CHARLOTTE — Welcome to the most complicated week of the year.
Nobody knows exactly how to feel. We know we feel something, but it's hard to describe. Nobody knows exactly how to talk about anything. There's a lot to say, but it still feels a little off and the words tend to come out wrong. It feels like it ought to be a celebration, but everyone's so exhausted and emotionally wrung out it's hard to feel like a party.
And that's just the Panthers coming off a near-miss non-win to the Chiefs. We haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving yet.
It would be easy and very tempting to declare last Sunday a moral victory. That was still the Chiefs, the ones with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes and all the rings and trophies. Even if it's not a peak Chiefs team, it's still a top-tier defense alongside the best coach and quarterback tandem of this generation. So, not getting blown out is a positive, but being that close to actually winning is a tease, and that's where Dave Canales and Bryce Young were after the game.
It would be normal to feel good about it, but they wanted it to hurt a little, as a reminder of where they're hoping to go.
The good news is, when you step back from the one-game lens that we often look at football through, you can see the path forward for this team. The Panthers have an offensive line and a run game they can trust. They have a sound defensive philosophy, that can do good things when it is sufficiently staffed. They have a young quarterback who has made increasingly positive steps over the last month. There are young players contributing on both sides of the ball. They have a coach and GM creating the promise of something resembling stability.
That's a lot to be grateful for, which is why Sunday brought a lot of mixed emotions. There's no such thing as a signature loss, so being that close to a signature win stung. We'll see how it manifests itself over the next six weeks.
That gets us to Thanksgiving. If you've read this far, congratulations, you are among the most fortunate one percent of people to ever walk the Earth. You have an electronic device, an internet connection, and enough free time to pursue a leisure activity of your preference. You have the opportunity to escape. Not everyone is that lucky, and we ought to remember that.
Holidays are complicated. They're supposed to be a certain way based on the images that pour into our phones and televisions, but they're often something far different. Family relationships can be strained, and on good days, they're unpredictable. There are loved ones we've lost in the last year. Nothing ever feels normal for long. And that's just if you're one of the lucky ones.
And even in a city of such prosperity and comfort, a lot of your neighbors aren't as fortunate. Financial pressures hit certain segments of the population and areas of the city harder than others. If you're worried about a football team, that means for at least a second, you're not worried about where you're going to sleep or what you're going to eat. So, if you have the means and inclination, I'd encourage everyone who reads this to reflect on their good fortune and share as you can. There are plenty of organizations in this city committed to helping, but two with some of the deepest roots here are Roof Above and Nourish Up. But there are plenty of good people working to help their neighbors in every community. Support the people who support the people where you live.
And as you go through the week, extend grace where you can. For football teams that almost did something amazing. For people whose holiday doesn't look like a Norman Rockwell painting. Which is most of us, honestly.
Find your people. Help where you can. Say thank you for what you have. That's football advice, too, so onto the mail.
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Darin. I hope you are doing well. I don't have a question; I just have a few thoughts. This loss to the Chiefs was heartbreaking but beautiful at the same time. Heartbreaking because it was a loss, but we were within a breath of defeating the 9-1 reigning Super Bowl champions. I always hate to lose. However, I can't help but feel pretty good about this one. Yes, there are things that need to be cleaned up, but we had a real shot against a very good team that most people expected to run all over us, and that says a lot. I hope you and all the Ask The Old Guy readers have a blessed Thanksgiving. — LeeAnne, Lincolnton, NC
This was the consensus opinion in this week's mail if we're being honest.
Part of it stems from the results of recent years (not good), but mostly, it's because there's a clear sense of direction.
The Panthers have some individual parts and areas of the team they can count on now.
They have an offensive line that is both good and stable, and could be around in something resembling its current form. They have a running game with Chuba Hubbard, and they expect Jonathon Brooks to turn into a complement.
There are some pieces on defense that you can see making an impact now and potentially more of one in the future.
That said, allow me to use this space to give credit to a guy whose job doesn't lend itself to notice.
Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson was brought here to be a bookend to Derrick Brown. And as anyone with a lot of books knows, one bookend is only so useful.
