Panthers Grind Out Crucial Win as Playoff Picture Tightens
The Panthers are in a challenging situation, made harder after being swept by the Saints. To win the division and make the playoffs, the Panthers must face the Buccaneers twice and the Seahawks, who are currently leading the AFC. The Panthers cleared the first hurdle, closing out a narrow victory at home. The Panthers' starters stepped up big at the most critical time.
Bryce Young Delivers When It Matters Most
Bryce Young played a good game, highlighted by Young’s fourth quarter icing. Young has become money in the clutch. At a crucial final drive, Young hit Jalen Coker for a huge 34-yard play, putting the Panthers in field goal range. With the lead, the defense secured the victory. The former Heisman winner finished the day with 21 completions, 199 passing yards, and two touchdowns. Dave Canales gave him the green light today, with 32 passing attempts. A much better game this week, and he did exactly what he needed to do to win. If the defense keeps up its high level of play, Young will continue to thrive in the clutch.
Young’s Weapons Step Up at the Right Time
The receiving corps showed up today, and it showed. Tetairoa McMillian continues his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign with another impressive game. Tmac’s chemistry with Young is only improving with time, and they are becoming a formidable duo. Tmac finished the day with six receptions for 73 receiving yards and a touchdown. He’s always there when the Panthers need a play made. Tmac has all but locked up the OROY, an impressive feat if he manages to capture it. Jalen Coker also had a big day today, solidifying himself as the WR2. In addition to his big play in the clutch, he finished the day with three receptions for 47 yards. Coker is the key complement to the receiving room, giving Young a solid second option that he was missing. Young and Coker also linked up in the Rams game to seal the upset victory with a first down. Xavier Legette is the de facto WR3, finishing today with one reception for 12 yards. It’s hard to say what Legette’s future with the Panthers looks like. Legette has underperformed relative to his draft position, being outplayed by Coker, an undrafted free agent. His flashes of talent have been few and far between, but some players just take longer to adjust to the NFL.
Ground Game Continues to Search for Answers
The running game was largely unsuccessful today. Rico Dowdle had nine carries for 29 yards, and Chuba Hubbard had six carries for 27 yards. Both players were almost outrushed by Young, who had 20 yards on four carries. The backfield is still split with both players yielding similar numbers. It’s hard to say precisely why the Panthers’ rushing attack has regressed so much. The most significant difference has been the quality of defenses. The Panthers' best rushing performances have come against the bottom of the league in rushing defense. Lately, they’ve been playing against stouter front sevens, and teams honing in on the run game to limit Young. Both players are still capable of having big games and shouldn’t be counted out heading into the final stretch.
Defense Continues Its Late-Season Surge
The defense has stepped up recently, particularly the pass rush. Last week, the Panthers' defense recorded five sacks and continued to produce today with two more. The big defense player today was Lathan Ransom. After a difficult break last week, being baited into fouling the Saints, which led to their loss, Ransom won the game this week. Ransom secured an interception in the final minutes of the game, ending it. Derrick Brown has been killing it recently. He looks fully recovered from the injury that forced him out of the 2024 season. Brown’s level of play has been increasing in the last few weeks, as he is putting up Pro-Bowl numbers. In the previous three weeks, Brown had two sacks, 11 tackles, and one forced fumble. He does it all on the d-line and is instrumental in the defense’s resurgence.
A Major Test Looms in Week 17
The Panthers are rolling again. They can carry the momentum into a tough Week 17 against the Seahawks. The Seahawks tout one of the best offenses in the league. The Seahawks might be the toughest matchup for the Panthers' defense. They showed up against the Rams and the Saints. They will be the key to securing the win next week.
