Things are going well for the Carolina Panthers this season. It is far from perfect, and the injury problems are concerning. But despite the difficult circumstances, head coach Dave Canales must be pleased by what he's seen from his group.
Bigger challenges are coming. The Panthers had an early bye, and they now have 13 straight games to overcome. It will be a test, but it's only going to make this group closer as they look to defend their NFC South championship.
Playoffs are attainable. Perhaps making more noise this time around is also feasible. And this once-basement dweller is now looking ahead with optimism where once there was nothing but abject misery.
The hype is growing. And these five Panthers players are spearheading it.
Carolina Panthers players whose standout efforts are spearheading the hype
Bryce Young, QB
No one is rewriting their narrative more than quarterback Bryce Young this season. He's come out of the blocks flying, emerging as a shock early-season NFL MVP candidate and leading the league in passing yards through four games.
Young is comfortable, aggressive, and confident. His body language and throws show real conviction. He still has a long way to go, but if the signal-caller keeps performing like this, he'll be a very wealthy man when the campaign concludes.
Derrick Brown, DL
While Derrick Brown may not be filling up the stat sheet, the defensive lineman's impact goes way beyond that. The Pro Bowler absorbs double teams, freeing up space for others to do damage. He's a brute force who pushes the pile and plugs running lanes. And that's without counting his exceptional leadership in the locker room.
Brown's importance cannot be overstated. And the Panthers wouldn't swap him for anybody else.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR
After a runaway AP Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was looking to take the next step this season. Everything has slowed down for the pass-catcher, and he is showing the kind of dominance Carolina hasn't seen since the days of Steve Smith Sr.
McMillan is smooth, flamboyant, and highly competitive. That is the perfect combination, and he already looks ready to enter the elite category in the very near future.
Devin Lloyd, LB
The Panthers spend big on edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. But when general manager Dan Morgan also secured linebacker Devin Lloyd, fans wondered whether this could be even more important to the team's defensive strategy under Ejiro Evero.
Lloyd has been a revelation so far. He's impacting the game in all phases, growing in stature, and leading from the front after the Panthers named him a team captain for his first season in Carolina. Not since Luke Kuechly have they had such a dominant force at the second level.
Chuba Hubbard, RB
While veteran running back Chuba Hubbard isn't getting the recognition of others, his role is quickly becoming integral. The Panthers are dealing with some significant injury issues in the backfield, and the Oklahoma State product is almost carrying the load single-handedly.
Hubbard is a powerful runner and a very underrated pass blocker. He's one of the locker room leaders, and he takes that responsibility seriously. And though he's performed well so far, the Panthers will need even more until they get healthier.
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