Nobody was expecting miracles from the Carolina Panthers in Week 8. They were right.
The Panthers were overwhelmed early in the contest despite taking the lead. Things didn't get much better after that, with motivation and execution sorely lacking as Dave Canales' men fell to their seventh loss in eight regular season contests.
This season is the latest in a long line of unmitigated disasters since David Tepper bought the franchise from Jerry Richardson. For all the billionaire's good work in the community through donations and humanitarian efforts, he is clueless when it comes to running a successful NFL franchise. Fans are also starting to look at those in power differently, which is a damning indictment of the way things have unfolded over the first half of 2024.
The Denver Broncos were never in any real danger of losing this one. It's the fact fans have become used to getting beatdown that's arguably the most depressing thing of all with no end in sight.
With that being said, here are three winners and four losers from Carolina's dismal defeat in Week 8 at the Broncos.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' defeat at Broncos
Loser No. 1
Mike Jackson Sr. - Carolina Panthers CB
The novelty around Mike Jackson Sr. has worn off. After a promising start following his offseason trade to the Carolina Panthers, things are tailing off alarmingly. Another fine example of this came in Week 8, where the veteran cornerback was lackluster in coverage and targeted as a weak link in crucial moments.
Rookie signal-caller Bo Nix knew better than to test Jaycee Horn too often. He doesn't shadow, preferring to stick to one side of the field. This allowed Courtland Sutton to focus his attention on Jackson when the time came to move the chains.
Jackson wasn't up to the task. Sutton ran roughshod over him to the tune of 100 receiving yards from eight receptions. It was another underwhelming effort that won't be going unnoticed by those in power.
When Dane Jackson is at 100 percent, one would expect him to occupy the outside role. However, removing the acquisition from the Seattle Seahawks from the equation entirely doesn't seem feasible considering the lack of talent elsewhere on the cornerback depth chart.
Winner No. 1
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
There aren't many bright spots emerging from the Carolina Panthers' season in 2024. It's another campaign descending into abject chaos after so much hope things would be different during the offseason. General manager Dan Morgan must plan accordingly to put this franchise in a strong position when the 2025 offseason arrives.
Morgan made some mistakes during his first recruitment period. However, unearthing undrafted free agent Jalen Coker from the rough looks to be a tremendous find. The wide receiver has come of age in recent weeks, demonstrating smooth route-running and assured hands that look capable of becoming a long-term asset.
This was evident once again in Week 8. Coker showcased his athleticism and sharp route manipulation during another impressive display. He's not the quickest, but he plays much faster than his 40-yard dash time suggested before the draft.
Coker brought in four receptions from five targets for 78 receiving yards and one touchdown. He was comfortably Carolina's most productive pass-catcher, which is an indictment on others but a positive sign for the Holy Cross product. Long may it continue.
Loser No. 2
Dave Canales - Carolina Panthers HC
Dave Canales has no answers to the problems facing his team right now. The head coach doesn't have enough quality on his roster to remain remotely competitive against anybody. This contest was almost over by half-time as the Panthers whimpered to another loss with no real fight.
Canales is working almost with one hand tied behind his back, but he's not immune from criticism. His poor game management comes to the fore in key moments. His inability to get play calls in on time to Bryce Young played a leading role in a crucial interception. The offensive scheme was anemic - stemmed from a complete lack of faith in the former No. 1 overall selection.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator needs to find inspiration from somewhere. Canales' strains are beginning to show. He's deflecting questions and looking a little lost in his first year as an NFL head coach. Things could get worse depending on what outgoings emerge before the 2024 trade deadline.
Canales is up against it, there's no getting away from that. This project needed patience, but team owner David Tepper is notoriously volatile. There's no telling what the future holds if the Panthers cannot gain some respectability from the campaign.
Winner No. 2
Josey Jewell - Carolina Panthers LB
It wasn't all doom and gloom for the Carolina Panthers regarding injuries in Week 8. They welcomed back several established stars on both sides of the football at the Denver Broncos. This didn't come with anything other than another defeat, but it was a silver lining nonetheless.
Josey Jewell was one such example who got the green light to participate. The veteran linebacker wasn't going to miss this game versus his old employers. This also brought some added intensity to his game that hadn't been evident consistently enough since joining the Panthers in free agency.
Jewell finished with 10 tackles and one tackle for loss. He was a commanding force against the run, helping stop Javonte Williams when he ran in between the tackles. There were some deficiencies in coverage, but it was a pleasing return to the lineup for the first time since Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Considering the Panthers are without Shaq Thompson and rookie third-rounder Trevin Wallace is going through some growing pains, Jewell's contribution will be vital over the second half of 2024.
Loser No. 3
Jonathan Mingo - Carolina Panthers WR
This was a perfect opportunity for Jonathan Mingo to impose himself after being an afterthought in recent weeks. Injuries to key contributors in the passing attack meant a slight window of opportunity opened for the wide receiver. Unfortunately, he was unable to maximize it once again.
Mingo failed to bring in any of his three targets throughout the contest. He lacks the explosiveness needed to create separation and doesn't have the ball skills to make tough catches. Some obvious confidence issues need to be rectified before he can be considered part of the franchise's long-term future. That's a dangerous concoction.
Seven players had more receptions than Mingo. Two of them had fewer targets. The Ole Miss product is still relatively early in his professional career, but this looks like another Terrace Marshall Jr. situation all over again for the Panthers.
If Dan Morgan thinks Mingo cannot be salvaged, the general manager could look to recoup something for the pass-catcher before the 2024 trade deadline. Whether interest arrives or what offer would be acceptable is another matter, but things look pretty bleak right now.
Winner No. 3
Demani Richardson - Carolina Panthers S
Demani Richardson got more work than he initially bargained for in Week 8 at the Denver Broncos. The Carolina Panthers were without the services of veteran safety Nick Scott due to injury. This thrust the undrafted free agent into the spotlight versus an offense with some dangerous playmakers to call upon.
Richardson's lack of experience was evident early on. However, there was a lot to like about the way he grew into the contest. It wasn't perfect and the damage had been done long before the game concluded, but this was an undoubted positive defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can take from Carolina's seventh loss in eight regular-season outings.
Considering this was his first taste of action on the defensive rotation, Richardson can look back at his efforts with an enormous sense of pride. His 11 tackles led the team. He was always around the football and made hits count. There was a vibrant energy and intensity to his approach that others sorely lacked.
Whether it's enough for Richardson to get similar involvement moving forward is anyone's guess, but the former Texas A&M standout is giving the coaching staff plenty to think about.
Loser No. 4
Xavier Legette - Carolina Panthers WR
With the Panthers missing both Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson in Week 8, the onus was on first-round pick Xavier Legette to step up into a prominent role. This was a lot to ask, but it's exactly why those in power traded up to secure his services at No. 32 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Things started well for Legette. He brought in a Bryce Young throw to score on the opening drive. He finished the game with four receptions from seven targets for 34 receiving yards. However, some issues need to be addressed before confidence increases in the former South Carolina standout.
Legette's lapses in concentration remain an ongoing complication. The wideout blamed the sun for dropping a crucial deep pass late in the first half that would have resulted in a huge gain. While that's an excuse, it's a catch that must be made at the sport's pinnacle.
Carolina also needs more from Legette in terms of yards after the catch, which was a supposed strength the team could benefit from immediately. Undrafted free agent Jalen Coker looks more dependable, which is another concern. But there's something there to nurture despite some first-year growing pains.