CHARLOTTE — Yeah, that was not ideal.
In other weeks, they could always point to Xavier Legette riding his horse, Andy Dalton's hair, or Chuba Hubbard boosting everyone's fantasy team. I mean, JJ Jansen played in his 250th game, but there wasn't a lot else for the Panthers to take out of that 40-7 loss at Washington except the quick ride home and the chance to start putting it behind them. Which is welcome because that was tough.
Somebody asked Dalton after the game if there was anything positive to take from it, and he made a face like he smelled something funny, shook his head, and said: "No, not today. ... Yeah, no." It was that kind of day.
The Panthers, as presently constructed, aren't built to get in a shootout. They're running out of guys on defense, and when the offense is operating with a razor-thin margin of error, they can't afford the kinds of mistakes they made early.
So what's next? Control what you can control, the football people say.
It's not like they've got a ton to hang their hat on at the moment, but there are some foundational things you can see if you look for them. The offensive line, even with a couple of backups, is still pretty good. They're actually ninth in the league in sacks allowed per pass play. That's about as deep in the stat sheet as you can mine for positives, other than the way Hubbard continues to light it up.
They're getting chances to see a lot of young players who will be instrumental in the future here. Dudes like Trevin Wallace, Ja'Tavion Sanders, and Chau Smith-Wade are getting run that will benefit their development. Jonathon Brooks should join them soon. So that's at least something.
Is it a lot? No. But it's also the spot they're in. So what's next?
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Darin, got diagnosed with a rare cancer in May, and it's been a bit of a battle. I got some pretty good news from Duke last week, so that's good. I've really learned not to dwell on anything but the day in front of me. Perhaps the entire Panthers team could adopt that attitude. Something is really wrong with the Panthers, top to bottom. We can blame the owner, the coaches, the GM, the players blah blah blah. The only thing I can say for sure is it's not the fans. We're simple. Work week in and week out and would love to have some fun on Sunday.
There have been great runs in Panthers history. Sadly, that's clearly spelled out in the 30-year book of Panthers history sent out to the PSL owners. So here's my question. What the hell is going on? Only the people that walk into the stadium know. So somebody tell us, please. They owe us that. A thing called the truth. Quaint notion these days. That's all we ask. Truth. — Jimmy, Wilmington, NC
OK, first and foremost, everybody, lift up Jimmy in your prayers if that's your thing. Or go support someone close to you if that's your thing. Just do something, in at least word but preferably deed, for somebody else this week who's got it worse than you. And if you're fortunate enough to have leisure time to write or read about football on the internet, you shouldn't struggle to find somebody. So many people going through these fights every day, and Jimmy's right, all you can focus on is the thing right in front of you. (Football's like that too, such that that's important). Glad the recent news is good and hope more of the same is coming your way, old friend.
This letter also underscores the emotional connection people have with this team, even when life sends stuff way worse than unfortunate scores of ball games. At the end of a long week for someone, a game is something to look forward to as an escape. That's important, even if the results aren't even in the same ballpark as the real-life stuff.
As for the truth about the current team, here's what I can tell you. It wasn't deep to enter the season because of a lot of things in the past which they can't get do-overs on, then a couple of guys got hurt at the wrong spots, which exacerbated the underlying weaknesses. Then they changed quarterbacks after two weeks with all that entails, and here they are.
The number one problem with the defense at the moment is the inability to stop the run, and Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson could have certainly helped in that area. Those are two dudes you just don't replace, so it's hard. And it appears to be. There have been moments of competence on offense, but they can't play perfectly every week, and every now and then, you're going to get one of those. As for the long-term trajectory, the things that will fix it are good decisions, good people, and time. Stack enough of all three, and that fixes most situations, honestly. Stay strong, Jimmy, and Keep Pounding.
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Hey Darin! After today's game, I tuned into Coach Canales's press conference and was initially furious hearing his response to a question asking if he was embarrassed at all after the loss. His answer was quite optimistic as he said: "he would not go there." Why the heck would a coach not be embarrassed after his team lost by 33? I thought. After thinking for a bit about why he said what he said, my mind has done a full 180.
