CHARLOTTE — As happy as so many of my friends and neighbors are that the Panthers are sitting here with a winning record as we approach Halloween, there's also a bit of astonishment at how it's happening.
And that's OK too, because the surprises in life are what make it special (and that's not in reference to your yard decorations, which are probably overwrought and certainly too early).
"The Carolina Panthers are seventh in the league in total defense and eighth against the run" is not a sentence I anticipated typing in Week 8 of the Year of our Lord 2025. But here we are.
And in the middle of all that is Derrick Brown, of course, because he's filling up a stat sheet in a way that only he can. He's rejecting passes (three Sunday) at a Dikembe Mutombo rate, and throwing offensive linemen around, and getting sacks.
But he also has a lot of help, from a deeper and more qualified defensive line, to a group of edge rushers that now includes D.J. Wonnum and a couple of rookies in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen (and Princely deserves some kind of medal, for coming back from being fallen upon by Brown last week and returning to the game to add to the New York Sack Exchange, [dated football culture reference]).
The transformation of this defense has been one of the storylines of the season so far, and a lot of the reason they're off to a 4-3 start. But it's just one of them.
And people are fired up, as you might imagine, so let's get to the mail.
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Hi Darin, after a long year, the week I've been looking forward to the most is here, Bills week. I've been talking a lot of smack, and I'm hoping our guys will back up this weekend (and I'll talk plenty more before the week is over). I can't wait to make the trip down for what will hopefully be a rowdy game.
My question for you, though, is how awesome is Derrick Brown? He has been playing lights out, and better be on the short list for some recognition if he keeps it up! Keep Pounding! — Jake, Rochester, NY
See, this is the perfect confluence of factors. A Panthers fan in Western New York asks about Derrick Brown, so he can trash-talk his neighbors, at least the ones who haven't already moved here. (If Jake wasn't previously a FOTM, he certainly would be this week for representing in enemy territory.)
This is where you need a person of my experience, insight, and perspective to break this down for you, and I'm happy to serve.
Derrick Brown is good at football.
There are a million intangible ways to illustrate this, along with the way he tangibly throws offensive linemen out of the club on a weekly basis. But there are also stats to back it up.
With his seven-tackle, 2.0-sack, three pass breakup game against the Jets, he entered some rare territory, which is fitting since he's a rare athlete.
He's the first player in the league to combine at least five tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 3 PBUs in a game since 2021, when TJ Watt and Maxx Crosby did it. Those are household names, and Derrick is not one (yet), but it's hard to deny his impact.
The simple act of batting down passes at the line of scrimmage is one of the areas he excels in. It requires the strength to get another man's hands off of you, and the athleticism to get your hands up in time. Since he entered the league in 2020, he's done that 26 times. Only Pittsburgh's Cam Heyward, also a name-brand and a seven-time Pro Bowler, has more (31).
Brown is also the only interior lineman in the league with 3.0 sacks and five passes broken up this season. One of one, as the kids say.
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(Sorry for the late submittal, I didn't realize these posts come out every Tuesday.) Huge game. Great TEAM win. While I'm not superstitious, I am a "little-stitious", so that's all I'll say about the season right now.
I appreciate your response to the overtime question, and I must say that my idea actually sprang from the reality show, Survivor. I'm a huge fan of the show, not so much for the "reality" portion, but for the challenges and competitiveness. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend. The older seasons are the best, in my opinion, but the best change to the newer seasons is the fire-making challenge. Pretty self-explanatory, but the creators do a great job of capturing the intense moment and fueling the anticipation. That's what I imagined an overtime kicking competition to be like (probably too optimistic), but I am in agreement with you about the college rules, which are much more entertaining.
So, here's my question: Jokingly, can I respectfully request that all football-themed video games and/or movies, i.e., Varsity Blues, be banned for a minimum of 48 hours before gametime? If not the whole team, just for Xavier Legette? What the eff was he doing? We could have easily went into halftime down two scores. — Jonathan, Whittier, NC
Scratch my last submission, let XL watch whatever the heck he wants before games! Feels great to see him start producing. I'm sure it helps when all the attention is focused on Tetairoa McMillan. And Jimmy Horn Jr. looks FAST.
