Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as preparations continue for their Week 15 home game against the Atlanta Falcons?
The Carolina Panthers got back down to business on Wednesday with the start of this week's practices before they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Tickets are going for extremely cheap depending on which site you visit. A sign of fans already checking out of one of the worst campaigns in franchise history.
For the players, they'll keep plugging away in the hope of salvaging something from 2023. Until then, the stories causing conversation include Bryce Young's support system, black helmets returning, Terrace Marshall Jr.'s involvement, and rallying around Cam Newton.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers bring back black helmets
It's been a long time coming, but the Carolina Panthers finally brought back their popular black helmets. They'll wear them in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, with wide receiver Adam Thielen among those calling for them to be a more permanent edition to the uniform.
When discussing the helmets, interim head coach Chris Tabor didn't seem all that fussed based on comments via the team's website. This is thanks in no small part to his complete disinterest in fashion.
"I have no comment on that. I really don't. It's a nice look. As you can tell, I'm really not into fashion. My wife says she wished I could be a little better in fashion, but I'm not, but that's all I have on that."Chris Tabor via Panthers.com
The Panthers have worn the black helmets once before - versus the Falcons last season on Thursday Night Football. They managed to win that game, so hopefully it can be a good luck charm.
Carolina Panthers thought process with Terrace Marshall Jr.
One player who's been conspicuous by his absence more often than not this season is Terrace Marshall Jr. The wide receiver has once again failed to produce the goods in a competitive environment. Something that even came with a trade request before the deadline being granted by those in power.
The Carolina Panthers haven't activated Marshall on game day for several weeks. When discussing the thought process behind these decisions, interim head coach Chris Tabor highlighted that Mike Strachan's emergence coupled with his special teams prowess left the former second-round selection on the outside looking in based on comments via Sports Illustrated.
"I think it's just an accumulation of a lot of things. Terrace, he's playing well on the scout team. We gave Mike (Strachan) an opportunity there and also in the special teams area. There's a lot of factors that go into the 48. It's not always just about offense and defense."Chris Tabor via Sports Illustrated
All signs point to Marshall being removed from the equation at some stage during the offseason. In this scenario, he becomes another high-end draft selection under general manager Scott Fitterer who failed to reach the heights expected.
For some reason, Marshall doesn't fit into Carolina's way of thinking. So a fresh start is the best possible solution for all parties.
Bryce Young's support system
Bryce Young is going through some severe turmoil during his rookie campaign. The Carolina Panthers offense is devoid of inspiration and the supporting cast around the quarterback isn't great. However, the No. 1 overall pick needs to be performing better at this stage of his development.
This is the first time Young's experienced any kind of prolonged adversity throughout his football life. He's been accountable and resolute. But things might get worse before they get better over the next four games.
When speaking about his rocky first year as an NFL professional, Young revealed that many coaches and players have reached out to lend support based on comments via USA Today Sports. Something the player's taken on board in pursuit of better fortunes.
"Yeah, there’s been a lot of people. From coaches to players, obviously, to family that I’ve leaned on as well through it. But being able to just go through this—again, we’re all in the same boat in this building. Coaching staff, front office, players—we’re all on the same boat. We all give our all, we’re all not getting the result we want and we’re all trying to weather that and overcome it. So I’ve been super grateful for people who have reached out and had conversations with. And they know who they are."Bryce Young via USA Today Sports
The Panthers don't plan on sitting Young down the stretch, no matter how beneficial it might be at this point. They'll see things through with their signal-caller and hope no lingering damage is done long-term - what comes after that is of critical importance.
Carolina Panthers fans rally around Cam Newton
Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton caused a stir this week. The 2015 NFL MVP labeled players such as Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, and Dak Prescott as game managers. This is not the slight it once was considering how offenses are evolving around the league.
As expected, it didn't take long for analysts and even current players to come after Newton. Some even lambasted the player's on-field accomplishments and in Kimberley Martin of ESPN's case, mocked that he wasn't on a roster currently.
Few players are idolized in the Carolinas more than Newton. So it came as no surprise to see the fanbase come to his defense in the way of unwarranted criticism.
Whether you agree with Newton's take or not, diminishing his incredible achievements is asinine. This is a man who was the league's face for a brief period, revolutionizing the position and ushering in a new generation of quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Anthony Richardson, Bryce Young, Sam Howell, and countless others.
Newton has always been someone people go clout chasing over, for want of a better phrase. They know he generates interest, clicks, and traffic despite not being on an NFL field since 2021. This is just another example.
Carolina's fanbase - for the most part - will defend Newton until the death. This is in recognition of the way he transformed football in the area and established a phenomenal culture that hasn't been seen since.