CHARLOTTE — So much about the mood around any team in the NFL is based on expectations.
If you exceed them, great. If you underperform, that's when people start yelling. And right now, people seem to be feeling better about the progress being made, even after a loss.
What the Panthers are doing right now is effectively on track with what a lot of folks thought it was going to be; it just happened in an unexpected way.
It was fair, based on the offseason and training camp, to anticipate the Panthers to put a better offensive product on the field this season, considering what they spent to upgrade the offensive line. No one expected a quarterback change after two weeks, but what we've seen from Andy Dalton so far suggests the progress as an offensive whole is real. The floor has been raised.
Also, it was reasonable to wonder how a defense with so many new parts was going to come together, a problem made worse when you lose a couple of captains in Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson in the first month of the season. That's forcing them to adjust on the fly, which is something Ejiro Evero has at least shown the ability to do. The Panthers aren't getting a lot of pressure on quarterbacks, which makes everything harder, but that's a thing you might have figured when you looked at the personnel at the position.
But after averaging 30.0 points, 406.0 total yards, and 143.0 rushing yards per game over the last two, the Panthers are suggesting the beginnings of a personality and an exciting brand of football. It's easier to sell hope when it comes with a side of points.
So we'll continue to learn what this team is all about as the season goes on, but it feels more stable, and it's easier to see those tangible steps Dave Canales keeps talking about.
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Hi Darin! First, I hope for the best for the people and the whole region, especially the mountains, after Hurricane Helene. Here in Brazil, we had severe flooding in the Southern part of the country not long ago, and it's really hard. Unfortunately, it's the "new normal," I guess - so we have no option but to fight through it. Again, hoping for the best there.
About the team and the "new normal," after last week's win, it was certainly great to see the national media stop talking about the Panthers as if it was a bad team with no hope for being competitive. Against the Bengals, the team again showed that it could play against anyone. The hope is that we can again talk only about a couple of plays that are the difference between winning or losing every week instead of what we saw in the first two games. If you could borrow Ben McAdoo's pants and tell us if, as we suspect but are scared to admit, this kind of performance (being competitive) is sustainable the whole season? Shaq being injured was just announced (and maybe Jewell will miss some time also), but injuries around the league seem to be high also, so the hope is that the next-man-up mentality can still keep some standard of performance. Thanks! — Fernando, São Paulo, Brazil
First off, yes, it's stunning to see the devastation in the mountains of Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas. And since many places haven't established contact with the outside world yet since cell service is down, we don't even know the full extent of the damage. I knew it was bad when my daughter in Boone said the Waffle House was closed because that's when you know it's real. FEMA measures disasters by Waffle House availability.
Fortunately, she was able to maintain electricity and water, so she opened her doors to others who needed a place before getting off the mountain.
The bottom line is this is when neighbors have to count on each other. That's true on days when there aren't biblical floods, but especially now.
And if it feels like football's hard to concentrate on now, that's fair. But when it can serve as a place of escape and enjoyment for a few hours, it's at least normalizing around here and that helps, I suppose.
Is it sustainable? Without the crystal ball in McAdoo's other pants, that's something we'll have to learn together. Having a larger set of data points on Dalton helps you think it could since we've seen him play a certain way for a long time. Anyone with more than 100 more touchdowns than interceptions in his career is doing something right.
Passing numbers are down league-wide, and as you mentioned, it seems like there's another big injury somewhere in the league every day. The end result is teams are getting pushed to the middle, which the NFL does by design in so many other ways. When the margins are closer, everyone's chances of being competitive go up.
So playing normal, regular football, running the ball well, and hitting a few shots should give them a chance. As a team builds, that's all you can really hope for. Seeing it two weeks in a row makes you feel like it could last.
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First Time/Long Time. Thank you for the great work that you do. While I currently live in the Nashville area, I am a third-generation Charlottean. I can tell you that The Landmark on Central Avenue has liver on the menu. I can't tell you if it's good, but my 93-year-old grandpa orders it. He takes me there every time I make it back. One of my favorite meals. Not because of the food but because I am a 46-year-old man who still has a living grandpa!