For the past seven seasons, this Carolina Panthers team has underperformed again and again and a culture has been established that Panthers fans and players are disappointed to share. A culture full of what ifs, scapegoats, spiraling morale, "I Can't Stand It No Mores," and impatience. Dave Canales knows what a winning and optimistic locker room (he coached the afterthought Bucs just last year!) looks like, and one reason he came to Carolina was to build a positive culture full of optimism and hard work (in other words focusing on building, not temporarily fixing). It can be tough being a Panthers fan, but I know we have to stay patient and trust the process, even when it doesn't show in the results 377 miles away from China Grove.
On this optimistic note, my question for this week is two parts :)- A) What is an optimistic song that Panthers fans can listen to in times like these? And B) What music does Canales listen to that keeps him so upbeat all the time? Is it the Bob Marley tunes? Some Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scot-Heron, or Sly and the Family Stone? Or is it something unexpected, like Donald Fagen (his "The Nightfly" is one heck of a song and a quirky story in itself) or Doc Watson (if he could do it blind, then imagine what we can do)? — Junior Music Cognoscenti Zach, Charlotte
We like Zach. He's young and curious, and he works hard and is trying to build some character and perspective. And I like the way he caught himself there.
When a football team gets blown out, fans seem to expect football people to yell. And yelling feels good for a second (trust me), but ultimately, if it's anything more than a momentary release, it's not helpful.
Dave's an upbeat, electronic music and Hawaiian reggae kind of guy, as you might imagine. He also cuts his own hair. The Cart Talk episode with Jansen earlier this year got into that in great detail. It's a good look at the personality of the man. As someone whose job has been to stand back and watch for 30 years and see what happens, I find it helpful to see how people react when things are fine, and their mood should be good (like during training camp) and then again when things get weird, and people expect them to yell. If they're close to the same person in both instances, their chances of having more success than failure go way up.
It's not Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy," but something closer to American Aquarium's (The Harder You Work) The Luckier You Get" — which may not be Canales' vibe, but it appears to be his ethos.
We'll see how it works for Dave, but he's doing his best to keep things the same, which is the best way to attack situations like this.
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Does retention ever become a challenge for a team like us after losing so consistently season after season? Not even just in terms of players not wanting to come to play for us but in terms of effort levels by players who are under contract? In a league as competitive as football, obviously, no one wants to go out there and lose as much as we have. I guess my question ultimately is, is the retention problem I mentioned overblown, or is it an actual challenge for the staff? If so, how do we help mediate it? What steps do the staff need to take/have already taken to change the culture and make us a more desirable/competitive atmosphere? — Grant, Gahanna, OH
Obviously, when there's a change in GM and head coach, you're going to inherit a lot of people. But the cool thing about this business is you get to choose who you work with, by and large. You go draft and sign players you want to help build a certain way. I'm reminded of John Fox telling one of his first team meetings that he wanted players who were tough and smart, and after looking at the 2001 tape, he planned on identifying and getting rid of the ones who weren't. There was a core of carryover guys, but it was a largely new team that went to the Super Bowl two years later.
It's more challenging to build that "culture" everyone talks about when there's less positive feedback and results to show people what the work looks like. But the work is its own reward, honestly.
Pragmatically, free agents will go anywhere there's money. You can also make yourself a more attractive destination with perks like winning or other amenities at work. They've invested a lot of money around here in things like sports science and athletic training and recovery and improving other workplace things in recent years, and that helps. But a lot of the things people are attracted to are already here. Back in the early 2000s, Brentson Buckner called Charlotte "the married man's paradise" because of the weather, cheap housing (again, this was 20-plus years ago), lower taxes, good schools, and the like. But not everybody's married or digs our way of life here.
It all starts with winning some games. That's the real challenge. Without that important part, all the perks like year-round golf or a dry float chamber or a sweet cafeteria matter less.
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Is Bryce Young going to get another chance this year? We're all rooting for him, either with us or someone else. Keep Pounding, Bryce. — Miles, Chicago, IL
Ben McAdoo seems to have snuck in here and put his crystal ball back in his other pants, so it's hard for me to know for sure.
But Canales made it pretty clear on Monday that his plans are built around Dalton as quarterback, and he wasn't really hedging on that part.
Bryce was thrown into a bad situation last year, not of his doing. But he was also doing some particular things this year in the first two games that led to the change. To his credit, he's been working on his craft since then, and teammates have appreciated the way he's offered support and handled an unusual situation with grace.