Just based on the last three games, it sure seems like Rico Dowdle should have gotten the start and should be RB1 going forward. I feel like he earned it. That's not to say Chuba Hubbard isn't valuable, especially as a pass-blocker. I feel like that should be the plan moving forward. Let Rico be the three-down back and bring Chuba in on obvious pass plays, or should I keep my day job? — Jonathan, Whittier, NC
Jonathan here was all ready to unload on Legette for his lateral against the Cowboys a week ago, but then saw something to distract him — namely, the career-high nine catches for 92 yards and a touchdown against the Jets.
(And, that lateral, encouraged in the moment by Dowdle, was the kind of thing they're not looking to repeat. As Dave Canales said last week, "don't make stuff up.")
But all of a sudden, XL makes some plays, and people think differently.
To Jonathan's larger point, made in conjunction with the receivers and the backs, is that it takes more than one of them. If a team wants to shadow one receiver, the Panthers have enough targets to spread it around and continue to run a functioning offense. And having size-speed guys like Legette and Jalen Coker and Brycen Tremayne, and a speed guy like Horn, along with McMillan, makes the whole group harder to cover.
Same with running backs. Any one guy can get hot or cold in a short amount of time, but if you've got two of them, it gives you a much better chance to sustain the kind of run game you want to have over 17 weeks.
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Love your segment! I am so happy with the win today! I knew it would be a grind, but shout out to defense for another great performance. My question is about our running backs and play calling. I understand needing to get Chuba back in a groove, get him up to speed. I am just not sure in such a close game when we needed yardage, why you wouldn't run it with Rico. Rico was averaging 4.5 a carry while Chuba was only averaging 2.5 yards a carry; that is a big difference! I know Chuba is a leader, but if it is not broken, don't fix it. For me, I understand coach Canales has forgotten more today than I will ever know about football. Thanks, Darin, for keeping us well informed on our Panthers! — Ronnie, Boiling Springs, SC
As a person who values simplification whenever possible, I'm all for "if it's not broke, don't fix it." But also, a stitch in time saves nine, which is another way of expressing the value of routine maintenance that can often prevent catastrophic failures later.
My suspicion is that if Hubbard and Dowdle played the exact same number of snaps over the next 10 games, one player would not have more yardage than the other in all 10 games. There are some matchups that are going to favor Hubbard and some that are going to favor Dowdle.
The point, again, is that you need both of them.
Dowdle was chugging pickle juice in the two games before Hubbard returned, leaving both games late with cramping. If there were, for instance, another qualified option, his level of effort would likely be more sustainable throughout the game.
Because Dowdle was on such a heater before, there was an assumption among many that it was just going to stay that way. But both these guys are capable of big games, which we've seen.
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Coach says he can call any play regardless of which back is in the game. It seemed like the majority of Chuba's runs were between the tackles compared to a more diverse selection for Rico with off-tackle and wider calls mixed in. Does your extensive staff of researchers have access to the call sheets to confirm my hypothesis? — Steve, Landrum, SC
Nope, sorry, they're mostly the same runs, but once the ball is snapped, a lot can happen.
They sought out Dowdle in part because he's similar enough in style to Hubbard that they can run the same offense with either of them (And it would be a real drag to change the entire book when one person gets hurt). And obviously, each guy has particular runs he might prefer, but the difference is not vast.
From talking to coaches, any difference between them comes from the decisions they're making in real-time. It's not as simple as Hubbard would rather go inside, while Dowdle wants to pop outside. A lot of it is taking what the defense gives you and following the reads.
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The other week during the Cowboys game broadcast, our favorite TE of all time (well, at least my favorite TE of all time) Greg Olsen compared Tetairoa McMillan to Bengal great AJ Green. I seem to recall a certain red-headed Horned Frog on the current roster who threw a few passes Green's way. Has he been asked about the comparison? I'd love to hear his opinion - and bonus points if he compares the two as rookies.
(Also, do you have any recommendations on how to listen to the Panthers radio broadcast up here in Canada?) — Eric, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
We can ask Andy tomorrow when he's scheduled to talk to reporters. (I'm sure he'll say that he prepares like a starter every week, and that he's willing and able to play whatever role the team has for him this week.)
But even Canales brought up the AJ Green comp this week, though it was in reference to Dalton's connection with Legette at the end of the Jets game. Green was a big fast guy with Dalton in his Bengals heyday, and they made a lot of plays together. (Also, Cam Newton was always going to be the No. 1 overall pick here in 2011, but in a world without Newton, drafting Green first and coming back with Dalton in the second was very much on the table.)
As it turns out, big-fast wide receivers are the kinds quarterbacks like throwing to. Also the Panthers have several.
