Being Stubborn Pays Off.

The Carolina Panthers are finally doing what Head Coach Dave Canales has preached since his arrival in early 2024,  running the football with determination. His insistence on being “stubborn” with the ground game is finally taking hold. The team is also excelling at stopping the run, as shown in their performances against the Dolphins and Cowboys.

These two elements have long been the foundation of success in Carolina, dating back to John Fox’s tenure beginning in 2002. A strong running game and solid run defense can cover up a lot of deficiencies, whether in the roster or the schemes, and right now, the Panthers are proving just that.

This week, the Panthers need to stay committed to Rico and feed him the ball another 22 to 25 times. You could see him wearing down at points yesterday, but he was simply too effective to take off the field. With Chuba Hubbard expected to return, this is an ideal opportunity to ease him back in with around six to eight carries and keep the running game fresh.

On defense, the focus must be on selling out to stop the run. Justin Fields is not likely to beat them through the air, but his ability to extend drives with his legs is a real concern. If the Panthers fail to contain him, it could lead to long possessions that keep their defense on the field and allow the Jets to control the clock. The good news is that Turk Wharton’s expected return should bolster the defensive line and provide valuable depth up front.