CHARLOTTE — Welcome to the final week of the year when football is a theoretical exercise.
After this week, we'll have a sample size of evidence (albeit a potentially misleadingly small one) to tell us if what we've been expecting or not expecting is real.
But this week, anything is possible. And people seem to be leaning toward the happy side of that, for now. It's early, yet.
You can tell by the tenor of the mail that there's a real anticipation about what may or may not happen Sunday. When you create as much change as the Panthers created this offseason, it's hard to not also create a sense of anticipation about what it might become, and it's a short step from there to hope.
That's created an undercurrent of optimism, though it's measured optimism because of a conditioned response. Fans, feeling stung by the last few years, are taking their time, sticking one toe at a time into that pool. By Sunday, some of them will be doing cannonballs off the deck, and some will be waiting cautiously for the 30 minutes to pass since they ate that rack of ribs so they can dive in and not get a cramp.
By the time we reconvene here next Tuesday, we'll know a little bit more. But right now, fans are kind of savoring the unknown, but you can tell some of them like this unknown better than previous versions of the unknown.
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Good day, sir; perhaps that should be at the end of this? AAHHH, the end of August, college football has begun, the big boys are getting ready. My question to you sir, does it feel like the grownups are in charge on Mint Street? It seems that Dan Morgan knows what he is doing out of the gate. No rookies starting on the offensive line type of leadership. Free agency, draft, wheeling, and dealing with confidence. Coach Dave Canales seems comfortable at the helm, an even keel kind of guy. Does this comfort level, or dare I say optimism for sustained success, permeate? DO YOU FEEL IT??? Regardless of wins and losses, better play, getting the football right, being competitive before the first snap. DO YOU FEEL IT??? Good day sir. — Westray, Kershaw, SC
See what I mean? Westray feels it.
The Panthers changed directions and paired up a young coach and a young GM for a reason. They wanted to get the operation on the same page.
And there's clearly a coherent pattern to what they're doing.
They spend time and intentional work on certain things, study it closely, and if it's not working, they do something different. See the way they turned over the cornerback room. They had a bunch of good little cornerbacks in reserve behind their starters, but once Dane Jackson went down, you could see the size difference show up in stark relief. So they went out and got four big ones. You can't say it wasn't deliberate, because there's a template for what they wanted and they went and got it.
Same with the plays on the field. Early in camp, there was a heavy emphasis on the run game, kind of symbolically laying the foundation for what they wanted to do offensively. Then as it went on, they began to look progressively more comfortable in the passing game. Between the Jets joint practice, what they saw in the latter stages of camp, and that one drive in Buffalo, there is at least a base of evidence that suggests Bryce Young has made tangible strides (he's also better protected and has a better group of targets).
So we'll see. No one knows how it's all going to work out, but it's beginning from a seemingly stable place. After the last few years, that's all you can ask for.
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Hey Darin, first time asking a question, but I have been an avid reader of yours for many years. Your "let's not get ahead of ourselves" outlook and words are something many should strive for in life and football.
The vibe that I have been getting from the moves from the organization seems much more patient and forward-thinking than many in the media are giving credit for. But, hey, who cares what they think. They will say they saw it coming when the ship has been righted anyway. In your time spent on the field and in the facilities, do you get a sense of this "patient purpose" from the organization, and is there still the "alignment" that Dan Morgan set out to have when he got the job? I'll be cheering you in spirit on my next Bojangles run to a good year here in the Carolinas! — Stephen, Awendaw, SC
Looks like it right now. Football teams that go 2-15 the year before are like aircraft carriers and old ladies lost in the produce aisle at Harris Teeter — they take a long time to turn around.
At the same time, it does seem a lot more normal right now, based on the way they're going about things.
For all the attention Canales gets for being upbeat and positive, he's also relentlessly detailed about the football product. He's very focused on the work, and even details as small as Dom Capers encouraging him to carve minutes out of team meetings to have more time with position coaches to create granular instruction time is on brand. All of the vibes are good, getting the football right is better.