Back to football. Do you foresee a trend developing with the recent success of "retread" QBs? The NFL is a copycat league. Do you foresee more teams going this route? The Titans had a good run with Ryan Tannehill. Now we are seeing Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield have success. Andrew Gregory Dalton is on the verge of rejuvenating a long-suffering fanbase. I'm curious as to your take on this and if you see this becoming more of a "thing" league-wide. — Clay, Franklin, TN
Here's what I think about playing quarterback in the NFL — it's really hard, and not many people can do it well. That's why the ones who can hang around so long.
Seeing the Vinny Testaverde comeback at 44 changed my mind about these guys. Knowing how is significantly more than half the battle. Age naturally pushes you to a place of physical decline. Testaverde was a marvel in the weight room, but at that age, he could basically throw one day per week other than game day.
Dalton's not nearly there. His arm is good, the touchdown pass to Adam Thielen against the Raiders is evidence of that. His head separates him from most, and that's not just the setup for a joke about his hair (which remains glorious).
We've seen clear trends in recent years of younger quarterbacks playing earlier and more often, and passing yards declining. There are dozens of factors, and at the risk of being reductive, it's impossible not to note the correlation.
In the Panthers' history alone, you've had an immediately successful first-round pick (Cam Newton), and a young journeyman who found his place (Jake Delhomme). But when they were looking for a sense of stability during a rebuild in 2002, they turned to the 37-year-old Rodney Peete, who went 8-7 here as a starter. That feels like the best comp to what is happening now, though Dalton has a much better resume in the passing game than Peete did.
Dave Canales keeps talking about seeing the entire program grow, and Dalton is creating the conditions for that.
Also, you're blessed indeed to be able to dine at the Landmark with your grandpa, mostly for the dining with your grandpa part. But that's one of my favorite old-school diners in the city. The menu is about the size of an NFL playbook, so it's no surprise you can get a good plate of liver there (along with pretty much anything else your heart desires). I may have to add it to the calendar soon.
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Darin, as a die-hard Panthers fan and in the process of raising the next generation of them, I'll never forget holding my few-day-old sons in his little Panthers attire when they took Bryce Young at No. 1 overall. I've been following your mailbag for a long time and have always wanted to ask you a question. Here goes!!
I'm known for my optimism; my wife might even say sometimes I'm a little overly optimistic, but as someone who watches from afar (60 miles from the Canadian border kind of far), I was wondering how you feel about the potential of the team, and maybe some things you carefully watching the development of as this rebuild continues? Finding careful optimism is best here. — Max, Sandpoint, ID
I would say Max is my new favorite Idahoan, but that title will continue to be held by Fruitland Grizzles head coach Jordan Gross. The beloved Grizz, ranked No. 3 in Idaho Division 4A, just put a 61-13 beating on Cole Valley Christian last week to push their record to 5-0. This man is a genius. But if you were listening to the Jordan and Jake podcast, you knew that already.
And since we're talking about great offensive linemen of Panthers past, this is probably a good time to point out an early trend that's becoming clearer by the week.
Sit down if you need to process this, because this has been an issue for a moment, but the Panthers have a pretty good offensive line right now.
Not like, good considering where they used to be, or good for a rebuilding team. Like, actually quite good.
Austin Corbett is proving to be a reliable center, which we should have expected because he's smart and an effective communicator, and a really consistent blocker, and strong and able to hand-fight with linemen in the way a former wrestler is. And even when Damien Lewis was out last week, Chandler Zavala stepped in and played well. That's the difference between a good group and what you saw last year, when instability created chaos.
As we've said repeatedly, with the money they spent on guards this offseason, it should get better. But that group has come together quickly and improved in ways that aren't guaranteed when you just throw money at a problem.
Hearing Robert Hunt talk about how the failed fourth-and-goal from the 1 would "haunt" him also speaks to the way that group is creating an identity. Dave Canales wants to run. They're running. They're also protecting well. And when those five guys are playing well, it also provides the framework for other things to improve. Your optimism, as it pertains to that part of the structure of this team, is warranted.
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It's nice to be able to watch a game and have some realistic hope for a win. I think two or three plays really decided the game Sunday, and a slightly better and healthier team would have flipped the outcome. I hate to see the injuries, particularly on the defensive side, but I'm excited for the young'uns to get some meaningful work.
