Loser No. 2
Rasheed Walker - Carolina Panthers OT
The Carolina Panthers are desperately short on the offensive line. The team is sorely missing the projected starting tackle tandem of Taylor Mooton and Ikem Ekwonu, and veteran left tackle Rasheed Walker just isn't providing the short-term consistency general manager Dan Morgan envisioned when he signed him in free agency.
Walker is lacking confidence. There is a reason why the Green Bay Packers didn't bring him back and why his free-agent market was almost nonexistent before the Panthers made him an offer. Unfortunately for the Panthers, this is costing them in big moments, and something has to give.
The former Penn State standout blew an assignment that led to a Bryce Young sack-fumble late in the game, which ultimately ended the contest. This is a microcosm of how things have unfolded for Walker, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him benched at some stage in the not-too-distant future.
Winner No. 2
Darren Waller - Carolina Panthers TE
The Panthers' decision to sign tight end Darren Waller relatively late in the summer was a shrewd move. Fans doubted how much more the Pro Bowler had to give, and it seemed the league had given up on him before Carolina came calling with a career lifeline.
This skepticism was misplaced.
Waller has been a fantastic addition to the ranks. He's a physical pass-catching presence who commands attention. While he is not the dynamic force of old, he can still make things happen, and quarterback Bryce Young trusts him fully.
This was another standout effort from Waller. He caught eight passes on 10 targets for 90 receiving yards and one touchdown, becoming a nightmare for the Broncos' defense.
It wasn't enough to give the Panthers a much-needed home win, but Waller was nothing short of outstanding. And his influence is also making Tommy Tremble better along the way.
Loser No. 3
Dave Canales - Carolina Panthers HC
Questions are now being asked about head coach Dave Canales' ability to take the Panthers where they want to go. He's been outcoached way too many times this season, and the same fate befell him against Sean Payton as Carolina suffered its fifth loss of the campaign.
Canales cannot figure out the penalty issues that continue to blight this team. While the players must be held accountable, this also falls on the coaching staff. And even though the Panthers had a mini bye week to figure things out, the same problems resurfaced.
This is a big problem.
The Panthers have fired Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley, so Canales has no real scapegoats left. There is pressure to turn things around, but losing to the New Orleans Saints next weekend is not an option.
Being a beacon of positivity is fine, but this is a results business. And the Panthers fell desperately short of their raised expectations over the first half of 2026.
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