At the moment, Dalton is the guy here. There have been real and tangible signs of offensive progress, and Young's getting the time you could argue he needed a year ago. Again, can't get a do-over on that one. Time will tell what happens next.
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I want to shout out to the Panthers organization for their stories about cancer, especially Sam Mills and Brentson Buckner. I am a two-time cancer survivor. I just finished up treatment for stage 3 colon cancer and want to tell my story. People who have cancer need to have their stories shared because it is part of the healing process. God bless all cancer patients, survivors, and families, and the Carolina Panthers KEEP ON POUNDING — John, Winston-Salem, NC
Amen, brother. And let me make you this week's Friend Of The Mailbag and get you a shirt like Jimmy (and Susan, among others) so you have other things in common and you can hold each other up as part of this community.
Being able to tell the stories of Sam Mills leading up to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is something I'm proud to have been able to do. Talking to people about the impact he made on so many lives has been a special part of this job.
And having Buck trust me to share his story the other week was also humbling. As has been noted many times, he has a way with words, and his story of his family's cancer journey and how he reflected on Mills' battle while seeing it firsthand was powerful.
If any of those stories have had a positive impact on even one person, then I'm grateful to have been able to share in my small way.
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Hi Darin, why hasn't Ejiro Evero been fired yet? Last year, with a much better talent, the defense struggled to stop the run. This year, in Week 1, with everyone healthy and available to play, the defense allowed nearly 500 yards to the Saints. This year through six games, the defense only has 3 sacks, all coming in week 3 against the Raiders. I am a die-hard Panthers fan and have been a fan since 1996. And I am not going to lie. It's very frustrating watching the defense players not playing hard, the defense easily getting run over, and the opponent team's starting quarterbacks not having to take a shower after the game because the defense is not hitting them. It's very frustrating and upsetting watching the defense. Which, DG what upsets me is that the fans are more upset than defense players who get paid regardless if they aren't good, and Evero, who keeps telling the media on Thursday that he is very happy with how well the defense is playing. — Shaked, Charlotte
Probably because he's a really good coach, and there's a recognition of both his ability and the situation he's in. Again, six of his anticipated starters in the defensive front seven weren't available last week. This is no slight to any of the players out there, but many of them were here to be backups, and the demands and expectations are different when the workload increases.
People are frustrated. I get it. But something happened to our sports culture (and our culture in general lately) that stinks, in that the first reaction to trouble is to start looking for someone to blame it on and exact a pound of flesh, whether it's that person's fault or not. Fans yelling for firings has been part of the sports culture for decades, but it's gotten mean, ugly, and uncomfortable in recent years. It's almost like the media landscape and the algorithm have conditioned people that outlandish reactions are rewarded with money and attention, so they're just modeling what they see on TV and the internet.
Angry mobs seldom make great decisions. And firing someone just to be firing someone seems reactive and counterproductive when a team is looking for a long-term solution to a problem.
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Good Monday afternoon, Darin. One (1) and six (6) with ten (10) games yet to be played. We've got the rest of the teams on our schedule right where we want 'em. With less than half the season in our rear view, I believe we are in the perfect position to more than double last year's record. Oh yeah, like a lot of people I started out thinking that 5 or maybe even 6 wins were attainable. Foolish me - the newly minted optimist. The opening game against the Saints caught me so off guard. The sucker punch that game gave me, well, I haven't fully recovered from it yet. BUT, I'm now out of the concussion protocol and seeing clearly again.
I love these guys, this team. They've had to work through so much adversity, and I mean work. I can honestly say that they look like a team that is putting in work. Fact. I'm just not exactly sure what KIND of work it is yet. Doesn't always resemble good, solid football work, but I know in my heart they're working hard at something.
My favorite player right now is Chuba Hubbard. That cat can ball, dragging two, three, or four defenders with him - and he just doesn't seem to notice (or care). Right behind Chuba in my favorite player category, we have the outstanding, always-ready duo of JJ and Johnny Hekker. I'm expecting a minimum of three more wins. And Darin, if they pull it off, I'm going to personally deliver (to the location of your choice - within 10 miles) TWO - count 'em, TWO, fresh hot liver mush sandwiches with your choice of a side: grits, eggs, etc. That's because you will have done your part to improve this team's record exponentially and to the fans' delight. That, and - well, I just like you and the MAILBAG.
