The Panthers Roundtable Podcast Dives into the Final Drive of the Rams Game, Rico Dowdle's Future, and What Should Come Next for Cam Newton.
Panthers Still Growing
The Carolina Panthers did all but beat the Rams in the Wild Card Round. However, giving up 71 yards after taking a lead with about two minutes and change to go is not what really great teams that make playoff runs do. You have to close the deal. Even though the Panthers grew a lot this year, there is still more work to be done. They're new to this.
Who's Paying Rico?
Rico Dowdle had a terrific stretch for the Panthers in the middle chunk of the season. He was a great pickup by Dan Morgan. However, teams started to play for him more down the stretch of the season and he never really went off again after the Green Bay win. The Panthers have already committed to Chuba Hubbard financially and they still have Jonathan Brooks waiting in the wings coming back from injury. So, Rico will be looking elsewhere to go to a place where he can get paid and be the no doubt RB1.
Bryce Young 5th Year
Dan Morgan said in his press conference after lockers were all cleaned out that they would be picking up Bryce Young's 5th year option. This made the most sense and it's a bargain for Carolina. Plus, Bryce has earned it. Now the Panthers buy one more year to decide if Bryce Young is going to be worth giving a contract extension at this time next year.
Offseason Moves
The Panthers have gone offense in the first round the first two years under Dave Canales. They have not gone defense in the first round since Jaycee Horn was taken no. 8 overall in 2021. It's time the Panthers improve defensively even more, likely with pass rush still being their greatest need. They also need to take care of Mike Jackson who blossomed even more in his second year opposite Jaycee Horn at corner.
Put Cam in the Hall
The vibes were immaculate with Cam Newton in attendance and pounding the drum ahead of the Rams game. It couldn't have happened at a better time with it being the ten year anniversary of the 2015 Super Bowl team. It seems the fence has been mended between Cam and the organization. Now, the next step needs to be for them to put Cam in the Hall of Honor.
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