Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as fresh revelations emerge surrounding the dysfunction enveloping the franchise?
The Carolina Panthers cannot seem to find a sense of normality for a single day. It's been one of the most turbulent seasons in franchise history up to now, which is saying something when one considers the constant underachievement, bad environment, and suspect decisions since team owner David Tepper took charge.
Of course, there is also a football game this week - another divisional road clash against the New Orleans Saints. Among the stories causing debate beforehand include a workplace resembling the Hunger Games, Bryce Young's durability, Scott Fitterer's influence, and the Panthers moving their training camp from Wofford College.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers move training camp
The Carolina Panthers going down to Wofford College for training camp is a long-standing tradition. This was previous owner and founder Jerry Richardson's alma mater, but the team's association with the site has officially come to an end.
An announcement - which had strange timing attached in the wake of Joe Person and Dianna Russini's scathing article - stated the Panthers will hold their training camp in Charlotte next summer. This was widely criticized - especially by the fans from South Carolina - who feel alienated despite the supposed two states, one team ethos.
Fan Fest will be held at an unnamed South Carolina venue to keep up the illusion if nothing else. The Panthers also confirmed that the practice facility dome will be replaced by three full-length football fields as David Tepper strengthens his bond with the city ahead of potentially asking for public funds regarding stadium upgrades.
It's short-sighted and almost spiteful from Tepper's point of view. It's also alienated an entire state judging by the reaction on social media.
Concern for Hayden Hurst
Hayden Hurst hasn't been seen since entering the NFL's concussion protocol four weeks ago. This is a long time to be in the league's measures, which only added to the level of concern surrounding the veteran tight end.
Hurst was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday. Although beat writers in attendance noted he was in a red jersey and didn't participate in drills as the team began preparations for their Week 14 clash against the New Orleans Saints.
The former South Carolina college star's father posted a frightening update on social media. Jerry Hurst confirmed his son had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia suffered at the Chicago Bears.
"Hayden Hurst has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Amnesia by an independent neurologist as a result of the hit he took in Chicago on November 9. Slow recovery, don’t know when he’ll be back. Prayers appreciated!"Jerry Hurst via X/Twitter
Nobody will offer anything but the best of luck to Hurst in his attempts to recover. However, it does beg the question of whether it's worth suiting up ever again given how head trauma can impact NFL players in later life.
If it was me, I'd be handing in my retirement papers. Hurst has earned $36.4 million during his career and when push comes to shove, there is more to life than football.
Carolina Panthers toxic culture
It doesn't take a genius to figure out the complete dysfunction within the Carolina Panthers currently. Joe Person of The Athletic's almost annual exposé on the turmoil overseen by team owner David Tepper shed further light on this exact fact on Wednesday.
Person, who was joined by senior insider Dianna Russini for the highly detailed piece, spoke to 20 players or coaches associated with the Panthers on conditions of anonymity. What followed were reports of a Hunger Games-type environment, with Tepper and general manager Scott Fitterer also said to be offering coaching advice to Frank Reich regarding Bryce Young's development.
"Team sources described a “Hunger Games” culture at Bank of America Stadium. Coaches said they believed other staff members were text messaging Tepper behind Reich’s back about issues they saw with the team. In one instance, general manager Scott Fitterer and an offensive coach went to Tepper with a coaching suggestion for the quarterback. Days before Thanksgiving, with the team spiraling and Young getting pummeled, Tepper told Reich to fix the rookie’s footwork. Fitterer and others had told Tepper that Young’s feet were the cause of some of the Panthers’ protection issues. They believed Young wasn’t dropping back deep enough on his pass sets. Tepper’s instruction about Young’s footwork came after weekly conversations between Tepper and Reich on Young’s development and early struggles."Joe Person, Dianna Russini, The Athletic
Young's footwork is unusual due to his size. It's not bothered him before, to pin the blame on this rather than focus on suspect recruitment and offensive line production is asinine.
Tepper and Fitterer are not qualified to coach. One could make a strong case that neither is capable of doing their job properly, so this house of cards was destined to fail from the outset.
It also does nothing to diminish the view regarding Tepper's micro-management of football-related matters. Unless this changes, the Panthers will continue to be an embarrassment.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's durability
One could forgive Bryce Young for thinking what he's let himself in for after being chosen by the Carolina Panthers at No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. This is not a typical environment where any quarterback flourishes, let alone a player looking to make his way in a league that exposes weakness and takes no prisoners.
Young is working with one hand tied behind his back. Coaching turmoil, an offensive scheme not playing to his strengths, and woeful protection are making life extremely difficult - so it comes as no surprise to see the Panthers struggling at 1-11.
When discussing his durability despite getting sacked more than most around the league, Young placed his faith as the primary reason why such brutal hits are being absorbed based on comments via USA Today Sports.
"That’s God. That’s God protecting me and, of course, people around me—that stuff, it’s outta my control. Definitely grateful to be here, to be healthy. To be able to play, it’s a blessing. I don’t lose sight of that."Bryce Young via USA Today Sports
God might be protecting Young, but nobody else putting on a Panthers uniform seems to be more often than not. But apparently - according to influential figures within the organization - this is a footwork issue rather than the offensive line's failure to pick up even the most simple stunts and shifts.
Go figure…