Okay, so for the next 11 weeks (there's a bye in there somewhere) I'm counting' on YOU to put in work and come in with some kind of miraculous "stuff". Countin' on you dude, and if you need any encouragement or back- up, just look for the "old guy" in Concord rocking out in his FOTM T-shirt. — Jeff, Concord, NC
I do it for the people, Jeff. Wait, there's liver mush sandwiches on the line now? I may suit up myself (not that that would help).
To your greater point, yes, Chuba is playing very well right now. That cat can ball, indeed. He's emblematic of the spirit they're trying to replicate here. I've said it dozens of times this year; he has worked himself to this level, and more people who work like him will hasten the greater project.
JJ and Johnny are also playing well. Hekker's quietly one of the best players in the league at his specialty, although it's not that quiet since he was the All-Decade punter the last time they gave those awards out. (He also has some friends who help him look good, like Lonnie Johnson, whose behind-the-back save was one of the few highlights last week).
Also, I know Jansen and Hekker like sandwiches, so I will happily share my bounty if Jeff's prediction comes true.
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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.
Favorite memory from games of Denver past? — Will, Rock Hill, SC
Well, the Panthers are 0-3 there, so there's not a lot to choose from. Those games have contained multitudes.
In 1997, they lost 34-0 when Darrien Gordon returned two punts for touchdowns (82 and 75 yards) in the first quarter. In the 2016 opener, they blew a 17-7 fourth-quarter lead, and Graham Gano missed a potential game-winning 50-yarder. In 2004, Peppers made "The Play" (a 97-yard interception return for a not-touchdown) and "The Play Before The Play" (getting up from a cut block and chasing a bootlegging Jake Plummer to the corner and pushing him out of bounds, a sequence that defined the law of physics).
But I also remember that '04 game as the day now-famous actor Matt Willig (then the backup right tackle) threw a penalty flag back at the ref. Matt was a good dude. But weird stuff happens in Colorado. Blame the altitude or whatever else is in the air.
Anyway, apropos of nothing, here's a picture of a helmetless GM Dan Morgan fighting the 6-foot-8 Willig during training camp.
Hey there, everybody had such negative comments for going after Jalen Coker from a no-name school. I've been a Coker fan since day one I see a spark in him. That's gonna take him a long way in the NFL. My question is do you think they keep him on active roster? I'm afraid if they get him off the active roster he'll be gone and will lose him forever. I think he's proving himself out on the field and I hate to say this. I think we need to think about moving on from Jonathan Mingo. He's just not doing it. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you. — Cheryl, Fuquay Varina, NC
It's seven games into Mingo's second season, and they have not been, shall we say, conventional. Let's wait before we move on too soon. But Coker's absolutely been a pleasant surprise and one they want to continue to develop (the same is true of Mingo, as well). He's an interesting story and, increasingly, a part of the passing game moving forward.
NBA season starts tonight. Who do you like? — Katie, Charlotte
I like that my wife sanctions the purchase of League Pass to watch the strange and unusual midweek games. I like my wife, in general. She's humored my season-long fascinations with rando teams (I usually pick one by January) like the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers the last two years. I dig points, so if your team can score them in entertaining ways, I'll watch. Thinking I'll be watching a lot of T'Wolves and Thunder games this season. Would love to see the Hornets stay well and become visible, too. Also, I am still holding out hope that Steph will come home someday. Let a Charlotte boy dream.
I hope life is treating you well, my friend. My optimism knows no bounds. I am slowly getting to a refined age and frame of mind that success is earned. It will take some time. We need more time than a chat room with instant gratification allows. We see signs of it. There is hope! The offense is playing better than I ever expected this year. Some of those rookie draft picks are starting to show they belong in this league. I see improvement despite the IR report. I understand we got some key people out for the season on the defensive side of the ball. It's going to take time to get some depth along with some luck and a draft or two. I remain hopeful and optimistic. It's a frame of mind that leads us to succeed above our expectations. Keep Pounding! — JP, Yadkinville, NC
Blessed beyond measure, thanks JP. As to the football, maybe, we'll see. If nothing else, JP's outlook makes him more pleasant to be around, and that's worth something. We all get to make choices in life; choose wisely.
