As we wrap up week five, it seems like we’re experiencing more of the same. In my last article, I focused heavily on the concept of ‘progress.’ I truly believed the strides we’d made would lead to a turnaround, but perhaps I was mistaken.
What an awkward position I find myself in right now. However, this isn’t new for Panthers fans. I can’t shake the feeling that we’re under some kind of curse—if only I knew by whom. Let’s begin with the injury report: the Panthers are heading into week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons with 16 players sidelined, and the Falcons are on fire, leading the division. To make matters worse, we’ve lost three key starters for the entire season. It’s frustrating when you realize that nearly the entire team is on the injured list.
There has been a complete lack of roster depth since we allocated all our resources to draft a quarterback (in the 2023 draft) who’s currently sitting on the bench. Based on the last game, it’s clear that starting him wouldn’t benefit either him or the team. Dave Canales has had five games as the new head coach, and he’s dealing with one of the weakest rosters in the league. He’s definitely doing his best with the tools at his disposal in my opinion. However, I believe this isn’t the right moment to take risks with the play calling when we’re lacking the necessary resources. If all else fails- STICK TO THE RUN!
I recognize that rebuilding takes time, but as Panthers fans, we’ve been in this process since 2019. It’s tough to admit, but we need more time, solid drafts, and healthy starters. While we can appreciate Dan Morgan’s signings, he didn’t do enough to bolster our depth. There’s also the issue of bringing in players who are already dealing with injuries, but we can discuss that later. This week, I heard a fan say, "Dan Morgan is slowly undoing every mistake Scott Fitterer (the former GM) made," and I think there’s truth to that. The team’s depth definitely needs to be addressed in the offseason.
The offense finally began to gain some momentum just as the defense started losing players. Chuba Hubbard has been a shining light for me and truly deserves high praise. He’s consistently racked up impressive yardage and found the end zone multiple times. His vision and agility enable him to break tackles and make big plays, making him an invaluable asset for the team.
In conclusion, as we reflect on the theme of "Progress or Mirage," it’s clear that our team still has a long way to go. While the road ahead may be challenging, there are signs of genuine progress that shouldn’t be overlooked. We’ve been in this position before, and it’s crucial to exercise a bit more patience as we navigate the ups and downs. With time and continued effort, we can build on the strides we’ve made and ultimately realize our potential. I yearn for the day when the stadium is alive with pride, and we can once again shout, "Keep Pounding!"
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