It's been a long time since the Carolina Panthers had a shot at winning the NFC South. Interim head coach Steve Wilks got close in 2022, but something feels different about this latest charge under Dave Canales.
The Panthers have momentum. They are the form team, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of an alarming slump that only worsened after losing at home to the New Orleans Saints. Carolina is tied for the division lead with four games left, and it could legitimately go either way.
If the Panthers want to make fans' dreams come true, it will have to be a collective effort. With this in mind, here are three emerging breakout stars who could potentially flip the team's post-bye fortunes on their head en route to a stunning division championship.
Emerging breakouts who could flip the Carolina Panthers' post-bye fortunes on their head
Mike Jackson Sr. - CB
All the hype has centered on Pro Bowl standout Jaycee Horn, and rightfully so. But veteran cornerback Mike Jackson Sr. is quietly putting together an outstanding campaign, going completely under the radar.
Jackson was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks for almost nothing before the 2024 campaign. It was a shrewd investment, and if the defensive back can provide assured coverage and sound tackling down the stretch, the better Carolina's chances of making the playoffs will be.
Jalen Coker - WR
It's taken Jalen Coker a while to get going after starting the season on injured reserve, but the gifted young wide receiver has begun to show signs of life in recent weeks. The Panthers are crying out for dependability in the passing game alongside first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan, and the undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross could be it.
Coker is a sharp route runner with dependable hands. Third-year quarterback Bryce Young has no trouble looking for him in crucial down and distances, which could tip the scales in Carolina's favor as they embark on a post-bye pressure cooker.
Trevin Wallace - LB
Nobody is questioning Morgan's decision to draft Trevin Wallace in the third round of the 2024 draft anymore. The explosive linebacker has come to life this season, which came after defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero gave him the green dot on defense. It's a responsibility he's taken seriously, and it's propelled his game to new heights along the way.
Wallace is an emerging leader. He's instinctive, but is learning to be more disciplined. The former Kentucky star is also building a top-level résumé as a consistent producer in the most significant moments, which will only serve the Panthers well as they pursue a long-awaited playoff berth in the coming weeks.