Robinson is playing his tail off right now. He's constantly banged up, and constantly playing. He left the game for a few snaps Sunday in what appeared to be intense pain. He went into the blue tent for a bit. He came out. After the game, he left with a cast on his hand. He's not coming off the field without extreme reason. Football people tend to come up with names for people like this, honorifics such as "dog" or "war daddy." That's what Robinson is right now. He's that guy.
He's also playing the run extremely well, which is harder to do when your numbers are depleted in the front seven. He's also getting some pressure on quarterbacks from inside. When Brown returns next season, it's a partnership that should yield results. Again, he's part of the path forward that you can imagine.
------------------------------------------------------
Do you feel, as I do that the Panthers are continuing to grow week to week? After standing toe to toe with a nearly undefeated Super Bowl caliber team, I feel that this an entirely different team from 2023 to early 2024. They are playing with actual heart, which is not often seen on any NFL team. — Chris, Moseley, VA
Yes, is the short answer.
(It's never a short answer around here.)
The biggest thing isn't that they almost beat the Chiefs, the biggest thing is they played so much better than they did the week before. If they can keep doing that, the results will naturally follow.
Watching this team right now is like watching young people grow up. They're developing a personality and traits right in front of our eyes. You hope it comes with work ethic and responsibility, and it appears to.
I've mentioned here before that it's a little like in 2022 when a flawed team under interim coach Steve Wilks figured out its (very narrow) path to winning games and leaned into it. Those guys believed they could do business a certain way, and they did. But it mostly reminds me of 2002, when a new coach came in talking about changing the culture, and after an eight-game losing streak in the middle of the season, got on a run that ended up in the Super Bowl the following season.
That's not to say the Panthers are going to the Super Bowl next year. There's a lot of work to be done here. But this team's also starting to build a certain confidence. Without results, that matters less, but yes, there's something cooking.
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Darin! What a difference a month or two makes, right? The somber mood and lack of perspective (probably) are gone for most fans. The team is coming together, and after yesterday, the hope of having the franchise QB already on the roster is back. Happy for Bryce, the person, for being able to play at a high level (the passing game elevated the offense in the first half - just three runs as the Chiefs have a good run D and were set to stop it) after all that happened to him since last season. Great to see after the game the same mindset of improving and trying to win (even if this loss seems OK given the circumstances) - I guess it means everyone knows, including Bryce, that the standard has to be like yesterday and higher. The question I have is: that level of play and consistency on good throws that Bryce showed yesterday was what you saw on training camp and OTAs this season (and last season) and didn't translate to games (the first two this season and most of last)?
P.S. Here at home, my daughter has kept the same attitude through the whole process: making noise by hitting the couch on every opponent's third down and making the Dolla Bill celebration after every TD (by Xavier Legette or not) - she even went after me yesterday saying "Dad, you're not making enough noise!" But, most importantly, even if the hope disappears again in the near future, those moments are to be appreciated! — Fernando, São Paulo, Brazil
Linebacker Trevin Wallace was talking about his quarterback Sunday, and he said, "I'm like, oh, that's the Alabama Bryce." It's at least Jets Joint Practice Bryce, or Training Camp Bryce, or First Quarter of the Bills Preseason Game Bryce.
Sunday was different. He's shown flashes of that at times, but he was not only completing passes he didn't normally complete the first two games of the year, he was attempting passes he wasn't attempting before he was benched.
The difference is clear, as he's back to throwing into tight windows with confidence.
Also, I love that your daughter took in-stadium traditions (beating on the seats to make noise) into your home. Furniture can be replaced. Memories like that will last a lifetime.
------------------------------------------------------
On the scale of parent fails, where does scheduling an ACT tutoring session in the middle of the Panthers/Chiefs game fail? I heard my triplet 17-year-old boys say something about me being a "sussy baka." Do you know what this even means? I don't understand football or 17-year-old boys. — Get Back to Class Zach's Mom, Charlotte
Oh, no. ACT tutoring on a Sunday? What's wrong with you? (Oh, that's right, you're doing everything in your power as a parent to create an environment for your children to succeed, whether they appreciate it or not. The nerve of you. I'm making you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, just for putting up with them.)
On the other hand, maybe there's a different time for tutoring? They work hard. They are bright and curious. They will figure out the ACT. I would hope a reschedule is possible.
