Okay, Carolina, It’s All Up to You

The story of the 2025 Panthers season has been all about learning, adjusting, and growing. Every week, the Panthers look a little sharper, tougher, and more confident in who they’re becoming. The difference between games shows it clearly. Against the Rams, Carolina capitalized on three turnovers, swinging momentum and helping the offense control the game. Just a week earlier, against the 49ers, the team failed to take advantage of opportunities, and it cost them.

Even with Jaycee Horn out, the Panthers trusted their “bend-but-don’t-break” defense. The offense leaned on the running game to set up deep shots to Coker and McMillian, ultimately sealing the victory. The lesson was clear: trust the running game. Against the Rams, the team ran 35 times compared to just nine attempts against the 49ers. Even though neither back averaged more than 4.3 yards per carry, running the ball enough opened up the passing game and gave Carolina a clear advantage. The momentum is building, and the path to the postseason remains wide open.

Finally Back on Track

No matter what happens down the stretch, one thing is clear: the Panthers are heading in the right direction. After years of wandering in the wilderness, this team has rediscovered a sense of purpose.

A major part of that turnaround has come from the front office. General Manager Dan Morgan has acted decisively, bringing in players who fit the team’s identity. Tre’von Moehrig from the Raiders, Tershawn Wharton from the Chiefs, and Rico Dowdle from Dallas have made immediate impacts. Free agency is unpredictable, and sometimes you get lucky, but these moves were calculated and targeted.

Morgan’s approach, from how the roster is built to selecting players who fit the team’s identity, has restored clarity and direction that this franchise has been missing for years. And the results are showing. Considering Carolina ranked near the bottom in nearly every major category last season, the improvement across the board marks a significant step forward.

A Defense Reborn

The defense has turned a corner this season. Last year, Ejiro Evero’s unit gave up record points and over 3,000 rushing yards. Many fans wanted a change, and keeping Evero was risky. But the Panthers’ loyalty has been rewarded. Investments in personnel and trust in Evero’s 3-4 scheme have transformed the unit.

This year’s defense is average. In this case, average is okay, much better than last year’s struggles. Carolina is conceding fewer yards, showing more confidence, and disrupting opposing offenses. They’ve forced a takeaway in nine games this season, including five contests with two or more takeaways, going 4-1 in those games.

Even with key injuries, the defense has proven it can make plays when it counts. Against the Rams, three turnovers directly led to points and control of the game. Compare that to the 49ers, where the team missed opportunities and struggled to create stops. The difference was clear: the Panthers trusted their scheme, leaned on the running game, and the defense made the plays when it mattered most.

Young players are buying in, the scheme is clicking, and the unit has grown from the bottom of the barrel to one capable of winning games and swinging momentum. Carolina’s defense is truly reborn.

A Final Message to Fans

No matter how these final weeks play out, it’s clear the Panthers are finally on the right track after years of wandering through the wilderness. Bold front office moves, steady coaching, and growth across the roster have brought Carolina back into the playoff conversation. Lessons are sticking, momentum is building, and the opportunity is right in front of them.

Panthers fans, feel good today, your team has a fighting chance.