Nobody thought the Carolina Panthers had a shot against the Kansas City Chiefs. They lost as expected, but the contest did not go as many anticipated.
The Panthers were highly competitive. They recovered from an early setback to stake a legitimate claim for victory down the stretch. It took a last-gasp drive from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a successful field goal on the final play to condemn Dave Canales' men to defeat.
Carolina is now 3-8 on the season and projected to have a top-five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the improvements being made by this group overall cannot be disputed.
They took the two-time defending Super Bowl champions to the brink against all odds. This is another sign that Canales' teachings and schematic strategies are starting to bear fruit.
There are no moral victories in the NFL, but this was as close as it gets.
No fan went home unhappy. The Panthers tried valiantly and outperformed expectations. That always provides hope rather than the typical disenchantment associated with this franchise in recent years.
With that being said, here are three winners and two losers from Carolina's defeat to the Chiefs in Week 12.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers defeat vs. the Chiefs
Winner No. 1
David Moore - Carolina Panthers WR
With Adam Thielen returning to the lineup after a spell on injured reserve, many believed this would come at the expense of David Moore. However, an issue sustained by undrafted free agent Jalen Coker gave the veteran pass-catcher one final opportunity to stake his claim.
It was a chance Moore wasn't going to waste. This was the wide receiver's best output since joining the Carolina Panthers, coming up with some incredible catches and creating more separation than normal versus an outstanding Kansas City Chiefs defense.
Moore brought in six receptions from 10 targets for 81 receiving yards and one touchdown. He stepped up when the Panthers needed him most. Even if Coker comes back next weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the former seventh-round pick should have a part to play.
When quarterback Bryce Young needed someone to come through, he typically looked to either Moore or Thielen. Both players responded accordingly, which only raised encouragement about this team's trajectory over their final six games.
Loser No. 1
Dane Jackson - Carolina Panthers CB
Dane Jackson was a high-priority target for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. General manager Dan Morgan knew him well and was a key reason the Buffalo Bills spent a seventh-round selection on the cornerback. Fans are still waiting for evidence as to why he was such a coveted option.
Jackson hasn't displayed any consistency so far. It's worth noting that the player is still finding his feet after spending the first half of 2024 on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. This game was another example of how much hard work is ahead for the defensive back in pursuit of establishing himself.
Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet. Morgan is a shrewd talent evaluator and should be trusted until further notice. However, this looks like one move that won't go according to plan unless there's a remarkable surge forward in the coming weeks.
The Panthers won't have many more difficult challenges than this over their remaining games. But unless Jackson bounces back quickly, a situation could emerge where Carolina seeks additional options during the 2025 offseason.
Winner No. 2
Carolina Panthers pass-rush
Generating pressure has been a complex riddle for the Panthers this season. The edge rushing unit isn't particularly good or deep in terms of options. Couple this with an indifferent defensive front within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 system, it's not hard to see where complications could arise versus Patrick Mahomes.
It wasn't perfect, but Week 12 was a major step in the right direction. The Panthers put Mahomes under immense pressure throughout. They became the first team this season to gain five sacks against the prolific signal-caller. Carolina also secured eight quarterback hits, which is a testament to how frequently they were getting into the Kansas City backfield.
Mahomes got his fill, as he typically does regardless of whether pressure is in his face or not. But if Evero was looking for a silver lining from the clash, the pass-rushing production versus a future Pro Football Hall of Fame signal-caller was right up there.
The return to D.J. Wonnum gave this group a desperate spark. Everyone is benefitting and nobody is happier than Jadeveon Clowney, who's getting more space to work and is showcasing the talent Carolina expected when he joined in free agency.
Loser No. 2
Ja'Tavion Sanders - Carolina Panthers TE
This has nothing to do with Ja'Tavion Sanders' production. The rookie tight end looked on course for arguably the best statistical performance of his professional career so far against the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, he was dealt a cruel blow at the worst possible time.
Sanders took a heavy hit after the catch late in the first half and landed on his head. It was a scary incident that resulted in lengthy treatment before he was carted off. A trip to the hospital followed with a neck issue, which was a body blow to the player's rising momentum in recent weeks.
The No. 101 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was discharged and returned to the stadium. What this means for Sanders' status moving forward is up for debate, but it could have been a lot worse looking at the violent collision.
Carolina has a long-term plan in place for Sanders. He's proven capable of being a real asset in the passing game and his chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young is growing with every passing week. That said, taking things with extreme precaution is essential following this unfortunate setback.
Winner No. 3
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young is coming of age before our eyes. It's been a long road to this point despite this being the quarterback's second season. But his determination and growing confidence are making believers of even the harshest critics.
Young performed well in the three games before Carolina's bye week. Going up against the exceptional Chiefs' defense was a different test entirely. One that the former No. 1 overall selection passed with flying colors.
The signal caller was superb throughout. Young's will to win and fearless mindset going toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes was incredibly encouraging. This was the most assured he's looked since entering the NFL, especially given the standard of opposition he faced.
It wasn't enough for the Panthers to secure a shocking victory after they were undone on the final play. However, even head coach Dave Canales acknowledged that this is Young's team until further notice.
If the same trend continues and Young's positive outlook grows further over the next six games, the Panthers would be wise to build around the Heisman Trophy winner in 2025. Not many had that on their bingo cards after his Week 3 benching in favor of Andy Dalton.