And maybe I'm just too old for wild swings of emotion, but taking the long approach is all I really know. Quick fixes are rarely quick, and even more rarely do they fix things. Measure twice, cut once. Nobody's going viral for that, but I'm also old enough to remember when going viral wasn't considered a positive because it meant you had a communicable disease.
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Do you know why Luke Kuechly's number 59 has not been used since he actively played? — Anthony, Aydlett, NC
There's only one retired number in franchise history, and that's Sam Mills' 51 — as it should be.
There are some other numbers that are like that can in the back of the refrigerator, that just so happen to not have come out lately, and they stay cold. It's sort of a respect thing.
Kuechly's old 59 is one, and Steve Smith Sr.'s 89 is another. Cam Newton's 1 has been out of circulation since he left both times. Thomas Davis' 58, Ryan Kalil's 67 and Jordan Gross' 69 have been rather gently used since they retired (Gabe Jackson wore 69 last year when the O-line injuries meant there were practically no other options in December).
People started wearing Julius Peppers' 90 as soon as he went to Chicago (and who can forget Frank Alexander?), but since Amaré Barno switched from wearing 90 last year to his old college number 38, no one has been back in it since. With Peppers going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer, that seems reasonable.
Most newcomers also have enough self-awareness to know that they don't necessarily want to create comparisons between themselves and some of the legends of the franchise.
But you have to be careful with that kind of business for a few reasons. With 90-man rosters during the offseason, you run out in a hurry if you have a dozen or more numbers that are off limits. Some teams retire way too many numbers, and pretty soon it's like a college sideline, where you have three number 46s and one of them is a punter.
Also, this team is still just 30 years young, so you don't want to make decisions now that make it hard for the equipment manager 20 years from now (though I fully expect Don Toner to still be here then and to still be making things look easy, even though they're far from it).
That's a long way of saying that, in my opinion, I'd rather retire too few numbers than too many. It ought to be rare. That's what makes it special.
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It's been a long, hot summer here in Arkansas. My new FOTM t-shirt stands out both for its contrast to the razorback red that is common in these parts and for the sweat stains it has so rapidly acquired. Thank you for the merch and for the hand-written note that accompanied it. Speaking of high temperatures, that offense of ours looked positively scorching against the Bills. Bryce and the gang set the tone early against a second-string D (as they should), and the backups backed it up and then some. Lots of folks say that the preseason doesn't count and is a waste of airtime, but I would venture those folks' teams have scored points and won football games in recent memory. As a fan of a team consistently positioned in the power-rankings sewer, last Saturday was some of the best-looking Panthers football I've witnessed in nigh on half a decade. I'd say that counts for something.
One thing the preseason does well to highlight is the potential depth of rosters, and considering how severely this team has lacked depth in recent years, it is a breath of fresh air to see our second and third-team units playing with unity, competence, and a dash of grit. Despite the coming casualties, there are more than 53 guys on this roster who deserve to don the black and blue full-time. While this speaks highly of the players vying to be a piece of the Panthers puzzle, it also says a tremendous amount about the coaching staff and management that are working behind the scenes to put the puzzle together. It may even say something of an owner who is learning from his mistakes.
We probably won't make the playoffs this year. Heck, we may not even be good. From what I've seen this offseason, though, we WILL be better. It's going to take time to get right, but when you find yourself down in the sewer, the only way out is to crawl. No question today, just my thanks again and prayers for milder weather. Keep crawling and Keep Pounding! — Jake, Conway, AR
Points are good. People appear to enjoy them. Especially when they come six at a time instead of three at a time. And seeing touchdowns (plural) in Buffalo was helpful, at least in changing the external conversation about the team. As we discussed last week, it's not everything, but it's not nothing, either.
As to your other point, the 53-man roster is one thing, but what you're really considering is the 69-man roster once you add in the practice squad.
And some of those guys who were on the wrong side of the 53, either the first day or the following day when waiver claims were added, are back. As they continue to build this thing, they're going to turn over both the active roster and the practice squad to look for the kind of people they need. But it's also worth noting that none of the players they released were claimed by other teams, and only wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (49ers), tackle Ricky Lee (Vikings) and rookie linebacker Derrick McLendon (Dolphins) have found practice squad gigs.
