and to breathe deeply and not turn every isolated incident into a referendum on forever.
The Panthers are 1-3, and were as disappointed with last week's result as they were thrilled with the one before. And it's understandable for fans to be upset. But it's also important to have some context for how they ended up there.
The Panthers made a conscious choice to go young this year to develop for the future, to the tune of a franchise record 12 rookies on the initial 53-man roster. And when you do that, you know you're not going to be as deep as you might prefer, which is fine as long as everyone is well. But when you rule four starters out last week with injuries, in addition to the two already on injured reserve, that lack of depth starts to stand out. And when that happens, the results are often what we saw.
But it's also important to be realistic. Someone asked questions about a perceived lack of chemistry between Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan the other day, and they did miss some connections against New England. But it's also worth pointing out that McMillan is second among all rookie receivers with 278 yards so far (trailing Tampa Bay's Emeka Egbuka, who has 282). Averaging 69.5 yards a game might not sound like a lot, until you multiply it by 17 and realize he's on pace for 1,182 yards this year. That would put him 12th on the all-time rookie receiving yards list, and within a good game of the top 10. He's off to an impressive start.
So maybe we should all take a deep breath and try to be rational about the first four games as a whole. Remember a month ago last week when we talked about our Kipling, who advised his son to "meet with Triumph and Disaster, And treat those two imposters just the same?" That's just as good a piece of advice after a loss as it was after a win.
Being the same guy every day is a thing a lot of people say they want to do, but doing it when the results aren't there is hard. So let's see how that works here in the 'Bag.
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Hello sir. I am not a fan of Bryce Young, but Young is not the Carolina Panthers; just a part of it, so I will still pull for and support them regardless. However, I must ask, oh wise one, what do they have to do to become consistent? Lose a game by a bunch one week, play a game and keep it close another. Blowout the next week, then forget to show up the next. I'm getting seasick with this emotional roller coaster. Please help! — Thomas, Newport News, VA
Pardon me if this sounds reductive, but the best way to be consistent is to be consistent.
That means not freaking out and changing plans midstream, or firing people just because the crowd on social media (some, but not all of whom, are actually human beings) wants a head on a stick.
When you know it's a year to build and develop, you have to understand that it includes both the good and the bad. If the bad dissuades you, then it's not really a plan for the future. It's going to take some of those along the way. The hope is that they become fewer as you build.
Obviously, the goal is to become consistently efficient and successful. You see signs of that from time to time. But having a process for the long haul means living through some less-fun times sometimes.
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Hi Darin, what we all saw yesterday, the Panthers losing 42-13, was one of the most embarrassing showings in Panthers history. Yet no coaches are getting fired, no players are getting cut. Nick Scott committing a tripping penalty was so outrageous and a very bad decision by him. It's allowed the Pats to get a touchdown two plays later. It's the NFL, and you don't want to overreact. But seeing the players not playing hard is so frustrating and aggravating. Not making any moves after this embarrassing showing clearly indicates that this organization doesn't care about winning. — Shaked, Charlotte
Or, maybe not making reactionary moves shows they are? I kind of adore the juxtaposition of "you don't want to overreact" with "but if you don't fire somebody you're not serious."
Again, there are two ways to look at this. That wasn't ideal, for a lot of reasons.
For some people, the "accountability" they crave comes in the form of a ritual sacrifice. For others, it comes in the form of showing up, processing the mistakes, correcting them, and getting back to work.
The wild swings of emotion from one week to the next are hard for fans, I truly get that. But if everything is turned up to 10, then nothing is a 10. Sometimes the reaction has to be a 6 or a 7, or it's hard to sustain.
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Hi Darin, long-time reader, first-time caller. I'm tired. So, so tired. I miss the days when I felt anxiety and excitement on game days. The past three years, apathy has set in before the midpoint of the season. I didn't fall for the fool's gold that was Week 3.
My question is, when is enough, enough? It seems to be slipping my mind at the moment, something about the definition of insanity? Nothing changes, week in and week out; we still trot out the same groups that are almost comically incompetent. Receivers drop passes, even the typically sure-handed McMillan; defense is almost always woeful, with the exception of six-ish quarters; Bryce can't throw an accurate deep ball if his life depends on it, and on and on it goes. We all know there is no magic bullet that's going to suddenly make this squad a playoff contender, but there HAS to be SOMETHING that can be done that will at least make them somewhat competitive on a weekly basis. Is that too much to ask? Anyways, here's to hoping for better days ahead, and wholesale changes sooner rather than later. — Greg, Charlotte
This is what I'm talking about, and I'm not just picking on Greg. The last three years have been very different, beginning with the coaches, the GMs, and the surrounding casts. And to say Bryce Young can't connect on a deep ball ignores all the evidence of the second half of last year.
