Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of their Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons this afternoon?
Most Carolina Panthers fans are getting ready for another eventful offseason rather than worrying too much about their remaining four contests. They have a chance to damage the Atlanta Falcons' hopes of winning the NFC South later today. That alone should be enough motivation for the players to stay engaged even if large sections of the team's support have checked out.
Heading into this afternoon's divisional clash, the stories causing conversation include everything to know ahead of Week 15, Arthur Smith backing Bryce Young, Chuba Hubbard's emergence, and David Tepper beginning to make his play for Ben Johnson.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard's emergence
Sunday's game will feature a heavy dose of the running game. Weather conditions are not expected to be favorable, so Chuba Hubbard is going to get another big opportunity to showcase his emerging talents as the Carolina Panthers' primary backfield option.
Hubbard's become one of the very few bright lights to emerge from the campaign. Something the former fourth-round selection out of Oklahoma State puts down to hard work, constantly striving for improvements, and never settling based on comments via the team's website.
"I mean, obviously, I've worked my best to be an all-around back, catching the ball, running the ball, and that's just something I've developed since my rookie year. It's just what you focus on. I pride myself on focusing on the little things and the details. So I try to catch as many perfect balls as possible. It's not really about the amount of balls I'm catching; it's not like, let's go catch 50 balls. It's just like I want to feel comfortable; I want to feel good that I caught every single angle, every single ball at a good angle. That's when I just say that's good for the day. So just really focusing on making every rep perfect."Chuba Hubbard via Panthers.com
Hopefully, Hubbard can finish the season on a positive note. This would undoubtedly result in a prominent depth chart position when the new coaching staff is confirmed.
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Carolina Panthers vs. Falcons odds, how to watch
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Carolina Panthers are 3.0-point underdogs against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Considering home teams normally get a three-point cushion, Vegas believes interim head coach Chris Tabor has his work cut out getting a first victory at the helm.
- Carolina +3.0 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Atlanta -3.0 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
Anyone brave enough to wager the Panthers' money line can do so with odds of +136 currently (bet $100 to win $136). The Falcons are favored to sweep their NFC South division rivals at -162 (bet $162 to win $100).
Given the expected poor weather conditions, FanDuel Sportsbook is not anticipated a high-scoring affair. The over/under has been set at 33.5 points - one of the lowest projections anywhere in the league this season.
- Over 33.5 points: -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
- Under 33.5 points: -118 (bet $118 to win $100)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
How to watch:
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The game is also being broadcast on FOX.
Bryce Young backed
Everyone's got their opinion on Bryce Young and his indifferent rookie campaign so far. Perhaps the criticism is a little unfair, but this is the world we live in - one where instant results are desired and players are judged way too harshly with such a small sample size.
Young's not got a lot going for him in terms of productivity. There are also areas of his game that need refinement over the next month and throughout the offseason. Hopefully, the Carolina Panthers will do a better job of surrounding the signal-caller with coaches and playing personnel capable of maximizing his potential.
When discussing Young's struggles, Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith backed the No. 1 overall selection. He also acknowledged Carolina needs to get him more help moving forward via Sports Illustrated.
"He's a very talented player. I mean, everybody in the country saw that when Bryce was coming out. That's why he won the Heisman. It doesn't mean you're going to have success in the NFL, but it's not all on him either. You need a lot to be a successful quarterback. It is a team sport. You do need help. He's a very talented player and a lot of good football left ahead."Arthur Smith via Sports Illustrated
Whether Young can muster any improvements in torrid weather this afternoon is debatable. But it's about time everyone else started elevating their performance levels to give the former Alabama star a fighting chance.
Carolina Panthers begin Ben Johnson pursuit
Frank Reich was sacrificed by Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper after a disastrous start to the season. The billionaire is now seeking his third permanent head coaching hire since buying the franchise. Whether he can make the right choice this time around is the big question.
One could forgive potential candidates for looking at the Panthers as an organization to avoid. But there are only 32 head coaching jobs to go around and Tepper has the financial means to make his preferred candidate a lucrative offer.
It's becoming clear who Tepper's desired man is. Ben Johnson is the league's hottest name in the coaching cycle. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, Carolina's owner spent a lot of time with his agent during the recent NFL owners' meetings based on information accumulated from sources.
"Carolina owner David Tepper has said he wants his next coach to be there for the next 20 to 30 years, so that alone would eliminate the 71-year-old [Bill] Belichick. Tepper is expected to make another run at Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and the billionaire spent a good amount of time with Johnson's agent at this week's league meetings."Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports
If Tepper could convince Johnson to take the job, it would represent a major coup for the Panthers. But unless the conversation starts with a promise to stay out of football matters, then the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator might think twice if other offers are on the table as expected.