There's no way to protect against the kind of plague that hit the offensive line last year, and there are still a few positions that are not what you'd refer to as deep at the moment (outside linebacker being the most obvious). But they are systematically looking at a lot of options and are expected to continue as they build toward that depth that good teams need.
As noted, this is the time for patience. It's easier when you're as fashionable and cool as Jake is in his FOTM T-shirt.
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Hi Darin! I really enjoy reading your posts and just love living in Charlotte for a little over a year now; maybe I'll bump into you someday!
Based on the Buffalo preseason game, I have so much more hope and excitement for this season! I know we have a ways to go before we're playoff-ready, but anything can happen! I really like Coach Canales' attitude and approach towards the team and players. Do you feel a new vibe in the building compared to last year? Are the players really buying into his philosophy and approach? As a fan, I can feel it, so hopefully, it's being felt where it really matters, in the locker room. I remember the players really bought in with Steve Wilks because he held them accountable. Do you see the same accountability happening under Canales?
By the way, where's the best BBQ in CLT? Thanks in advance! — Amanda, Charlotte
Charlotte's still enough of a small town that running into me is imminently possible, Amanda. Especially if you're a bail bondsman or somebody offering free food. But the barbecue question's trickier, because the best barbecue usually comes from places on the outskirts of town, from little cinder-block buildings with big woodpiles behind them. There are some quality spots like Midwood Smokehouse, Noble Smoke, and Mac's Speed Shop here in the city, but I really enjoy Sweet Lew's in the Belmont neighborhood (which is not the same as the Belmont in Gaston County since you're new here). Trust me.
As far as accountability, if anyone isn't getting the message about the direction here, it's their own fault. When you claim six dudes off waivers in one day (which seemed like a record, but I checked, and amazingly, it's not), that sends a signal to the other 47 men on the roster that there aren't too many sacred cows in this herd.
When you consider there are 23 players on the 53-man roster who weren't here last season and all that recent turnover, the accountability ought to be implicit. But at the moment, the vibes are all good. Canales has made a good first impression on new people, and Morgan has a kind of automatic buy-in from players since he used to be one. We'll see what that means on Sunday, when vibes become less important than good football and good football players.
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Hey Darin! Lifelong Panthers fan but first time Asking The Old Guy. I recently read that teams are allowed to wear throwback uniforms up to three times a year, so how is it that the Panthers are allowed to wear their throwback uniforms every game? In other words, will the Panthers EVER get a new uniform design? — Tim, Lake Oswego, OR
The Cardiac Cats looked nice with the process blue and white fits at Buffalo. What is the process for NFL teams to register what is called their main jersey color vs. their alternative jersey? Could the Panthers switch their main color to process blue? And the question I always have: Are there any whispers of revamping the unis, or is the goal to stay with the same base classic uniform, i.e., Cowboys, Raiders, Packers? — Michael, East Falmouth, MA
Ahhhhh, uniform questions. That train is never late.
We'll have more for this topic for you soon because the interest in it amazes me annually, but the short answer is, teams get to wear either their alternate third jerseys (in this case, the blues) or a complete color rush look (all black with the black helmets) three times per season. Heat is also a factor, because you don't want to wear black outside in September. And while there are still some details which must remain a mystery, you can see the jersey schedule for the regular season by clicking here.
As to the long-term future of the uniform, there are only really two things I can tell you. One, is never say never unless you just get a kick out of being wrong. And two, remember what I said a moment ago about teams needing a long time to turn around? Changing NFL uniforms is an even longer process that takes years from start to finish.
Also, this year's aren't the same. They have a cool 30th-season patch on them. So there.
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I love all things football, including and especially things that aren't talked about routinely. So I particularly appreciate your article last week on the NFL cutdown roster rules. I was wondering if you would indulge a follow-up detail question. You wrote: "Q: Can the Panthers claim unlimited players? A: Since they have the first spot in claim order, the Panthers can claim as many as they want; there's no limit. This is not like your fantasy league in which every team gets a turn before it comes back around to the first team. If the Panthers want to claim two or three or a much larger number, they can."
