Second Place, But at What Cost?

Andy Dalton and Hendon Hooker

Who saw this coming? At 4-3, the Carolina Panthers have shocked the league and turned heads across the NFL. Matching records with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs wasn't on anyone’s bingo card back in Week 1, but here we are. This team has battled, scratched, and clawed its way into second place in the division and done so with grit, defense, and just enough offensive spark. But with the sudden loss of Bryce Young, the question looms large: can this team ride its momentum and take the next step, or will this be the peak of a surprising midseason run?

One of the greatest lines ever spoken in a film came from a villain, Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. After a ruthless pursuit, Thanos finally obtains everything he desired: the power to reshape the universe. But it came at a steep cost. In a haunting moment, he is asked:

“What did it cost?”

“Everything.”

This line resonates in a strange way with the Carolina Panthers' current situation. With Bryce Young, the quarterback we invested so much in, finally getting in rhythm and potentially no longer the centerpiece of the coming weeks, fans are left asking: What did it cost for the recent success? While we haven’t lost everything yet, it does beg the question do we have to?

Chuba Hubbard

There’s been a lot of noise surrounding this franchise lately, and this situation only adds fuel to the fire. For the past few weeks, fans and analysts alike have been making excuses for moving on from Chuba Hubbard, especially in light of Rico’s recent breakout performances. But what’s puzzling is the notion that the Panthers have to choose one over the other despite the fact that both backs rushed for over 1,000 yards in the 2024 season. Carolina has a history of success with a two-back system, yet some seem quick to forget that.

This constant back-and-forth debate feels counterproductive to the team’s progress. We ask for a power-back, we get one who exceeds expectations and now we’re ready to discard him just because someone else is trending upward? It doesn’t make sense. There’s room for both, and if history has taught us anything, it’s that this franchise thrives when it leans into balance and depth in the backfield. Utilizing a two-running back system has become increasingly important for both offensive versatility and long-term player durability. By rotating backs with complementary skill sets, teams can keep defenses off balance, sustain drives, and reduce wear and tear on their lead back. This approach not only extends the effectiveness of the run game but also allows offenses to adapt to varying defensive schemes, making the attack less predictable and more dynamic across four quarters. With Young out this Sunday and possibly longer, I’m concerned this will reignite the Dalton vs. Young debate, depending on how Andy Dalton performs.

Carolina Defense

In Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets, the defense once again delivered an outstanding performance. Cornerback Jaycee Horn, living up to his big contract, snagged two incredible interceptions off the Jets’ backup quarterback, who was brought in for Justin Fields. With the defense consistently showing up like this, the conversation has clearly shifted away from questioning defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s job security. The defense dominated the first half, holding the Jets to just 97 total yards and bringing down quarterback Justin Fields three times. Tre’von Moehrig and A’Shawn Robinson each recorded solo sacks, while Nic Scourton and Derrick Brown combined for another.

For the first time since 2021, the Carolina Panthers are enjoying a winning season. Their defense currently ranks in the top 10, and they sit second in the division, trailing only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I expected this team to win games, but not in such a surprising and impressive fashion. Now, with Andy Dalton set to take the reins, the Panthers are preparing to face the Buffalo Bills, a team that now shares their record. If Carolina can channel their recent momentum and leave everything on the field, they’re more than capable of rising to the occasion.

Images: Carolina Panthers