CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While there are no moral victories in professional sports, the Carolina Panthers demonstrated their resilience in a close matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, ultimately falling 30-27 on a last-second field goal. This narrow defeat has first-year head coach Dave Canales feeling optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
The Panthers (3-8) have shown significant growth since their initial struggles, where they lost their first two games by a staggering combined score of 73-13. Following the tight contest with the Chiefs, Canales acknowledged the disappointment felt in the locker room over missing a chance for victory, yet he emphasized the positive signs of progress and the intense determination his team is showing.
“We are becoming us,” Canales expressed. “We’re establishing a style of football we can take pride in. We handled the ball well, and defensively, we were aggressive. I think the players can sense our philosophical direction.” In a show of confidence, Canales granted his players the day off on Monday—a rare occurrence typically reserved for post-win celebrations.
A key factor in the Panthers’ recent uptrend has been the performance of quarterback Bryce Young. In an impressive display, Young orchestrated a comeback, pulling his team from an 11-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to tie the game before Kansas City clinched victory. Young completed 21 of 35 passes for 263 yards, securing one touchdown and avoiding turnovers.
Canales, breaking his recent pattern, promptly announced that Young would remain the starter for the upcoming game against Tampa Bay. “He played decisively, showcasing his growing confidence and connection with his teammates. Those back foot throws and anticipatory passes are proof of their developing chemistry,” Canales noted. Despite the bright moments, Young’s record as a starter stands at 4-18, and Canales refrained from asserting that he is destined to be the team’s franchise quarterback. “That’s looking too far ahead,” he stated. “For now, we need to build on this week, focus on solid practice, and refine our fundamentals.”
In terms of team dynamics, edge rusher D.J. Wonnum has made a significant impact since returning from the injured reserve list, contributing to a revitalized pass rush. In his two starts, Carolina has recorded seven sacks, five of which occurred during the game against the Chiefs. Prior to Wonnum’s return, the team managed only 10 sacks in nine games. His impressive performance, which included two sacks and a forced fumble, has also alleviated some pressure from fellow rusher Jadeveon Clowney.
“Wonnum’s professionalism and meticulous preparation are invaluable. His focused approach to practice translates to strong gameplay,” Canales remarked about his recent contributions.
On the flip side, the Panthers’ secondary remains a critical area needing improvement. They allowed Patrick Mahomes to successfully complete 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns, bringing their total to 21 passing touchdowns allowed—placing them near the bottom of the league rankings in this category.
In positive news, veteran wide receiver David Moore stepped up with increased responsibility in the absence of rookie Jalen Coker, who was sidelined at game time. Moore led the team with six receptions totaling 81 yards and one touchdown, reinforcing Canales’ trust in him following their past collaboration in Tampa Bay.
Conversely, cornerback Dane Jackson faced criticism for failing to tackle Mahomes during a pivotal 33-yard run that set up Kansas City’s winning field goal.
In injury news, rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was released from the hospital on Sunday after sustaining a neck injury that required him to be carted off the field on a backboard. Fortunately, he retains full mobility of his extremities, although his availability for Week 13 remains uncertain.
Looking ahead, a crucial statistic for the Panthers is that a loss this Sunday against Tampa Bay would mark the seventh consecutive losing season under owner David Tepper. Since Tepper’s acquisition of the franchise from Jerry Richardson in 2018, the Panthers have not reached the postseason.
The upcoming matchup features the Panthers taking on Tampa Bay and their former quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has successfully beaten Carolina twice in the previous season, adding to the rivalry narrative. Mayfield maintains a perfect 3-0 record against the Panthers, setting up an intriguing contest.