Since there is no 'taking turns' like the draft, what is the process when multiple teams want the same waived player? For example, the team in Waiver Position #29 could select five or six players it wants but teams ahead of them could take some or all of these players. So, does team WP#29 go back and select again? Seems like a free-for-all process done within less than 24 hours. Thank you for being a resource for fans! — Tracy, Lewisville, NC
When multiple teams want the same player, the player goes to the team with the highest waiver priority (meaning the worst record the following year).
This had a practical application last week, as four teams put in a claim on former Jets cornerback Shemar Bartholomew.
He's here, of course, since the Panthers are first in order. But the Chargers (5-12), Saints (9-8), and Chiefs (11-6) all put in claims as well on the rookie from Georgia Southern. Everyone files their claims without knowledge of the other teams' intentions, but since the Panthers were in obvious need of corners, those teams were kind of hoping against all evidence, figuring Bartholomew would end up here. But if you're at the back of the line, you kind of claim who you want and hope for the best, knowing you might not get them.
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Well, it looks like Ian Thomas is out until at least Week 2 based on (reliable source) his own comments when asked. So, would we expect the newly minted No. 0 Ja'Tavion Sanders out there, or is this more going to be the Tommy Tremble and Jordan Matthews show? — John, Matthews, NC
Even before Ian said on Monday that he expected to be ready by Week 2, you kind of figured he wasn't in the plan for this week based on the simple fact that he hasn't practiced in weeks because of his calf injury. And even though he's a vet who can pick up things quickly, you don't go straight from being injured enough to not practice for weeks to playing in three days. I mean, unless you want to get hurt again.
Tremble's also a bit of a question, though he's hopeful, so we'll see.
Sanders is getting ready for anything, after a positive training camp for the fourth-round rookie. And with the always ready Matthews coming off a very good preseason, I think you start there and see what you're able to get out of Tremble this week.
Stay tuned for the injury reports on Panthers.com for the latest updates starting after practice tomorrow, and follow that spot throughout the year.
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Darin, I saw on Twitter that the Panthers are still one of the oldest teams in the league. How is this possible? — Will, Rock Hill, SC
Look at it this way, if you were in Brazil, you wouldn't have seen it at all. Which makes me think the Packers and Eagles beat writers are the lucky ones, since they can, you know, watch the game with a critical and undistracted eye from a platform that does not pay them.
Technically speaking, the Panthers skew older, but only because of a handful of guys in a very specific set of conditions.
When your long snapper (38-year-old JJ Jansen), backup quarterback (36-year-old Andy Dalton), and punter (34-year-old Johnny Hekker) are three of your four oldest dudes, that's OK. Because in those three jobs, honestly, I'd prefer someone with a little seasoning. Those are jobs that demand the kind of detailed skill honed over time, and perspective.
But it's also worth noting that of the nine players on the current roster at 30 or older, only three of them are under contract beyond this season. That includes the reliable Adam Thielen, the still producing at a high level Jadeveon Clowney, and the rock-steady Taylor Moton, who hasn't missed a snap the last six years.
The others are 33-year-old nickel Troy Hill, 32-year-old tight end Matthews, and 30-year-old linebacker Shaq Thompson.
If all of your skill players and corners — the guys who need to run fast — are in their 30s, that's probably a problem. In these specific job descriptions, it's probably survivable if not preferable.
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Darin, I am writing this on the eve of the Labor Day Weekend feastivities, so I have a two-part question:
1. What's your go to cook out specialty? Like the one thing you grill the best.
2. It Looks like they have addressed the corner position, so it's looking like Edge might be our weakest position group heading into the season. Have you seen anything from our guys on the squad, Not named Jadeveon Clowney, or should we be in panic mode? P.S. I Love this column; keep it up...and/or Keep Pounding. — Jerad, Wilmington, NC
We'll see. A lot of dudes have a chance, and that means an opportunity for somebody to step up and grab it. DJ Johnson has the advantage of incumbency and familiarity. Eku Leota is pure effort, 100 mph on every snap. I'm curious (and so are a lot of other people) to see waiver-claim Jamie Sheriff in practice this week.