I hope Bryce can be humble enough to recognize that, while others did not help him out a ton, he was a big part of the offensive woes the first two games. But I also hope that he recognizes that if Dalton can do it, so can he. There are so many Monday-morning GMs proclaiming Bryce a bust, but the fact that the Panthers (reportedly) turned away four different teams who wanted to trade for Bryce tells a different story. That being said, I hope we don't find out later there was a significant offer that we turned down. Don't see it happening, but... Brian Burns. — Chris, Greensboro, NC
This came up a lot in last week's bag as well, but there are no compelling reasons to do anything with Young right now. For one thing, any offer you'd get would be at the lowest possible value. So you build. When Canales talks about being a developmentally-minded place, he means it.
Again, having time on task matters. So, as long as he's engaged in the process (he is) and uses this time well, you wait and see what it turns into.
People want to make judgments in an instant. But seeing Andy Dalton play well should remind everyone that sometimes it just takes time.
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I hate to quote a rival coach here, but Raheem Morris said that "stats are for losers" after being asked a question about Kyle Pitts going catchless last Sunday.
So, who, in your opinion, was a difference maker for the Panthers during the game on Sunday despite having little marks on the stat sheet? — Zach, Charlotte
Johnny Hekker going 0-for-1 passing might be the answer here, though that dropped his career passer rating to 80.9. (Also, he's great at his day job, punting.)
Because even though that pass to Feleipe Franks just missed, now teams know they have to plan for it to happen again. Hekker has done enough as a passer in his career that the threat is always there, but putting it on people's minds isn't a bad thing.
And Zach, there is no need to credit Raheem; that was a classic John Fox-ism, so it's been part of the phrasebook for years. You know what that means? Time for you to GET BACK TO CLASS, ZACH.
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Last year Shaq had a season-ending injury in Week 2. Fast forward to Week 4 of this season, he had another season-ending injury. Do you think Shaq will return next year or do you think he'll retire? He's only 30, right? He's been in the NFL 10 seasons. Don't they say the harder they play the shorter time they will play? I'm not ready to lose Shaq to retirement. He's a current face of the Panthers. I hope I am worrying over nothing. — Jeanne, Monroe, NC
"Tell your people I'm not done," Thompson said Tuesday as he walked past in a boot and laughed. "That's it, that's the statement."
That's kind of Shaq in a nutshell. Defiant. Determined.
His luck over the last two years has been brutal, and his loss will be felt for some time.
Partially, that's because of the player he is, fourth on the team's all-time tackle list, and without the torn Achilles suffered Sunday, he'd have likely passed Mike Minter for third in the next month. But also for the person he remains, and the way he leads in subtle ways that most people never see.
But the one thing that's known about the NFL is there are no sure things. Being a 31-year-old next year coming off two consecutive season-ending injuries is hard, especially when one of them is an Achilles. And Thompson's contract expires after this season, so there's no certainty of anything.
There's nothing I'll put past the guy. He's a professional in every sense of the word, and he'll attack his rehab with the same kind of dedication he did last year.
Thompson has been a consistently good player for a long time. I would not bet on him continuing to play next year. No one knows what that will look like or where. But I know that if I was a better person (I am not), I would not bet against him.
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Oh Captain! My Captain! Time for a thought experiment: "The ship wherein Theseus and the youth of Athens returned from Crete had 30 oars, and was preserved by the Athenians down even to the time of Demetrius Phalereus, for they took away the old planks as they decayed, putting in new and strong timber in their places, insomuch that this ship became a standing example among the philosophers, for the logical question of things that grow; one side holding that the ship remained the same, and the other contending that it was not the same." — Plutarch, Life of Theseus 23.1 Much like the ship of Theseus, the Carolina Panthers' roster is being rapidly rebuilt. While I would argue traditionally that the changing of a few individual pieces does not constitute an entirely new team, the Panthers have been forced, either through misfortune of injury or sheer lack of performance, to make a boatload of changes that are far from traditional. The good news is, for the most part, these changes appear to have made for a fleeter vessel if not an entirely different one.