The thing to do to become competitive on a weekly basis is to build. And that takes time.
But no one leaves the urgent care with a prescription for time and goes home happy.
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Hi Darin! I hope you are doing well! I just wanted to reach out and maybe bring some positivity, even with the current state of things.
I believe that this team can be great. I just think there are some definite growing pains going on. Bryce is performing as well as he can, but we're definitely seeing some blocking issues from the line, and being down two receivers, three if you include Jimmy Horn Jr., does not help that situation at all. Defense, I think, is just a matter of everyone being on the same page, and special teams just had a rough day; it happens. We've all had days at work where we seem to be all thumbs and things aren't clicking the guys aren't any different. I just want the coach and all the guys to know that we're not going anywhere, and we hope to see them come into their own, just as I know they can. I'm not a coach or a player, so I won't make suggestions about play calling or just overall performance of the players since I'm not really qualified.
If I could make one request, though, it would be if you could tell coach and some of the guys how important the Keep Pounding mantra is to the history of the team and to us fans. I have noticed it not really being said in pregame huddles or any of the like team meetings during practice, and now maybe it just hasn't been caught on film, but it just feels like the team is missing its identity. Right now, it almost feels like a bunch of individuals playing these games rather than the Carolina Panthers. I think bringing back the culture that makes this team unique and why a lot of us have been fans over the years would do wonders for team morale, fan morale, and just bring everyone together as a unit. We're not the Canales Panthers or the Bryce Panthers, we're the Carolina Panthers, and no matter what, we KEEP POUNDING just like Sam Mills (RIP). — Chase, Troutman, NC
I appreciate the concern, Chase, and for teeing me up to talk about one of my favorite topics, something I have about 30 years worth of material on.
Recently, a new employee here, who isn't even half my age, asked me earnestly about the story of Keep Pounding. Little did she know that's like winding up the monkey who beats the cymbals together and letting him go.
So 15 minutes later, when I grinned and said, "... and that doesn't even include the part where a 5-9 linebacker from Division III Montclair State who was cut by the Browns and then the Toronto Argonauts and was teaching wood shop at a New Jersey high school before trying out for a thing called the USFL and signing a contract in a van made it to the NFL, and played 12 years en route to the Hall of Fame (deep breath) — thank you for coming to my TED Talk," she looked a little startled and said, "I had no idea. That's an incredible story. Everybody needs to hear that."
And I agree.
We have materials here for people in the building, both in printed and video formats, and a load of content from when Sam Mills was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
And like all stories, they grow in power as they're repeated. Dave Canales has mentioned it in team meetings. General manager Dan Morgan's happy to talk about Sam; he used to bowl with him on their days off when Mills was his position coach in the early 2000s, and he sat with him while he was getting chemotherapy treatments while he was battling cancer.
But we also have to understand that having a young team means some of these guys coming in the door were barely born when Mills passed away in 2005. So the responsibility falls to the elders to share that story. And it's not just young people. I ran into Andy Dalton Tuesday and asked him since it was fresh on my mind, and he admitted that even though he played for both teams that Mills starred on (he also had a stint with the Saints), he didn't know as much as he wished he did. So I shared with him too.
When Mills was inducted into the Hall in 2022, JJ Jansen, who heard the story from teammates when he got here in 2009, told teammates the stories, allowing others to pass them down.
But if you only wanted one, start here, start with the guys who heard the original speech and what it meant to them.
That story, of doing everything in your power, for as long as you can, for the people next to you instead of yourself, has power. And that's the reason it's lasted through a couple of generations. And that's the reason it always will.
"The more I talk about it, the truth is, it was such a blur," said wide receiver Steve Smith, who was there the day Mills said those famous words for the first time. "I was too busy looking at a man talking to us who was sick, but was making it about everyone else but himself. And I was in awe at that. I don't know if I would be able to keep it together to know I have a terminal disease and tell other men to do something and make it about them. When I search my heart and my mind, this dude is talking to us about life and tomorrow, and he doesn't know if he's going to wake up tomorrow. Wow."
Steve Smith is not always a man given to emotion, as you may be aware. But if you want to see him cry, start him talking about Sam Mills. And there are a lot of people like that.
And for giving me the chance to share a little of what I told my new coworker Claire the other day, I'll go ahead and make you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag. I will get something on the way to you soon to show you my appreciation.