This is also where we're obliged to point out that Dalton has put up big numbers with a number of receivers, not just Green.
He's 26th on the league's all-time passing yardage list with 39,618 (more than Hall of Famers Jim Kelly, Steve Young, Y.A. Tittle, Troy Aikman, and Kurt Warner, to name a few. He's also 26th on the all-time touchdown pass list with 254, tied with Dan Fouts (and more of those than Kelly, Young, Tittle, Aikman, and Warner and a lot of other dudes). Dalton and Fouts were tied for 25th, but some whippersnapper named Patrick Mahomes passed them this year.
As for the radio broadcast, you have to be within 75 miles of Charlotte to listen on a mobile device, but you can listen anywhere in the world on a desktop from the website. And, when you have the option of listening to the Panthers Radio Network, why wouldn't you.
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I have never written into this Mailbag when the Panthers have had a winning record. Until today, that is!
Big props to Derrick and Jaycee Horn- they played great on Sunday. I am so happy and encouraged to see the defense play so well, especially in the fourth quarter when the Jets had multiple chances to score a touchdown and break our hearts. In the past, the defense has let us down at the very end of the game, so it is so amazing to see the defense not do that for once AND lead us to a WINNING RECORD!!!!
Who is this Jake Curhan guy? You mentioned him in the "Inside The Numbers: Panthers vs. Jets in Week 7" article, stating that he is 3-0 as a Panther - wow! I guess he likes Darins better than Darrens! Does he read the Mailbag? If he does, you should give him a t-shirt and let him know I said hello, and tell him that he will be receiving mail from his new biggest fan soon. — Zach, Charlotte, NC
All kinds of firsts happening lately. Was actually talking to Curhan earlier this week. He was signed off the Cardinals practice squad three weeks ago, when the Panthers were scrambling for offensive linemen because of some injuries.
And since he arrived, they've won all three games, with him playing a grand total of 14 snaps on field goal and extra point duty. (And perhaps coincidentally, the Cardinals haven't won since he left.)
"Make sure everybody knows we're 3-0 since I got here," he laughed on Monday. "Tell everybody."
He hasn't gotten any offensive snaps this season, but it's early yet. The Panthers have already used six different starting lineups in seven games, so they've shown the ability to adapt on the fly. Curhan gives them a proven option (he's started 11 games in the league), and a known commodity to the coaching staff from his time with the Seahawks.
Also, a bonus fun fact is that running back/special teamer DeeJay Dallas calls him "Shadow" since he keeps following him around (Dallas also went from the Seahawks to the Cardinals to here).
So unless you're undefeated, or have a cool nickname, it's time for you to GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
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Hi Darin! Long-time reader. I was scrolling through TikTok tonight and came across what is becoming an annoying regular occurrence. A fan was talking about the reasons why the team has been so inconsistent this year, and he said it's because the team doesn't have any mental stamina. They went on to opine that the team needs to hire a sports psychiatrist to help the players with mindfulness exercises.
The team has a sports psychiatrist. Can you explain to this fan what the team's staffing looks like in this area? Who is our sports psychiatrist, and what is their role in prepping the players for game day? — Alex, Charlotte
The Panthers are well-staffed when it comes to keeping players well and ready to play, and that extends beyond the obvious physical demands of the job.
They have a team psychologist on staff, Dr. Joanne Perry, who has a wide-ranging role here. She delivers on-site mental health and performance services to players, coaches, and staff, and as needed, helps all of them connect to mental health services outside the building. She also creates and executes mental wellness and mental performance programs for the team, and can create strategic individual plans and training tools for players.
In short, she's as much of a part of the team's wellness staff (led by vice president of player health and performance Denny Kellington) as all the strength coaches and athletic trainers and physical therapists and nutriotionists and the lot of them.
She's very behind-the-scenes (and certainly doesn't seek out attention), but an important part of the whole operation. You'll see her talking with team members one-on-one in a lot of contexts, including when guys are going through injuries and rehab, and need the support for their whole being, not just strengthening muscles or healing bones.
She also happens to be good people, with an innate drive to help people. The Panthers have a lot of those types behind the scenes, because it takes a small army of professionals to support the guys you see on television on Sundays.
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What a great way to celebrate my 79th birthday: sitting in my FOTM shirt with a bowl of popcorn and rum and Coke and watching the Panthers win on the road. I hope the injury to Bryce isn't too bad or lingering.
