Although some fans are more concerned about the Carolina Panthers' draft standing than wins at this point, that's not an opinion shared by head coach Dave Canales and his players. Something that was reflected in their dramatic overtime triumph over the Arizona Cardinals.
This was a great way for Carolina to conclude its regular-season home engagements. The Panthers bounced back after a woeful outing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. They are not the finished product by any stretch, but this effort was another sign that things are heading in the right direction under Canales' guidance.
The Panthers are no longer the league's laughingstock. They've doubled their win total from last season and their overall body of work over the last seven games is immensely encouraging. If general manager Dan Morgan recruits well this offseason, their chances of success in 2025 are only going to improve.
That's for the future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Carolina's overtime victory versus the Cardinals.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' victory vs. the Cardinals
Winner No. 1
Robert Hunt - Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers identified Robert Hunt as their marquee free-agent target quickly. They gave him a whopping contract to get this deal over the line. It's been money well spent.
Hunt's been nothing short of sensational throughout the campaign. He's a mauler in the run game and offers exceptional pass protection for good measure. The former second-round pick fought through illness to take part in this one. More importantly, it was another accomplished effort from the formidable interior offensive lineman.
Carolina was criticized for spending so lavishly on Hunt when there were glaring holes elsewhere. Those who threw shade deserve a big slice of humble pie. If the Panthers had a few more wins, the right guard would be firmly in the Pro Bowl conversation.
Hunt's partnership with edge protector Taylor Moton on the right-hand side is among the league's best. This game was another prime example.
Loser No. 1
Jordan Fuller - Carolina Panthers S
Arguably the biggest loser emerged before the contest. Jordan Fuller was a healthy scratch following some indifferent performances of late. This was a disappointing development, but one that the Carolina Panthers felt was necessary in pursuit of victory.
Fuller's move to the Panthers in free agency hasn't gone according to plan. There were high hopes for the defensive back thanks in no small part to his previous connection to Ejiro Evero. Unfortunately for the player, injuries and inconsistency have been difficult to overcome.
What the future holds for Fuller is anyone's guess. The Panthers looked a lot more assured in coverage without him. Couple this with the fact he only signed a one-year deal in free agency, and all signs point to the safety and Carolina going their separate ways when his deal expires.
The Panthers had every right to take Fuller out of the firing line. But the fact he wasn't even trusted with backup duties is a damning indictment of how his production is being perceived by the primary decision-makers.
Winner No. 2
Jacoby Windmon - Carolina Panthers LB
The Panthers were significantly depleted at the linebacking position heading into Week 16. Shaq Thompson is a long-term absentee. Carolina was dealt another blow when Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus were both placed on injured reserve.
Disappointment for some means opportunities for others. Carolina's health issues at the defensive second level thrust Jacoby Windmon into the limelight. He stepped up and turned in a surprisingly polished performance.
Windmon endured some rough luck on the injury front in college. He was overlooked during the draft process as a result. A chance like this took time to arrive, but he gave the Panthers plenty to think about with a showing that defied his inexperience.
The former Michigan State standout got around the football consistently. Windmon managed to get into the backfield when opportunities arose and also secured the first sack of his professional journey. To say this was a nice surprise would be an understatement.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero would be wise to continue with Windmon over the final two games. If he continues this encouraging trend, the Panthers should reward him accordingly with a reserve/futures deal.
Winner No. 3
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers RB
There were a few eyebrows raised around the league when the Carolina Panthers gave running back Chuba Hubbard a four-year extension just a few short months after drafting Jonathon Brooks in the second round. That's not the case anymore.
Hubbard's been one of the league's most prolific running backs this season. His unique blend of vision, contact balance, and ability to turn the slightest creases into big gains were on full display once again versus the Arizona Cardinals. Something that contributed significantly to the team's overtime triumph.
The former fourth-round selection out of Oklahoma State came through for Carolina in the clutch. Hubbard was eager to atone for his overtime fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He duly delivered to send Panthers fans home with some extra festive cheer.
This is exactly what the Panthers had in mind. Hubbard gained 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns at 6.1 yards per carry. He also brought in four receptions from five targets for 13 receiving yards to add a different dimension.
Hubbard is a core foundational piece. That's not up for discussion after a phenomenal campaign.
Winner No. 4
Demani Richardson - Carolina Panthers S
The Panthers made a big defensive call, making veteran safety Jordan Fuller a healthy scratch and giving Demani Richardson a chance to cement his place in the team's plans. It didn't take long to figure out that he was eager to capitalize on the opportunity.
Richardson is another undrafted feel-good story for the Panthers this season. The former Texas A&M standout is fast, physical, and reads things extremely well from the backend. This was another polished display from the rookie versus a dangerous Cardinals offense.
The defensive back's composure and instincts are encouraging traits from which to build a successful career. Richardson is relentless in pursuit, bringing aggressiveness to the contact point and making his tackles count. His awareness was reflected in the first interception of his professional career.
This performance was enough for Carolina to keep faith the the safety over their final two games of the campaign. Richardson's more than earned that right. And who knows, a strong end to the campaign could improve his chances of being a starting option for the Panthers in 2025.
Loser No. 2
Jalen Coker - Carolina Panthers WR
There was some concern about Jalen Coker's participation in Week 16 versus the Arizona Cardinals. The gifted wide receiver is still dealing with a quadriceps issue that forced him to miss three games earlier in the campaign. He deserves credit for toughing it out and taking his place in the lineup if nothing else.
Coker's set some incredibly high standards for himself this season. He emerged from undrafted free-agent obscurity to become an important part of the Carolina Panthers' future. It won't be perfect all the time, but something was amiss for the pass-catcher in this one.
The explosiveness and smooth route running didn't have the same sharpness. Coker was being hindered by his quad complication and it showed, gaining just two receptions from five targets for eight receiving yards.
Carolina managed to come through despite Coker's lack of productivity. Nobody should be too concerned about his performance. The former Holy Cross standout is way ahead of schedule and exceeded expectations long ago. One poor day of production doesn't change that.
Winner No. 5
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young needed a positive response after his woeful outing in Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys. The quarterback proved that lackluster performance was a blip rather than anything more concerning.
Young just looks like a different player. He's playing with swagger, poise, and confidence in equal measure. Perhaps more importantly, he's having fun again.
The former No. 1 overall selection out of Alabama came through when it counted. Young got the football out on time, was aggressive in key moments, and inspired his team to a morale-boosting victory. He protected the football and showcased his impressive mobility in and out of structure to further enhance his influence.
Nothing has been confirmed as yet, but it would be a huge surprise if Young didn't get another starting opportunity in 2025. His 80.1 QBR was a fair reflection of his accomplished performance on the day. It's great to see the Heisman Trophy winner playing with a smile on his face.
The Panthers have something with Young. Bolstering the options around him this offseason is only going to help his cause.