Considering the Carolina Panthers are sitting at 3-9 with another losing record under David Tepper's ownership already confirmed, there's more optimism for the future than ever.
Head coach Dave Canales is starting to see his hard work come to life in a competitive setting. The Panthers have stacked some good performances over the last month. They might not be good enough to win every game just yet, but this team is not going to go down without a fight anymore.
Canales will get a stern test of the team's credentials this weekend versus the Philadelphia Eagles. That will be the strongest measuring stick yet against a team harboring ambitious hopes to win the Super Bowl this season. How they perform in the intimidating environment Lincoln Financial Field provides will tell those in power plenty about where things stand and what more might be needed.
The Panthers shot themselves in the foot too many times in defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Being competitive is all well and good. Learning how to triumph in these close contests is the next challenge that separates the contending teams from the also-rans.
That'll come over time. Until then, here are five Panthers players with soaring stock after Week 13.
Carolina Panthers players with soaring stock after Week 13 loss
Ikem Ekwonu - Carolina Panthers OT
Ikem Ekwonu came into the campaign with a big point to prove. The left tackle freely admitted to becoming complacent in 2023 after a strong rookie season. Standards slipped and it showed on the field with subpar efforts within blocking concepts that didn't suit.
The Carolina Panthers kept faith with the blindside presence this season. It's not been perfect by any stretch, but the improvements are notable. Ekwonu put this on full display during a clinical effort versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13.
Ekwonu was outstanding in pass protection, displaying power at the contact point and enough flexibility to counteract pass-rushing moves. He's putting his length to much better use these days. The former North Carolina State powerhouse looks like the franchise left tackle Carolina envisaged when they took him No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Once Ekwonu cleans up the penalties - he's got 11 already to his name this season - things will only improve further. At the very least, he's made the Panthers' decision to pick up his fifth-year option during the offseason an easy one.
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Watching Bryce Young fight back in the face of significant adversity is rapidly becoming the Carolina Panthers' story of the season. All hope seemed lost for the signal-caller after he was benched. It was a humbling experience - one that brought a new lease of life from the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young's resolve, poise, and confidence have improved exponentially since his return to the starting lineup. He's beaten the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. He's gone toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield in consecutive weeks. The Heisman Trophy winner has proven capable of potentially manning the quarterback spot in Carolina long-term.
Opinions are changing. Those who wrote Young off and labeled him the biggest draft bust in NFL history are eating their words. The Panthers have renewed faith in the former Alabama star after a remarkable turnaround.
Recent insider revelations indicate those in power are not planning to draft a signal-caller from the college ranks. This would be the biggest vote of confidence imaginable.
If Young continues his rise with a strong performance at the Philadelphia Eagles and their dominant defense, you can lock him in as the 2025 starter.
Chau Smith-Wade - Carolina Panthers CB
Dane Jackson's performance levels since coming back from a hamstring injury weren't up to the required standard. The Panthers coaching staff recognized this too, which provided another chance for rookie Chau Smith-Wade to shine from a starting role.
Smith-Wade played 62 percent of defensive snaps. Jackson didn't register a single defensive snap. More importantly, the No. 157 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft made a big impression when it counted.
There was a lot to like about Smith-Wade's performance levels as the team's nickel option. He was assured in coverage, anticipated things well enough aside from a couple of lapses, and wrapped up oncoming runners at the contact point. This was arguably the biggest positive above all else when one considers the concerns surrounding his slender frame during the pre-draft process.
The former Washington State standout managed to secure his first interception of the campaign. He's the first Panthers rookie to claim a pick since Jaycee Horn in 2021. While he's nowhere near that standard, Smith-Wade made a strong claim for extended involvement down the stretch.
Damien Lewis - Carolina Panthers OL
The Carolina Panthers' substantial investments in the offensive line interior throughout the offseason have paid off. This unit looks much improved thanks in no small part to the financial outlay for Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt when free agency commenced.
Dave Canales knew what Lewis could bring to the table. They worked together during their time with the Seattle Seahawks, which made the transition smooth for the veteran. He's been nothing short of sensational this season, which came to the fore once again in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Lewis and the entire interior had a tough challenge on their hands. Tampa Bay's formidable nose tackle Vita Vea can wreck any game when in the mood. The Panthers restricted his influence and provided quarterback Bryce Young with enough time to go through his progressions.
The former third-round selection out of LSU has given up just two sacks and five penalties from 634 offensive snaps en route to a superb 75.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. This was money well by the Panthers in no uncertain terms.
Jonathon Brooks - Carolina Panthers RB
Jonathon Brooks' debut versus the Kansas City Chiefs came with a minimal contribution attached. This wasn't surprising when one considers how long he's been away from the gridiron, but it was a significant step forward for the rookie running back to take physical punishment at full speed for the first time since his torn ACL.
The No. 46 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft came through contact unscathed. This gave head coach Dave Canales enough confidence to involve him more against the Buccaneers. There was a lot to like about Brooks's production during his first taste of divisional action.
Brooks gained 18 rushing yards from six carries. He was more impressive in the passing game, bringing in all three of his receptions for 23 receiving yards, displaying his dazzling elusiveness and ability to run over oncoming defenders with minimal fuss.
This was another huge milestone for Brooks, one he and the Panthers can take heart from. Expect the workload to increase over the next five contests. If everything goes well, Carolina will have a legitimate 1-2 punch in the backfield next season alongside quarterback Bryce Young.