I'm a firm believer in Dan's, Dave's, and Brandt's plan to rebuild using the draft with some judicious free agent signings. As we move into the next year of the three-year plan, I see us making fewer significant free agent signings. It appears Wallace is growing by leaps and bounds, and some young guys in the secondary are getting opportunities to learn under fire. My question is not do we focus on a particular position, but should we look for a balanced, almost equal free agent signing and draft number for offense and defense? It appears offense is more stable than defense, even with both Corbett and Mays on one-year deals. I could see us seek another tackle and guard, and a slew of second- and third-level defenders. What are your thoughts, even though it is off-season prognosticating? — Tom, Garner, NC
First off, that does sound like a pretty exceptional birthday plan, Tom. I'm proud I could be a part of it. (Sources close to me also tell me that wearing FOTM shirts is good luck, and since I do it for the people, I'm glad my new shipment is coming in soon so I can spread that good fortune around.)
When you think back over the last two offseasons, there was clearly an emphasis on stabilizing the offensive line in 2024, and the defensive line in 2025. And it appears to have paid off.
In a perfect world, you don't go into an offseason knowing you're doing a major renovation to any particular position group, and you can spread the resources around. Once things are stable, you can address a few positions at a time to add depth and keep the pipeline filled with options. (They haven't drafted an offensive lineman the last two years, which is something you'd prefer not to ignore, but they also had a solid nine-deep, and that continuity matters.)
In general, I think you'll see them try to add to the defense, because as we've seen already, they're not deep there. Adding more outside linebackers, linebackers, and secondary options makes sense.
And my sense is that Dan Morgan isn't going to get locked into particular positions when it comes to the draft, because he knows that's a way to make mistakes. They had a Dan Morgan when they drafted Jon Beason, and they had a Jon Beason when they drafted a Luke Kuechly. Drafting the right player is always the key. (Also, we've got a cool story coming up on Dan Morgan's draft that I think you'll want to check out. We call that a tease.)
Offseason questions will always be part of the conversation, because football is such a year-round sport now. But it is nice to be able to talk about something other than draft position in October and November.
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It's a good day to be a Panthers fan, Darin. While not an overwhelming performance, it was a total team effort overall - exactly what we need to see this week against a team like the Jets. The defense was, overall, our best-performing unit, and they seem to be carving out their identity as each week unfolds. Kudos to them and their coaches for the hard work they've obviously been putting in. Another big "attaboy" to Chuba and Rico for their hard and consistent play in their first outing, sharing the offensive backfield duties. Nothing record-setting, but a consistent, hard-nosed unselfish effort.
Speaking of Kudos and Attaboys, I want to pass one of each your way for the piece you wrote today on the offensive line. The O-line is my favorite position group because that's where I played (center) back in the day, as they say. You did a really nice job of giving them their props, while also explaining the ins and outs of how an O-line must function to be efficient and effective. Thanks for putting forth the effort to show some love to a group that rarely gets its due.
Which leads to my question, we know that generally its the center who makes the line calls at the start of each play. Those calls are crucial to the success of the play but how many fans really understand that? If a new center, one who is inexperienced or new to the team, is pressed into duty to fill in for the team's regular anchor does the team always leave the line-calling duties with the new guy or do they move the duties to one of the guards? Inquiring minds want to know. — Jeff, Concord, NC
It's not ideal, and you could probably do it that way. The only problem is when the guard has to talk to the tackle on the other side, that becomes a bit of a logistical issue. Usually, if there's a new center who isn't comfortable enough to call it, teams will have the quarterback make those protection calls. But that's one more thing for the quarterback to worry about at the line of scrimmage, and if you have a center who can, that allows him to spend another second to survey the secondary.
But the good news is, the Panthers have three guys on the active roster at the moment who can comfortably make the calls at center, with Cade Mays, Austin Corbett, and Brady Christensen. And new guy Nick Samac is smart enough to pick things up quickly, and the beneficiary of a room with great chemistry, where guys such as Corbett are willing to give him extra time to learn the language and the concepts. But if he had to play right now, they'd probably have Bryce Young or Andy Dalton call it until he's more embedded here.
But having that kind of depth and versatility on the line is also rare, and they don't take it for granted. (Believe me, after what they went through in 2023, not having enough offensive linemen wasn't anything Morgan wanted to ever be a part of again.)
Also, when running for 125 yards in a game as a team is considered a bad day, that's a good day.