After losing Shaq Thompson at sea on Sunday, however, our vessel is officially captain-less. Though the crew be capable, I can't help but think that naming a new leader or two (if only symbolic) might help to keep this ship of ours on its charted course. It may also be an excellent opportunity to highlight some of those new additions that are proving integral to the structure of things. I'm thinking of Mike Jackson and Diontae Johnson, for starters. Perhaps Jadeveon Clowney and Hunt?
Anyway, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the matter? Just don't say they're all captains in your book. Coach-speak in rough waters is how mutinies get started. P.S., hope you and yours weathered the storm well. As a native of western North Carolina, the news and images from back home were heartbreaking. — Jake, Conway, AR
Another famed historian once said: "This ship be sinking." It was either Herodotus or Michael Ray Richardson. I don't think this is nearly that bad.
As far as the lack of captains, that's a Greek tragedy for sure. It's practically unheard of, but they still have leaders around this place.
Canales referred to leaning on his leadership council at times like this, with some of the elders on the team doing some of the day-to-day leading anyway. And there's no concrete plan to put new patches on anyone else's shirt at the moment, but this is all happening in real-time.
As far as who goes out for coin tosses, Canales has rotated some guys whom he feels have embodied what they want to see on the practice field during the week. Last week, it was Dalton and Raheem Blackshear, though Young remains a season-long captain. My guess is a defensive player will get that kind of captain-of-the-week treatment for a bit.
That way, it's organic, and that's how you want your leaders to emerge anyway. Cats like Taylor Moton and Corbett and Hunt are examples of the way you want guys to be, the same as players like Jaycee Horn on the other side of the ball.
But even though Brown and Thompson aren't playing now, they'll still be around and living their example.
Both are part of the fabric of this team, so seeing them rehab here will be a daily reminder of how to work for a lot of people. And as part of the history of the organization, Thompson will also be a part of the education of Trevin Wallace.
Thompson's the bridge between the Luke-and-TD past of this place to the current day, and that's important for an organization. Jon Beason talked about it last week, referring to the sunset-sunrise cycle of the league. He got here as Dan Morgan was close to the door. He learned. He played at a high level. And then as he was getting close to the door, Luke Kuechly walked in and continued the cycle, handing that torch to Thompson.
They're different parts, but it's still the same boat.
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How long will Shy Tuttle be out with his foot? To what extent is his foot a problem? — Edie, Pittsboro, NC
To quote the famed Greek historian Ron Rivera, "the foot is not such."
Tuttle has been working out on the side while not practicing the last two weeks. But some simple match could point to your answer. If they thought it was a four-week injury, they'd have put him on IR for the roster spot. But they didn't, so something must have suggested "less than four." And since it's been two, we must be getting close.
Tune into tomorrow's injury report for details, but he could be nearing a return, which should help.
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Hey Darin, I hope you're well. My partner and I, along with my parents, have just returned to the UK from a fantastic holiday in the US, taking in LA, Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and San Francisco. Unfortunately, our group tour moved on just before the Raiders game. However, I did manage to tour Allegiant Stadium last Friday, proudly donning my Panthers cap and screaming "Keep Pounding" at every opportunity, despite the chagrin I received from the majority present, who were of a Raiders persuasion.
Whilst riding a bus later that day, with my family and including my Dad, who is blind after a motorcycle accident in the 1980s, we happened to be sat next to a man and his son, the latter, who was visually impaired himself. We got talking, and it transpired that the two guys hailed from Charlotte, which amazed me enough as it was, being an ardent Panthers fan myself. As the conversation continued, it became apparent that the pair were, in fact, Panthers fans too, in Vegas for the Raiders game that Sunday.
I divulged to Joey, the son, that I'm also a big fan of the Panthers, detailing that I had a Panthers cap on as we spoke, and we were both effectively left speechless. We bonded over our love for the team, speaking of favourite players past and present, along with hopes for the current season. Joey explained that he regularly attends home games and pinpointed the pain of the previous week's loss, left bereft at the stadium announcer constantly remarking, "Touchdown Chargers".
As two blind fans and, in particular, blind sports fans, my Dad, Steve, and Joey shared their stories of navigating the world without vision and the ways in which they follow live sports within a stadium environment. Away from the Panthers, my Dad and I are huge Southampton supporters back in England, travelling to both home and away games to follow the team - with this in mind, we explained to Joey that we know suffering in a sports fan sense, which brought about a chuckle or two.