Also, I have no idea what a "sussy baka" is. Is that like Chewbacca? No clue. The youngs I work with here asked me to do a TikTok the other day in which I said many words I didn't know the meaning of. I tried to be a good sport, and now people keep asking me if I'm either a twin or a diva or complimenting me on my rizz. I have no idea, and I'm not about to ask or look it up. Savor the mystery, and save the energy for the parenting. It requires it.
------------------------------------------------------
Hey Darin! What a great game on Sunday from Bryce. Glad I got to go. The defense really struggled to get any stops and force the Chiefs to punt until the fourth quarter; did Ejiro Evero decide to make a key adjustment heading until the final 15, or did the defense just keep mining until they finally struck gold?
Unrelated to any of this, but are you a fan of cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving? Are you one of those guys that would want to go cranberry picking like those guys on TV did when I was 5? — Zach, Charlotte
First things first, stop whatever you're doing right now (and I like that you're reading the Mailbag inside the cover of your ACT prep workbook), and go thank your mom for being amazing and creating many pathways for you to both enjoy yourself and grow as a human being. And for putting up with the temporary bouts of being inconsiderate by you and your brothers. And for letting you go to the game. Maybe you should do the dishes without being asked every now and then. She deserves nothing less than your devotion and respect.
Second things second, an enthusiastic yes to cranberry sauce. That kind of sweet and tart taste is the perfect complement to all the savory dishes on a Thanksgiving table. Life's about balance. But I have no need to harvest my own cranberries, and I am content to eat the kind out of the can (after it makes that gratifying SHHHHHBBBBLLLLUUUURRRRPP sound coming out). I like certain things to be predictable. I also like it when my food products tell me where to cut, as those ridges on the can do. It's like if the turkey had dotted lines tattooed on its torso to show me where to carve. Actually, that's kind of twisted. Never mind.
Evero definitely dialed it up a bit in the fourth quarter. After allowing scores on five straight possessions (even if two of them were field goals), something needed to change.
But one of the big things was D.J. Wonnum.
He was disruptive late in the game, and did some of the little things that helped open doors for others (like your mom does so often, you ingrate).
There were times in the first half of the season when Jadeveon Clowney looked slower than we're used to seeing him, but once Wonnum got back, he suddenly looked younger and more productive. In this defense, one good outside linebacker is a necessity, and the second one is a force multiplier, making the collective whole better.
That's what Wonnum did Sunday, impacting the game beyond the stat sheet.
Now, go hug your mom's neck and tell her thanks for everything she does for you even though you're a load sometimes, and then GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
------------------------------------------------------
Always appreciate you and your insightful writings. I don't mind telling you that after KC's first possession, I thought we were in for an A-whopping. We hung with the big boys and showed some real potential. Every time I thought our offense was in trouble, they came through with so much more than just a first down. Funny how the play-calling looks so much better. We keep improving and maybe the bank will no longer look like it's been robbed. My question is what's with the blown coverages in the secondary? Is it communication problems, lack of experience playing together or something else? — Don, Trinity, NC
As the noted Eastern philosopher John Fox liked to say, "the other team practices too."
That's still Patrick Mahomes, so you don't have to make a big mistake to create an opening; a little one will do.
There were a few moments when someone got caught peeking into the backfield and a couple of missed tackles, but considering the state of their defensive personnel at the moment, it wasn't a bad effort. Are there things to tighten up? Sure.
------------------------------------------------------
Hi Darin, I think the team showed some maturity and growth today. I choose to see a team on the rise, albeit maybe baby steps, and they looked much more sure of themselves today than in weeks past. I was very impressed with the way Bryce played. He still has a lot to learn, but his throws (for the most part) and his running today really looked like coach Canales' system is moving him in a positive direction. And that's what we were looking for, right? Besides, the smile on Bryce's face at times today couldn't help but bring out the same on mine. The O-line turned in another strong performance, and Chuba (that cat can ball) continues to prove his worth as our No. 1 ball carrier. It was great to see Thielen back out there doing his thing and the tight ends played well.
And you can't leave out the defense and how well they played against Mahomes and company. They really stepped up today with those sacks and plays for losses in the backfield. Overall, I think there are a lot of signs that should make all of us fans excited about the future.