It truly is amazing how well the line has played this year, considering all the shuffling and the fact that a $100 million player with a Pro Bowl resume like Robert Hunt is on IR.
The Panthers are third in the league in rushing and eighth in sacks allowed per pass play, even with six different starting lineups in seven weeks. That's impressive.
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From your article today (Monday) regarding Bryce's ankle injury being "day-to-day": Young has only missed one game in his career because of injury, in Week 3 of his rookie season (2023) at Seattle, when Andy Dalton stepped in to start.
I might be in the minority here, but that missed game felt weird, especially with Bryce saying he was 100 percent and able to play. Even now, two years later, it still feels like a fugazi injury designation that was more to "quiet bench" Bryce and let him watch and observe Andy Dalton operate Frank Reich's offense in hopes that he learned something. Andy did pretty well in the stat box (though he came up short in the end).
I know mum may be the word on this front as you were and still are employed by the team, but I don't know, it just feels more honest and true coming from Canales than it ever did coming from Frank.
Now to actually ask a question: why did Canales say they were looking at QBs when they were pretty vocal about bringing in Hendon Hooker late in the offseason (early in the season?)? Is the front office looking at possibly bringing in a franchise legend to wait in the wings in case Andy falters? Could we see the great and triumphant return of a true Panthers QB? If so, allow me to be the first to say: Welcome back Matthew Anthony Corral! — Nate, Charlotte
I enjoy a good conspiracy theory as much as the next guy, but here are a few things I believe in my heart to be true.
- We actually did land on the moon.
- UFOs are real, because the statistical chances of this being the only planet with intelligent life are slim (though I question the "intelligent" part some days).
- Bryce Young spent a lot of time in the training room that week in 2023, and there are more comfortable places in Bank of America Stadium to hang out if you're not hurt.
And I think the same reason you want a third healthy quarterback for practice this week (practice squad addition Mike White) is the same reason you employ two quality running backs or multiple qualified receiver and tight end options — you don't want to run out. Hooker's an interesting case study, but he's still two months into his career here, so they're still getting to know each other.
But I do appreciate the throwback mention. The Weekly Matt Corral Question used to be a Mailbag staple, even after he plied his trade in the UFL. I have nothing but fond memories of Matt, and hope he's doing well.
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As your 71-year-old contributor, last week, opined, "Old Guy" is just a relative term, isn't it? You are the Old Guy, compared to the players you cover, he is, compared to you, but, at 85, I doubt many Panther fans can top me. As I'm known to say, "Most men my age are dead." My bookie (and also my best friend) lovingly calls me Homer, as I can find some way to bet a teaser on them every week. Small change, just for an extra rooting interest. I think it's important to live and enjoy a long life, to care about things.
I care deeply about my wife, my daughter, my friends, my God, my country -- and my Panthers. I admire their attitude, their camaraderie, their patience in trusting the process of slow and steady improvement. They play fair, and they try hard. I've been on their bandwagon since their inception.
Oh, yes -- a question for the Mailbag — who is responsible for the notable improvement in the blocking schemes of late, Mays and Christensen, or the coaches? — Jim, Huntersville, NC
As for your question, the answer is all of the above. We've talked in this 'Bag about the contributions of all the players, but it is important to consider the work being done by their coaches.
Run game coordinator Harold Goodwin, line coach Joe Gilbert, and offensive quality control assistant Dean Petzing are working their tails off right now and doing good work.
Investing in the offensive line in 2024 meant more than just signing Hunt and Damien Lewis to big contracts; having the people there to work with them every day is key.
Those guys don't get the same kind of acclaim, but the job they're doing is massive.
And Jim, I salute both your longevity and your perspective.
None of this matters if it's not for something. And passionate people are the only kind that have ever changed the world. It might just be a ball game, but when you get 65,000 or so of your neighbors singing the same song and happy together (or, honestly, just being engaged in a common effort together, regardless of result), that's worth something. Caring deeply about things and the communal experience are two of my favorite things about sports in general, so I'm going to make Jim this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, and get the appropriate honorarium on the way to him, so he's got something to look forward to, no matter how the game turns out.
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Been out of town on a cruise, but just wanted to say that the Cowboys game was a hard-fought win and a lot of fun to watch (even on a smartphone)! Couldn't tune in for the trip to Jersey this week, but it sounds like a defensive masterclass was in session and that XL had himself a get-right game. Congrats to the team for stringing together some wins!
