The 2024 season concludes with the triumphant Carolina Panthers edging out the Atlanta Falcons 44-38 in a thrilling showdown where history was made! The Panthers saved their finest performance for last, and they certainly delivered. Where do we begin? Who deserves the first mention? As the legendary Julie Andrews once sang, “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.”
At the start of the season, it seemed like déjà vu was the story of the year for this football team. Everything felt eerily similar to the previous season’s ups and downs. Early performances mirrored those from the past-close games that could have gone either way, flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of uncertainty. Fans and analysts alike couldn’t shake the feeling that they were watching the same narrative unfold, as if the season was destined to repeat itself. But as the weeks went on, as quarterbacks were benched, as injuries occurred, and as hidden talent emerged, something clicked. The déjà vu turned into a launch pad for growth, turning what looked like a carbon copy of the past into a new chapter filled with promises and potential.
Dave Canales
Dave has earned the nickname "quarterback whisperer" largely due to his pivotal role in the career turnarounds of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. And now, can we add Bryce Young to that list? At the start of the season, Canales was quoted saying, “We are going to build around what Bryce is great at.” It’s no coincidence that since Bryce returned to the starting role, his numbers have been the best of his career. You can visibly see the improvement, and if you don’t, well, then you are just a hater. The numbers speak for themselves. Dave emphasized the importance of returning to the basics to establish a strong foundation for success and that is visible. Additionally, Coach Canales’ unwavering positivity and stable persona seem to be exactly what this franchise needs moving forward; it’s only year one, but it appears that we’ve got our Head Coach.
Bryce Young
BY played the best game of his career on Sunday, completing 25-of-34 passes for 251 yards and three passing touchdowns. Bryce also added two rushing touchdowns. He finished with a career-high 123.5 passer rating, his third game in a row with a passer rating above 100.0.
Let’s be honest, for a moment—at the start of the season, many questioned the future of this sophomore quarterback. Fans were torn between trading him away or sticking it out with him. There were doubts about whether Bryce Young was truly the franchise quarterback, if he was the one that was promised! But now, we might finally have our answer. Early on, Bryce looked nervous in the pocket, frequently overthrowing receivers. But watching him now, staying calm in the pocket, waiting for the right moment to move, and delivering passes right into his receivers' hands regardless of whether they catch them or not—the improvement has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Rookies
This rookie class, featuring players like Jalen Coker (WR), Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE), Xavier Legette (WR), Trevin Wallace (LB), and Chau Smith-Wade (DB), is already making waves—and that’s just the beginning. General Manager Dan Morgan set a clear mission at the start of the season: to make other teams fear the logo once again. And with just the few names mentioned, some teams should already be feeling that fear. Each of these young players has made a significant impact in their respective positions. As we mentioned earlier, injuries provided opportunities for others to step up—and these are the players who’ve answered the call. Just a few of the many bright spots. All of them have a lot of work to do in order to emerge as dangerous players in the NFL, but there were bright spots for each of them this year.
At the end of the day the fans have plenty to be excited about and a promising future to look forward to. Dave and Dan have started something special, and I, for one, would like to see where it leads. To say my faith has been renewed would be an understatement. Having faith in your team means trusting the process, even when the road gets tough. Great teams are built on resilience, and the belief that every setback is just another chance to rise stronger.
Look at us, we are already sounding like Dave Canales.
Photos: Carolina Panthers
Excellent article and right on point!