Joey and his Dad were the most lovely of people, and it was a true pleasure to share in their company. In what can be a scary, harrowing world sometimes, this was a genuinely beautiful moment, something so unlikely that will undoubtedly remain with me for the rest of my days.
As gutted as I was to discover that our holiday itinerary missed the Raiders game by a matter of days, above all, I was happy that the team could win for Joey and his Dad, rewarding such dedication for travelling across country to be in attendance.
I should also add that as we embraced before parting ways, my Dad almost accidentally left with Joey's white stick rather than his own, before his Dad darted off the bus to reclaim. My Dad says it was unintentional but with his own falling to pieces, I remain unconvinced. Only joking, haha.
I had to write in and share this story, particularly as we were unable to exchange details in the hustle and bustle of navigating departure from a crammed bus. I only hope that this makes its way to Joey and his Dad, and that it brings as much joy to them both as it did for myself in recollecting.
I wish them nothing but the best for the future, and who knows, with the ways that this mysterious world works at times, perhaps we'll be fortunate enough to cross paths again someday. Keep Pounding! Kind regards — Dan, Salisbury, England, NC
This is an amazing story, Dan; thanks for sharing.
In a big, weird, world, if you can ever find true community with even a small group of people, you've done something grand.
(Also, as a Southampton supporter, you're obviously a big Mauricio Pochettino guy, and now that he's the USMNT coach, you're practically one of us now [especially since, as a Tottenham fan, we have a mutual admiration for Poch]).
See, this world is big enough for us all and small enough for a couple of blind Panthers fans who live an ocean apart to meet on a bus in Nevada. I love everything about this story, so Dan is officially this week's Friend Of The Mailbag, and if anybody knows Joey and his Dad, let me know, and I'll get the appropriate honorarium on the way to them, too.
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Reading the Mailbag is my favorite part of your job. However, I must take issue with one of your answers last week, when you wrote, "but if you're old enough, you remember that going viral meant you needed a shot of penicillin and maybe some better decision-making."
Viral upper respiratory infections like the common cold and the flu are not susceptible to antibiotics (including penicillin). Antibiotics are effective against BACTERIAL infections. Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections exposes patients to unnecessary risks and side effects. Moreover, excessive antibiotic use contributes to the rise in bacterial infections, which are resistant to the medications currently available, putting ALL of us at increased risk.
I am hopeful that, as a "viral influencer," you will print a retraction in the next mailbag. Consider it a public service announcement and a favor to primary care providers everywhere who are fighting the good fight against antibiotic over-utilization.
Also...come on, Darin. Really? Do you listen to anything I say? You are my source for explaining what encroachment is and how halfbacks are different from fullbacks or 3/4 backs or whatever, but you aren't an expert on EVERYTHING. — Katie, Charlotte
Being married to a doctor is the original barrel of monkeys nothing is more fun than.
Especially when they're board-certified, published authors, former college athletes, who play multiple musical instruments, can garden and cook like Martha Stewart, and are also pretty and, most importantly, kind. What do I bring to this relationship? I make fart jokes on the internet.
Don't take penicillin for viruses, kids. Only a dope would suggest that, someone who is also not smart enough to know how the dishwasher works.
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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.
Hello Darin. How is Andy Dalton going to keep this up? — Mike, Charlotte
His hair, you mean? He recommends American Crew Fiber paste. Your basic consumer-grade hair product available a major retailers everywhere. Andy Dalton is a man of the people. Having hair like that is accessible to all through styling or technology.
What's the official job title of the people who squirt Gatorade and water into players' mouths? Is it a paid position? — Ted, Cornelius, NC
Oh, you mean the Gatorade Squirters? They train for years for those jobs, and yes, they're paid. It's usually someone from the athletic training staff, and it's an all-hands-on-deck job.
It's not unusual to see head athletic trainer Kevin King, a man with decades of training and experience, out there hydrating players during practices and games. These people are professionals.
Optimism, what a wonderful feeling. When you can snub your nose at reality and be a homer. I don't really have a question. Just letting you know before the game. Optimism feels good! — JP, Yadkinville, NC
It beats the alternative, as John Fox used to say. Or maybe it was Plutarch.