My question is, what was the deal with the offense on Sunday? It was hard to get a good feel for the rhythm of the game via the YouTube recap that only shows highlights, so I'm not being rhetorical or sarcastic. Did Steve Wilks (we love you, Steve) scheme up a particularly solid defense against his former team, or were we somewhat clunky again operationally?
I ask because while our defense is growing increasingly stingy and our offense is currently rushing at a rate good for second in the league as of Monday morning, the passing game so far seems more difficult than it needs to be. While I certainly hope the best for Bryce, I'd be interested in seeing them rest him for a week, given the injury, and let Sheriff Dalton ride again in a shootout against Buffalo Josh. I know Andy is nearly an old guy himself and is by no means the future of the franchise, but old guys have been playing some good ball lately, and I'm curious what the passing attack looks like with this stable of receivers and a Chuck Connors type in the pocket.
By the way, in the event that Andy does start against the Bills, could you please notify the national broadcast team that it is " The Red Rifle", not " The Red Rocket". A "Red Rocket" is, ugh, something else. Anyway, thanks in advance, and Keep Pounding! — Jake, Candler, NC
Oh, look at Mr. I'm Fancy And Went On A Cruise, who's too busy to join the rest of us. Dang, Jake. I thought you were a man of the people.
I think because the Jets are 0-7, people want to assume they're bad at everything. But that defense has some dudes on it (Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner are basically Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn in 2023, in terms of their quality on a team that struggles), and as we know, Wilks is a very good coach. They've held two straight teams with over-.500 records to 13 points each. That's usually enough to win a game.
And yes, the Red Rocket is something entirely different. It's a fireworks store down on Carowinds Boulevard, of course.
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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.
Hi Darin, hope you are doing well. You and I both know this question needs to be asked every so often, ... "What's that bear doing?!?" — Byron, Myrtle Beach, SC
Well, if you mean our old friend Robbie Chosen (nee Anderson), he caught four passes for 36 yards for the Commanders last weekend, which was good to see.
Now, if you mean That Bear himself, I had an EXCLUSIVE interview with Sir Purr the other day, he's thinking big thoughts. In fact, he saw Charlotte FC legend Kerwin Vargas last week, and he was inspired and is trying to figure out how to incorporate flips and fire into his next routine.
PSL owner since Day 1. I have never written in before, but I always read your column and enjoy your insight.
I don't know if you can answer this question or not, I'm a big Notre Dame fan and would like to get a picture of Mitchell Evans' touchdown where he is spiking the ball next to Tommy Tremble. Thanks for any help you can give, and I will continue to root for my Panthers and enjoy reading your work. — Wayne, Matthews, NC
You mean this one?
Don't look now, but Double Trouble II is in the backfield. After DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart each racked up over 1,100 yards in 2009 for the Panthers, we suddenly have that type of potential again. Go DT II. — Scott, Calabash, NC
Wouldn't Chuba and Rico be DTIII now? Maybe they could dress as Stephen Davis and Deshaun Foster for Halloween.
Three in a row! Going to see a serious step up in opponent quality these next few weeks, but for the first time in quite a while, I'm cautiously optimistic and excited for gameday! Trevor Etienne had a few really solid returns that helped set up our scores. Hopefully, the muff earlier in the season is behind him, and he can really lock down that returner spot. Instead of asking about the RB split or Bryce's ankle, I'll ask about Daren Bates. Is he the most excited coach you've ever seen on the football field? Every time he's on the broadcast, he's going absolutely insane, and it cracks me up, love it! — James, Sarasota, FL
He's got to be close. Bates is a maniac, and brings the juice every single week.
And whenever anyone around here yells for Daren, I know they definitely don't mean me.
Back to .500 after the win over Dallas - what a good time to be alive (and be a Panthers fan!). Our young wide receiver corps has been the focus of much of the talk around this Panthers team, especially with the trade of Thielen before the start of the season (myself included). However, I wanted to focus on Hunter Renfrow and his HUGE catch on fourth and 3 to give the Panthers a much-needed first down to win the game. While Renfrow has been overshadowed (and maybe underused) compared to some of the other guys out there, in your view, how important is he to this offense, and what's his value to a young QB like Bryce? — Juan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Just wait, Juan, it gets better.
If you're only going to catch one ball in a game, that was the one for Renfrow to catch. He's trustworthy, and that's one of the highest compliments I can pay a person. It's also massive to have more good players than you can use in a given week, and especially when those guys are mature enough to see the big picture.
