5 winners (and 2 losers) from Panthers' shutout triumph over the Falcons

Things were hanging precariously for the Carolina Panthers just two games into the 2025 campaign. Pressure was building on head coach Dave Canales, who could ill afford things to spiral further during the team's home opener against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3.

There was cautious optimism among the fan base, but they didn't have much to worry about when push came to shove. The Panthers produced a much-improved display to secure a convincing success. They played complementary football and were solid in all phases. Ejiro Evero's much-maligned defense pitched a shutout, which was the most significant positive above all else.

It's only one game, but the shift from doom and gloom to hope was critical. Canales believes his squad is capable of great things. They did not meet these targets over the first two contests. This performance was the response that everyone associated with the franchise was looking for.

Bryce Young protected the football, and he's a different player when the Panthers get the upper hand. The ground game showed up as a bigger part of the offensive plan, and the special-teams unit also stood out considerably. If this trend continues for the next 14 games, Carolina will be a match for almost anybody.

Until then, here are five winners and two losers from Carolina's shutout triumph at Bank of America Stadium.

Winners and losers from the Panthers' shutout triumph over the Falcons

Winner No. 1

Cade Mays - Carolina Panthers C

The Carolina Panthers were forced into a switch along the offensive line. Robert Hunt was replaced by Chandler Zavala. Cade Mays came in for veteran center Austin Corbett, whose torrid run of luck on the injury front was extended by a torn MCL.

Mays, as he did last season, slotted in seamlessly. His already developed chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young helped. The timing and pre-snap communication were much improved. The former Tennessee prospect was assured in pass protection and provided a solid base on running plays to enhance his influence further.

It's only one game, but Mays already looks like a significant upgrade over Corbett. The veteran hasn't been ruled out for the entire campaign, but he'll struggle to regain his starting job if his understudy continues to perform well.

He's also younger, more athletic, and a better long-term option for the Panthers. If Mays maintains or even extends his outstanding production, which dates back to last season, general manager Dan Morgan could reward him with a new contract extension ahead of time.

Winner No. 2

Ryan Fitzgerald - Carolina Panthers PK

After a long battle over the summer, the Carolina Panthers went with undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald over Matthew Wright to be their starting kicker in 2025. And based on the early returns, they made the right call.

It was a rollercoaster offseason for Fitzgerald. He managed to shake off some early errors to make his presence felt. Overcoming adversity told the Panthers all they needed to know about the player's resolve.

Fitzgerald is thriving in a competitive setting. The former Florida State prospect was flawless against the Atlanta Falcons, making all three of his field goals comfortably. This included a 57-yard effort, which wowed fans who have been more used to seeing wayward attempts from this distance.

Dave Canales lauded Fitzgerald after the game, who also made all three of his extra point attempts. There is a long way to go, but the Panthers may have found a long-term answer.

Loser No. 1

Trevor Etienne - Carolina Panthers RB

There were very few lowlights from a comprehensive victory for the Carolina Panthers. Dave Canales demanded a response from his players, and they answered the call. It wasn't entirely perfect, but this was better than anything fans have been forced to witness over the 2025 campaign so far.

Amid all the hope and positivity, there was one concerning element. Trevor Etienne threatened to suck the life out of Carolina's early momentum when he fumbled a punt return that was recovered by the Falcons. He never got the chance to redeem himself, which is a testament to how well the Panthers dominated proceedings.

This is a slight concern, especially considering the near mishaps Etienne has endured since assuming kick return duties. There have been several flashes of promise thrown in, but the rookie needs to shake this off and become a more dependable presence when his number is called.

Winner No. 3

Chau Smith-Wade - Carolina Panthers CB

Despite the Panthers suffering two defeats to begin the campaign, there was a lot to like about the way their cornerback unit was performing. Once other areas stepped up accordingly, fans were confident that things would begin trending up.

That finally came to the fore in Week 3. The Panthers' defense overwhelmed Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He was a mistake waiting to happen throughout, and Atlanta never came close to reaching the end zone.

Chau Smith-Wade was one of the primary beneficiaries of Penix's wayward decision-making. The second-year corner jumped a route and was rewarded with a pick-six that shook Bank of America Stadium to its foundations, putting the result beyond all doubt.

This was the exclamation point on an impressive display from Smith-Wade. He looked confident in coverage and wrapped up tacklers instantly on the rare occasions where receivers did get the upper hand. More is needed moving forward, but this was arguably his best performance in a Panthers uniform to date.

Winner No. 4

Jaycee Horn - Carolina Panthers CB

Jaycee Horn got a massive contract extension from the Carolina Panthers this offseason. That raised a few eyebrows, considering he'd only put together one whole campaign of outstanding production. Still, it's becoming apparent that getting ahead of the game was a shrewd business decision by general manager Dan Morgan.

Horn is quickly proving himself as one of the league's best shutdown coverage presences on the boundary. He mirrors wide receivers better than almost anybody. The former South Carolina star plays with physicality and aggression that's hard not to love. And he had his way with anyone the Atlanta Falcons put in front of him in Week 3.

The Falcons tested Horn early and got nothing out of it. They gave up as the game went on, which is a respect saved for very few cornerbacks around the league. If this continues throughout the season, his extension is going to look like a bargain.

Loser No. 2

Xavier Legette - Carolina Panthers WR

Xavier Legette made headlines for all the wrong reasons leading into the game. Criticism came from every possible angle after another lackluster showing in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. He was also dealing with hamstring soreness that left his status for Carolina's home opener in severe doubt.

Legette couldn't prove his fitness to head coach Dave Canales and was inactive for the contest. He was pushing hard to play, but the Panthers weren't going to risk his confidence dipping further, especially as he wasn't at 100 percent.

The South Carolina product wasn't missed. Everything looked much more efficient and well-balanced on offense. It helps that the Panthers' defense was playing so well, but the fact remains.

If there was ever a game that Legette could have benefited from playing in, it's this one. The Panthers held a comfortable lead throughout. That could have led to some experimentation with the 2024 first-round pick, but it wasn't to be.

Winner No. 5

Damien Lewis - Carolina Panthers OL

The Panthers were dealt a blow in Week 2 when Robert Hunt suffered a torn bicep that could rule him out for the entire campaign. This placed most emphasis on others to raise the stakes, and they rose to the challenge en route to a dominant victory at Bank of America Stadium.

While Damien Lewis' contribution doesn't get the same recognition as Hunt, it's no less important. He's an unassuming, no-nonsense character who lets his football do the talking. The former LSU standout put this on full display during a commanding performance versus the Falcons.

Lewis set the tone immediately. The left guard was a crushing force against the run and more than held his own in pass protection. This is exactly what the Panthers needed, as they had to depend on others without Hunt and Austin Corbett.

If the Panthers want to build on their newly acquired momentum, Lewis must keep up his high-performance levels to begin the campaign.

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