My question is this, what does the near-term future hold for Miles Sanders here? With Jonathan Brooks making his debut today and showing a little of what he can bring to the run game, will there still be a seat at the table for Sanders when he returns from his injury? I'd say it's kind of a pleasant problem to have, or am I off base? I know you're not in the prognosticatin' business, but I'd be interested in your always insightful take on the matter.
One last note - I hope that you and your entire extended family have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving, and don't eat too much. I'm working on a new livermush-based stuffing recipe for our turkey this year, but I'm not sure the rest of the family is as excited about it as am I. If it's a hit I'll share it with you. — Jeff, Concord, NC
First off, Sanders' injury was such that it's going to be a minute before he's able to practice again, and the clock's ticking on this season. He's out at least three more games, and there are only three after that.
It's no slight to him; he's an accomplished back, but it's hard to see a place for a three-headed running attack here. Sanders got just 38 carries in 10 games behind Hubbard anyway (confirmed, that cat can ball), and you don't want to carve that small of a slice of pie into too many pieces.
Speaking of pie, dessert can wait. Tell me more about livermush stuffing. If you didn't already have the T-shirt, I'd drive one to your house on Thursday just to try that. All good stuffing needs a good blend of fat to help keep it together, and liver mush would be a good textural match as well. I heartily endorse the use of organ meats and by-products, particularly in non-traditional ways. I got a late invite to a classy holiday party a few years ago and when we offered to bring something, we were told an appetizer. The Harris Teeter was closed, so I bought Vienna sausages and jerky at a convenience store and called it charcuterie. It was a hit.
------------------------------------------------------
Hello! I normally listen to game day on iHeart radio (99.7 The Fox) because I work on Sundays. In today's (Panthers/Chiefs) pregame show, a Panthers player was being interviewed, and he spoke highly of his faith and his trust in God, as well as quoted a few Bible verses. At the end of the interview, he talked about a David and Goliath tattoo he has. I was very impressed by this player. However, because I was working, I was not able to focus 100 percent on the interview, so I missed who it was. Any chance you know who this inspirational young man is? — Mindy, Camden, SC
That was none other than cornerback Caleb Farley, who was being interviewed by the legendary Jim Szoke.
Farley is an impressive young man, and he's earning more and more play time as the season goes on. Of course, he's also a former first-round pick, so he has pedigree.
He's been through his share of injuries in his career in addition to personal trauma, but he's come through it with a refreshing perspective. Farley's determined to keep fighting, no matter what he's faced with. That makes him a good fit here for a lot of reasons.
------------------------------------------------------
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.
Since the Panthers didn't try and get Drake Maye, do you think they will try and sign hometown boy Daniel Jones off waivers? A new team may do wonders for him. — Michael, Stockbridge, GA
Claiming Jones would have been bad business because of the injury guarantees and the size of his contract. Which is why no one did. And a new team may do wonders for him; I just don't expect it to be this one right now. Jones still has a lot of potential. He's got an arm, and is mobile. Kind of like Sam Darnold. Hmmmm, maybe there's a lesson there.
I need you to use your Old Guy influence to get the team to keep the black helmets. Throw some of the white details, like the teeth, and we're good. I love the silver, but hey, new era '— time for those to be a throwback. Bit of a myth, but we do seem to play better in the black. Even if not, they look sick. Do your best; we're counting on you. — Miles, Chicago, IL
There are some things that are beyond even my powers, Miles. They do look good, and the Panthers are 3-2 all-time in them, so it's not just a perception. And trust me, you do not want me making suggestions to the marketing or graphic design departments. My art skills topped out at stick figures.
Hi DG, temperatures are supposed to be very cold for early December in Charlotte on Sunday against Tampa Bay. Since it is a Panthers home game, out of curiosity, how does the team prepare to play at home in very cold weather at home practice-wise? — Shaked, Charlotte
They go into a large industrial freezer and punch sides of beef to get themselves ready. Oh, wait, I'm being told that was the movie Rocky.
They pretty much just practice in whatever the conditions are, with more clothes on and maybe some heaters. It's definitely cooling off later in the week, so it might be time to bust out the chart of coldest games in franchise history, though it might not push the Detroit game in 2022, when it was 20 degrees at kickoff (the record-coldest home game).
This is why I'm glad the press box is enclosed in glass and heated, which is among the many, many things I'm thankful for, along with all of you who read this Mailbag every week.
