The Carolina Panthers need a morale boost, something that can turn the tide in their favor as they face the New Orleans Saints this weekend, a team they have not beaten in two years.
The last three weeks for the Panthers have been beyond frustrating, with the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive pass game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, injuries to key starters, poor offensive line play, and a head coach under some heat from fans who want a more boisterous voice in the face of controversy and low moments.
Week 10 in New Orleans is a chance to rectify that as players get healthy and the team looks to turn the tide into more wins, with the NFC South still in play.
Carolina Panthers need their returning starters to hit the ground running in Week 10
A big reason why the Panthers could turn things around?
This weekend, they'll be getting back left guard Damien Lewis from a knee injury, along with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, cornerback Will Lee III, and potentially Brady Christensen, who has another week left to be activated from the 21-day practice window off injured reserve.
If the Panthers are trying to find speed on offense, they'll get it with wide receiver Xavier Legette's return. Head coach Dave Canales suggests that he could play this weekend, though offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said he would have to earn his way back into the fold behind Brycen Tremayne and John Metchie III.
Yet these last few weeks have exposed an issue that may not go away anytime soon.
The Panthers are still suffering the consequences of their depth being a work in progress, lacking the quality talent to overcome injuries the San Francisco 49ers have done for years.
This isn't general manager Dan Morgan's fault, mostly. The 2024 draft class seemed like a gross miscalculation by a group of scouts who remained from the Scott Fitterer era, a man who frankly destroyed the depth and foundation of the roster the team is still rebuilding today.
Carolina Panthers are getting healthier before pivotal Saints clash
The ceiling of the roster is much higher with improved talent across the board. However, the floor seems to be lower when you take that away.
As the Panthers get healthy, having these key starters back will show how important it is to have your No. 3 cornerback, top offensive lineman, and second-best defensive front player.
With the Panthers likely to start playing more man coverage in the coming weeks, it plays to Lee's strengths. Lewis sets the tone up front, and Phillips is the most well-rounded edge rusher on the roster and shouldn't have a problem fitting into interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash's new system.
A win against New Orleans helps set the focus on winning at least three of the next five games, including this weekend.
Cornerback Mike Jackson Sr. and running back Jonathon Brooks will return in that earlier window, while star corner Jaycee Horn could be around Thanksgiving weekend or the following week against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Panthers are getting healthier at the right time, bolstering their ceiling and depth for the second half of the season. Their chance to make a run is increasing, but they must get the job done against the Saints.
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