(By the way, there's a very good chance this comes up again during the pregame Sunday, when a special guest comes home and will be surrounded by their people. Stay tuned.)
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Tackle:
verb
tack led; tack ling \ ˈta-k(ə-)liŋ *
*Definition
* 1
a
: to seize, take hold of, or grapple with, especially with the intention of stopping or subduing
*
b
: to seize and throw down or stop (an opposing player with the ball) in football
*
The coaching staff needs to spend some serious time teaching - no, POUNDING - this concept into our defensive players' heads. On most plays, our defense demonstrates no sense of urgency, no killer instinct. This defense looks to be designed to contain, to just not give up big plays. But they're not even doing that! And their tackling is abysmal. When they get back to practice, I would have them line up and do tackling drills until they get it right.
And if coach Canales says "We had a great week of practice," one more time and then gets blown out on Sunday, I'm going to lose my mind. You obviously didn't have a great week of practice, or you simply don't have a clue what a great week of practice looks like. There is a serious disconnect somewhere with this team, and we, the fans, have been sold a bill of goods when it comes to the promise of a better team this season. A lot of us are just no longer buying what the Panthers are selling. It's time to actually put up or shut the heck up. Darin, I hope you have a better day, and that all this week's contributors are not as ugly as I've been. You deserve better, my friend. Thanks for letting me rant. — Jeff, Concord, NC
Totally get it. Venting is good. I do it a lot. My wife is both a patient and compassionate person, and also buys earplugs by the case.
They didn't play well on Sunday, and people did not enjoy the experience of watching it. Totally fair. And now that Jeff got that out of his system, he can go back to being the delightful human being he always is.
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Continued thanks for all you do to keep us informed and to bolster the great Panthers community! I like the concept of being "developmentally minded" -- it seems like the kind of thing that belongs on a list with mom and apple pie. I get (I think) what that means in terms of roster construction and spreading out reps during training camp. But now that the season has started, are there situations where the coaches are actually prioritizing development over giving the team the best chance to win the play/series/game? I mean, presumably Dave Canales isn't looking out at a third-and-five play call and thinking "I know what would work here, but this is a good time to work on that play we can't ever seem to get right." Are we making tradeoffs by putting guys on the field even though someone else is believed to be better suited for that specific moment or game? Or is it more just a mindset at this point -- prioritizing winning in the moment but taking the long view and measuring success as much by progress as by W/L? — Steve, Chapel Hill, NC
Once you get in the game, all the focus is on maximizing your chances to win that particular game.
The development is stuff that happens during the week, during practice, during meetings, during the extra work that people put in.
But a lot of it comes down to situations you find yourselves in, too.
We discussed this on the podcast on Monday, but David Moore's injury on the first play of the game created a ripple effect for the rest of the game.
He was starting at receiver with Xavier Legette inactive. So when Moore left the game on a cart, Brycen Tremayne slid into his spot. And Tremayne has had a good preseason and beginning to the season, so that's OK.
But when a guy like Tremayne has to take more snaps on offense all of a sudden, he's not able to play the full special teams role they had planned for him.
So now your special teams units have been upended after the first snap of the game, and one of their key players has to be replaced. That replacement didn't get as much work through the week, so he's naturally less prepared. And since special teams is downstream of offense and defense, even unrelated injuries fall in their lap. Tracy Smith knows that; he's used to changing tires on moving cars. That doesn't mean it's fun, or something he enjoys. And it's why he tries to teach the whole room rather than just 11 guys, because he's been around long enough to know these things come up.
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I am tired, honestly. I have defended Bryce Young for the longest. It's starting to wear down on me. Why isn't he reading the defense by now? This is his third season, he should be able to read the defense or be able to use motion to see what the defense is in during pre-snap and then adjust. It seems to me that the HC doesn't trust him enough to open the playbook and push the ball downfield.
Also, I am very disappointed in the defense. I never want to see someone lose their job, but I can't keep defending this defense. Something needs to give because the 3-4 Defense is not doing anything for us. We need to switch back to a 4-3 and get a DC who calls the 4-3. I would not mind having a Lovie Smith or Ron Rivera back as a DC for us. It's time to start holding people accountable. — Anthony, Fayetteville, NC
A lot of the offensive woes are largely a product of early deficits taking them out of their preferred mode of "normal" football. And as we've discussed, Young was moving the ball downfield last year, when his targets did not include a top 10 pick like McMillan.