For a guy who was invited to rookie camp with the Seahawks as a tryout player, wasn't signed, and only got to camp when they were shorthanded, Sheriff made quite an impression in the preseason in Seattle. As in, 3.0 sacks in three preseason games. He wasn't on the radar of many scouts coming out of South Alabama, but it appears he should have been. He's shown some pass-rush moves, and at a certain point, if you're getting to the quarterback, nobody cares what the scouting report says. They could use some of that.
Also, everyone else has already made the "new sheriff in town" joke. You are not the first unless you hang out with a really uncreative crowd.
My go-to move cook out move is usually barbecue sandwich or spicy chicken sandwich tray, with a side of corn dog and onion rings. Wait, that's my go-to Cook Out move. Which I prefer, because I can't get a side of corn dog in my backyard.
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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.
Do you think the Panthers will exercise their waiver rights more than 20 times during the period they have the highest waiver priority? If I were not a starter, I'd be hoping the brass would at least consider me for the practice squad. — Bob, Aurora, CO
After starting with six on the first day, I'd say the answer is going to be "A lot." But the pace should slow, so 20 might be excessive. After Week 1 passes and teams sign more vets so they don't have to guarantee their salary for the entire year, some more guys will shake free. They'll look at anything that crosses the wire. Every day, actually. But probably not 20.
Real question that I don't have a clue about: how does the waiver wire work? — JP, Yadkinville, NC
Anticipating this, we created a handy guide. It's right here, and is as applicable now as the day we wrote it. Learn it, know it, live it.
Should the Panthers pick up Caleb Farley off the waiver wire? — Roger, Charlotte
Seemed like a great idea in 2021, when the Maiden, N.C.-product was a first-round pick. Unfortunately, he's only played 12 games since then because of injuries. It's a shame because he was such a talented player. But as the old football cliche says, the best ability is availability.
Who is Michael Jackson? Is he bad or is he dangerous on the field? How is he all of a sudden a starting CB after being on the team less than a week before cutdown day? Why have the Panthers had so many cornerbacks with the last name of Jackson this year? I am confused. I was more confused, however, after reading a 30-page essay about Holmberg's Mistake on Labor Day weekend (when we aren't supposed to have homework). How fun! — Zach, Charlotte
Zach missed the memo that the statute of limitations on Michael Jackson puns expired already. He prefers Mike. That mistake wasn't as big as Holmberg's. But good on you for being diligent when you can. Now, GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
Hi Uncle DG, as you are known on Twitter. I have two questions for you. The first one with the Panthers trading for Michael Jackson the one million dollar question and that is can he dance like Michael Jackson? And with regard to the preseason schedule, I always wonder if the league sets up the schedule or if teams set it up among themselves. Thanks, and Keep Pounding. — Shaked, Charlotte
Shaked didn't get the Michael Jackson memo either. As to preseason schedules, teams can suggest certain things, and the league tries to work with them (especially as it pertains to joint practices). But ultimately, the league decides who goes where and when.
How often do you expect to say "Stay off my lawn" this season? But seriously, coach Canales has a perpetually positive perspective on the team that I expect will be beneficial to the players, especially when the inevitable rough patch hits. Does his style remind you of any other coaches you've covered? Head coaches, assistant coaches, college etc.? And how do I get one of those cool Ask the Old Guy T-Shirts, or maybe a JJJ Cart Talk one? — Jermaine, Newport News, VA
Many, many times. But honestly, as long as I've been standing here, none of the guys who have been here in the past are exactly like Canales. He's his own guy and an interesting blend of motivational cheerfulness and football detail. John Fox was a little like that in 2002, but he was more of a hard-case than Dave is. John flat out told a team meeting there were a bunch of dudes in there who were neither tough nor smart, and he was actively trying to identify and get rid of them. Also, Fox wasn't wearing a smedium T-shirt when he said it.
Speaking of shirts, the line starts back there behind me for Cart Talk gear. I'm hoping that when we do the long-awaited crossover episode, we can jersey swap at the end of it. JJ has earned FOTM status over many, many cups of coffee. As for ATOG gear, you've caught me in on a pleasant day, so I'll declare you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag and get the appropriate honorarium on the way to you.
See, everybody's in a good mood. Today.
