The Carolina Panthers looked good in their black helmet and process blue uniform combination in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Unfortunately, it didn't inspire the players enough to end what's quickly becoming a concerning slide into the abyss.
Carolina kept this relatively close before faltering later on. Andy Dalton threw two interceptions and the defense couldn't cope with the Falcons' offensive firepower. The Panthers are now languishing at 1-5 and propping up the NFC South once again with a daunting road contest against the resurgent Washington Commanders next on the agenda.
Head coach Dave Canales is trying to fight his way through untold turmoil right now. David Tepper isn't exactly known for keeping his nose out of football-related affairs, but the billionaire hedge fund manager needs to give this project time. Things will get worse before they get better. Staying the course is crucial.
With that being said, here are two winners and three losers from Carolina's latest defeat in Week 6.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' loss vs. the Falcons
Loser No. 1
Carolina Panthers pass-rush
It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers need dependable pass-rushing options. Their desperate moves in free agency are a testament to their inner panic within the organization. Not having veteran edge Jadeveon Clowney in Week 6 at the Atlanta Falcons was another body blow to their hopes of galvanizing this critical area of the field.
Fans were deeply concerned and rightfully so. Their fears were confirmed as the Panthers failed to register a single sack despite quarterback Kirk Cousins' preference to stay in the pocket after recovering from a torn Achilles.
Having an imposing ground game set the table for Atlanta in the passing game. It also helped that the Panthers couldn't get to Cousins. He looked comfortable and poised from start to finish. This was thanks in no small part to the time he had to go through his progressions.
Carolina registered three quarterback hits, but it was nowhere near enough. Much will depend on what those in power have planned at the quarterback position, but finding dynamic pass-rushers looks like their top priority above all else when the 2025 offseason arrives.
Winner No. 1
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers RB
It seems for all the smart money as if the Carolina Panthers are heading for another losing season and a high-end draft pick in 2025 when it's all said and done. There's still a long way to go, but this is a poor football team devoid of talent or confidence.
There is a shining light amid the chaos. Chuba Hubbard continues to showcase his credentials as the team's No. 1 running back. Week 6 was another prime example, accumulating a 5.1 yards per carry average from 18 touches.
Dave Canales has been criticized for not deploying the former fourth-round selection enough. He came under fire again for going away from the ground game when it was proving so successful during a key drive that eventually ended with an Andy Dalton interception.
Hubbard finished the day with 92 rushing yards. He's arguably Carolina's most consistent performer through six games. That's not exactly a lofty bar for which to aim, but it's an encouraging sign nonetheless.
The Oklahoma State product is doing his chances of receiving a contract extension a tremendous amount of good. Whether that's in Carolina or elsewhere is anyone's guess, but Dan Morgan would be wise to keep him around despite drafting Jonathon Brooks in the second round if the same trend continues.
Loser No. 2
Carolina Panthers run defense
Stopping the run is a seemingly incapable task for the Panthers this season. Losing Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown and veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson for the entire campaign didn't help their cause, but it's not like this unit is blessed with legitimate talent of sufficient depth with everyone available.
This didn't go unnoticed by the Atlanta Falcons, who ran all over the Panthers to the tune of 198 rushing yards and three touchdowns from 38 combined touches. It's simply unacceptable and continues to hold Carolina back from making the defensive strides needed with coordinator Ejiro Evero leading the charge.
Shy Tuttle was inconsistent once again. A'Shawn Robinson doesn't look 100 percent and is struggling to make an impression. The outside linebackers in Evero's 3-4 system aren't setting the edge effectively enough. This is a recipe for disaster that shows no signs of improving right now.
Evero must try his best with the poor hand he's been dealt. Dan Morgan transitioned Carolina's significant investment to the offense at the expense of some core defensive pieces. This has blown up in his face through six games, so it'll be interesting to see what adjustments arrive before their Week 7 game at the Washington Commanders.
Winner No. 2
Troy Hill - Carolina Panthers CB
We've already spoken about the defensive deficiencies across their pass-rush and from a run-stopping perspective. This made things more difficult for those in the secondary. But aside from a few concentration lapses, they performed relatively well in difficult circumstances.
Veteran cornerback Troy Hill was one of few Carolina defenders to emerge from this game with any credit. The slot option impressed in coverage and got around the football consistently to stop runners in their tracks. There were a few tough moments, but it was a pleasing performance overall.
Hill isn't getting any younger, but this was another example of how important he is to Carolina's defensive strategy in 2024. What comes after that is less certain, but coordinator Ejiro Evero trusts him enough to get the job done within a secondary that is pushing hard against a troubling tide right now.
The Panthers will probably add another cornerback or two at some stage during the 2025 offseason. Until then, expect Hill to remain a factor thanks to his dependability, even though he's rapidly approaching the end of his NFL journey.
Loser No. 3
Ian Thomas - Carolina Panthers TE
The Panthers welcomed back Ian Thomas onto the squad after his spell on injured reserve with a calf issue. This was a boost considering how depleted the roster looks. It was also well timed with fourth-year tight end Tommy Tremble out with a concussion.
Thomas has underwhelmed for several years despite emerging into a blocking force on occasion. Dave Canales wanted to see if he could ignite a spark in the passing game where the former fourth-round selection is concerned. The Panthers have given him countless chances to impress. He rarely meets expectations.
Week 6 was another example. There was always going to be some rust attached after so long away from the gridiron. However, the Indiana product failed to bring in any of his three targets during an underwhelming afternoon at the office.
With the Panthers going nowhere fast and navigating their way through another losing season that could end up with the No. 1 overall selection once again, it's time to phase out players like Thomas. This needs to be the evaluation of younger individuals rather than hanging your hat on underperforming veterans who've got no long-term future with the franchise.