Plenty of good defenses begin in a 3-4 base. In fact, three of the top four teams in total defense through the first month of the season have chosen that as their base personnel (Seattle, Denver, LA Chargers), and six of the top 10 do as well (along with Arizona, Minnesota, and the LA Rams).
It's not the 3-4, it's the which 3 and which 4.
The Panthers were playing without their starting outside linebackers last week, with Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum inactive. They were replaced by rookie Nic Scourton and DJ Johnson. (Johnson was waived Tuesday afternoon.)
Guess who the Patriots targeted early in the game? The replacements, as one does. Again, young teams are not deep teams, so when injuries stack up at certain positions, things can get sideways. But drafting Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds was also part of the plan, and they want them to get time to develop also.
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Games are broadcast on FM 99.7, but there is a 30-second delay before the action is relayed over the radio. Why? In previous years, WBT radio was in sync with the live action on the field. I have timed this delay last year and three games this season, and the delay is 30 seconds. — Hill, Matthews, NC
See, if I were going to explain this as a stupid person, I would say it takes a long time to beam that signal from the broadcast booth, up to space, and then back down to your radio. But that's a thing a dumb person would say, so I asked a smart one.
David Langton, our executive producer for the Panthers Radio Network, explained it succinctly.
"WRFX's over-the-air broadcast signal is transmitted in HD," he helpfully explained. "The processing required to deliver the signal in this quality creates a latency in the audio - this results in the 30-second delay in the broadcast."
Of course, if you're in Bank of America Stadium for home games, you can access our low-latency stream via the Panthers app, which isn't delayed, and gets you the insights of our crew immediately, which is one of the many benefits of being here.
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The volatility over these first four weeks has made for the type of roller-coaster viewing experience that gives a fanbase collective nausea, so it makes sense that many people who care about this team don't care for what they are witnessing. With that being said, I wanted to offer a bit of perspective to those of us who need some emotional regulation during these uncertain times:
First and foremost, disappointment is the result of unmet expectations. If you are tuning into the current Panthers with anything other than an open mind and a curious spirit, you may be at risk of being frustrated. A greenhorn head coach, a young and unproven offense, and the defending champs of historically bad defense are a perfect recipe for the results we are currently experiencing. Please align expectations with reality and fan accordingly.
Secondly, patience truly is a virtue. Yes, the last eight seasons have been rough, but this organization has known zero consistency over that span. Call it an ownership learning curve, call it impulsivity, call it trying on a bunch of hats to see what fits. Point is, this team needs a lot of time with a lot of the same folks around in order to build a culture and solidify an identity. I don't know how long it will take, but it is probably longer than 1.25 seasons under the present regime. Don't make me make Matt Rhule explain Jay-Z to you again.
Finally, and most importantly, this is just a game. If you're not having fun on any given Sunday, you are NOT obligated to participate. You are hereby absolved. You're welcome. I personally tuned out with five minutes left in the first half (when we called a draw on third and 15 down three scores). That didn't jibe with me at all, and I wasn't enjoying myself. Besides, I had some projects that needed tending around the house, and they were easier and far more under my control than the management of this franchise.
Just the opinion of a humble FOTM, but curious to hear what a veteran old guy thinks? Is this what Smitty calls fair-weather fansmanship, or is it just smart football? Keep Pounding! — Jake, Candler, NC
Jake, I appreciate the candor from Candler.
I have always promised to never tell fans how they should fan. That's an individual decision, and as long as your individual decisions don't hurt anyone else, who am I to tell you how to live your life? I'm kind of libertarian that way (that's lower-case L, not a political statement).
I want people to be happy. I also want people to be in community, because that's when I think we're at our best. But if a particular game isn't doing it for you, join us next time.
Time takes time. And many people enjoy the journey as much as the destination. But if the road's bumpier than you'd prefer, pull off, it's OK. I promise the team will be there waiting for you when you want to come back. It's a big world, there's room for us all.
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It's now go-time for editing and finishing up college application essays, and I can't begin to tell you just how much fun I am having. It's tough writing about yourself sometimes. It's even tougher trying to tell the admissions people all about yourself in less than 300 words, on top of schoolwork and cross-country. Honestly, the thing I struggle with the most is getting myself to write all these essays because I realize that I am not going to be in Charlotte next year, and that sometimes makes me sad.
Yes, I want to go somewhere new. I have lived in Charlotte for 18 years and want to meet a lot of new people, but when I think about it, I sure will miss my family. They won't be there to give me a hug whenever I have a bad day, which stinks. I will also miss the Carolina Panthers. Bank of America Stadium will no longer be a 20-minute drive away. I won't get to attend the inaugural Darin Gantt autograph signing at the Cotswold Harris Teeter in October 2026, which is the worst thing of all. You'd better save some free cookies for me.
