Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as final preparations take place before their Week 8 game against the Houston Texans?
Today marks the final practice before Week 8 against the Houston Texans. Optimism is relatively high considering the Carolina Panthers are 0-6, but even the most positive fan must recognize the need for major improvements in pursuit of salvaging some semblance of respectability from the 2023 campaign.
In truth, it could go either way. Until then, the stories causing conversation include Thomas Brown's conviction with rookie quarterback Bryce Young, trade interest in Brian Burns before the deadline, Austin Corbett on completing his final hurdle, and Sam Mills becoming the latest legendary figure set to get honored during Sunday's game.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers to honor the great Sam Mills
The Keep Pounding mantra remains a staple ethos across the Carolina Panthers long after Sam Mills sadly departed. The inspirational figure's legacy is unparalleled in franchise history, with his statue out Bank of America Stadium a daily reminder to push forward no matter the circumstance in front of you.
It promises to be an afternoon full of emotion and nostalgia on Sunday. Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad are going into the Panthers' Hall of Honor in recognition of their exceptional contributions, but Mills' family will also be in attendance to receive a special accolade on behalf of the beloved former player and coach.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Melanie Mills will receive the Ring of Excellence during the first quarterback break following his long-awaited induction to Canton immortality. This only adds to the occasion and in many ways, should serve as extra motivation for the current generation to get their first win of the campaign in front of some ex-team greats.
Carolina Panthers OL Austin Corbett's final hurdle
It's been an excruciating road to recovery for Austin Corbett in recent months. The formidable interior offensive lineman's gone through grueling rehabilitation after tearing his ACL in Week 18 of the 2022 season, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel after the Carolina Panthers officially activated him ahead of Week 8 against the Houston Texans.
All signs point to Corbett taking his place in the lineup, which represents a tremendous boost for the protection in front of quarterback Bryce Young. When asked about his status for Sunday, the former second-round pick stated via USA Today Sports that the next couple of days will be his final hurdle in pursuit of suiting up.
"Got the active word and that was great. Means I can play. We’re still makin’ sure everything’s goin’. Like, we don’t wanna say yes for Sunday just ’cause we don’t know. The knee can flare up whenever it wants to flare up. And so, we’re just really watchin’ it, bein’ mindful these last couple days. And thankfully, you got a big body like Derrick Brown to lay on ya and kinda get some good pressure up against it. Really put it to the test. But we’re just tryin’ to take it day by day."Austin Corbett via USA Today Sports
The Panthers are going through severe turmoil on either side of center Bradley Bozeman with Brady Christensen out for the season with a torn bicep. Adding Corbett into the mix would go a long way to improving matters.
Carolina Panthers 'unmotivated' for Brian Burns trade
After rampant speculation about the Carolina Panthers potentially selling off assets before the trade deadline, nothing has become official with just a few short days remaining until the October 31 cut-off point for teams looking to make moves. This is a fluid situation that could change quickly, but it doesn't appear as if those in power are willing to engage in anything drastic.
This is a contentious issue among fans with the team winless and having some established stars looking for big money. Brian Burns' name continues to come up, but Jeff Howe of The Athletic recently added his name to the list of those who believe Carolina is reluctant to trade the edge rusher - although he didn't rule it out entirely.
"The Panthers remain unmotivated to move Brian Burns, who is again a popular name from opposing front offices. Burns, a 2019 first-round pick, has four sacks for the winless Carolina Panthers. The two sides have tried to reach a long-term extension for a couple of years, but Burns is playing on his fifth-year option with the franchise tag in play for 2024.Jeff Howe, The Ath
But remember, the Panthers didn’t intend to trade running back Christian McCaffrey last year until the San Francisco 49ers made an aggressive offer. And the Panthers don’t have a first-round pick in 2024 because of the trade to move up to select quarterback Bryce Young. Still, Burns is still only 25 years old, has 42 career sacks and has been viewed as a franchise cornerstone. It could get interesting if a pass-rush-needy team like the Jacksonville Jaguars offers a premium package."
All signs point to the Panthers needing an astronomical offer to even contemplate trading Burns at this stage. This sort of value should not go unnoticed by his representatives when it's time to resume contract negotiations once the season concludes.
Conviction in Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young
The talk is already becoming tiresome heading into this weekend's showdown between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. Questions about whether the Carolina Panthers made the correct choice at No. 1 overall and building this game up to be something it clearly isn't was an expected frustration, but the whole discussion is moot and completely ignores the encouraging growth made by the former Alabama star from week to week.
It came as no surprise to see this question put to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown during his media availability on Thursday. But make no mistake, the new play-caller remains absolutely convinced Young was the guy after getting the chance to sit down with the signal-caller during evaluations based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"It was kind of a building process. As I mentioned before, I had a chance to kinda talk about him goin’ through the evaluation process while I was goin’ through those five different interviews for the OC positions, and watchin’ tape on all the quarterbacks that were available in the draft. But as I mentioned before, havin’ a chance to actually meet him, sit down and talk with him, talk ball with him, pick his brain, get to meet his family—that kinda solidified more the thought process about why he’s the guy for us."Thomas Brown via USA Today Sports
Young and Stroud will be compared throughout their professional careers, that's just the way things work. What's important for the Panthers is offering their selection unwavering support and doing everything in their power to ensure his growth continues throughout the 2023 campaign and beyond.