But 12 of the 26 defensive players for the Panthers are new to the team this year, and five out of the seven players on the special teams depth chart are new to the team this year. Both units had an awful weekend. This may be a silly question, but do you think the fact that they are still adjusting to their new teams and lives in Charlotte had anything to do with their struggle on Sunday? — Zach, Charlotte, NC
Throwing a lot of new together and expecting it to work seamlessly and immediately probably isn't evidence of a plan. They knew when they chose this path, it might take some time, and now that it's taking time, the indigestion is understandable. So head to the pharmacy aisle of your local Harris Teeter and choose the remedy of your preference.
Also, 300 words? You say that like it's a lot. I can't even order breakfast in 300 words except when I'm talking to Bo-Linda and can do it in 12 ("Sausage and egg biscuit combo, Bo-Rounds, half-and-half tea, please). Always say please and thank you, even when talking to the AI order-taker at Bojangles. It's just a good habit.
Here's the other thing. This is home. And home will always be there for you, even when you go away. It might not be as close as it was before, but one of the good things about the internet (and that list is shrinking every day) is that you can stay close to what you want to stay close to in ways you never could before. We have FsOTM from England and Wales and Germany and Thailand and Australia. It's a big world, there's room for us all, like I just told Jake up there.
And you're part of that family here, too, so we're all just an email away, no matter where in this world you go, which I can only assume will be far. (If you ever need help with those essays, I know a guy, but the only thing I'd sign for you is a letter of recommendation.)
Now, before I get all sentimental about our youngest FOTM about to leave the nest so he can go conquer the world (or not, the world is mean sometimes), how about you GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
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And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.
Is it still considered complementary football when all three phases stink? — Bradley, Nellysford, VA
I guess it can be complementary without being complimentary, sure.
Are the Panthers keeping in touch with Josey Jewell? Any chance he'll come back if his head clears? — Kenneth, Mebane, NC
Dave Canales mentioned talking to him recently. But the biggest hope for Jewell is for his health, after a long recovery from concussion symptoms that lasted far longer than he anticipated. If he's well, possibly, but again, his health is the first priority.
Are there any options to bring in help at our linebacker positions? Trade, practice squads? Why was this situation ignored in the offseason? Obviously, our largest defensive flaw. — Gary, Summerville, SC
I wouldn't say it was ignored; it was just complicated because of the aforementioned health concerns for Jewell. They signed Christian Rozeboom to back up Jewell and Trevin Wallace, and he started for a good Rams team last year. But that's what happens when injuries complicate the plans of young teams that aren't deep yet.
Just between you and me, I swear your secret's safe with me (cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye). So, tell me, is XL on some kind of double-secret probation? You can trust me; I won't breathe a word. Is that why we didn't see him out on the field last week, or is there an even juicier story you're keeping under wraps? — Jensen, Chattanooga, TN
There is a little-known codicil in the Ask The Old Guy constitution, which gives the writer unlimited power to preserve order in times of campus emergency.
He has a hamstring injury.
Hi, Darin. I don't want to talk about the Panthers, but I DO want to talk about Ashton Jeanty. He got me 35 points in fantasy. Now I won't have to do the mustard run. The mustard run is where you squirt a whole bottle of mustard into your mouth before running the distance Kendrick Lamar walked at the Super Bowl. You have to do that THREE times in 15 minutes! Anyway, before I say goodbye, I have one question. Do you think that the ketchup mile would be better? — Pingle, Charlotte
Jeanty's really good. But have you considered Duke's Mayonnaise?
Darin, I was wondering if any of the Falcons or their fans made any comments before the game, since they were favored to win, that caused a Falcon to have to eat crow? Wouldn't that be something? A falcon eating crow! I love it! — Clarence, Forest City, NC
I will abide no cannibalism in this Mailbag. Eating your own is bad.
Really enjoy the locker room sounds and pressers. Many of the players seem pretty polished, which is surprising for young kids right out of college. They seem good at responding with party lines (ex., it's a week-to-week league, next man up, etc.). Are they given media training to prep for interviews? Do you have a role in that? — Steve, Landrum, SC
They do, but I don't. They have much smarter people than me for that job. But a lot of it is just being thoughtful and honest. The great thing about cliches is that a lot of them get that way by being true.
Like the one about time healing all wounds, for starters.
