The Carolina Panthers came out of the bye and took care of business in Philadelphia, beating the Eagles 25-14 to move to 3-2 and sit alone in first place in the NFC South. Now comes the part that's harder than winning: handling the expectations that come with being on top.
On today's TGOR Podcast we break down Dave Canales' Monday press conference and what it tells us about where this team is headed.
Segment 1, The Pressure on Canales: Canales took the blame for the end of the first half, saying he slowed the offense down when Bryce Young and Brad Idzik were ready to attack, and the Panthers walked into halftime with nothing to show for the drive. Add a franchise-record 13 penalties for 149 yards, a quick turnaround to Thursday night in Green Bay, and a team that's learning to close games instead of come back in them. Is the clock management a red flag or growing pains?
Segment 2, The Decision at Left Tackle: Taylor Moton played the whole game in his return from blood clots, and Canales said Rasheed Walker played his best game. But first-round pick Monroe Freeling is getting healthy, and left tackle is his natural side. Does the rookie take Walker's job, or does Carolina ride the line that just won? Canales says they'll put out the best and healthiest group. We lay out all three options.
Segment 3, Ejiro Evero's Defense, Week 1 vs the Last 4: In Week 1 the Bears hung 59 points, 552 yards and 291 rushing yards on Carolina. In the four games since, the Panthers are allowing 16 points and about 305 yards per game, and the run defense has gone from 291 yards to 157, 132, 46 and 35. Back-to-back games under 50 rushing yards. We give credit to Derrick Brown, Devin Lloyd, Bobby Okereke and Tre'von Moehrig, and we're honest about the asterisks: a third-string Falcons QB and an Eagles team without Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
Segment 4, State of the Team: Tommy Tremble's career day with two touchdowns, Chuba Hubbard's 120-yard grind including the 92-yard drive, Zakee Wheatley and Will Lee III growing up as rookies, and injury updates on Jaelan Phillips, Thomas Incoom and Monroe Freeling.
Segment 5, NFC South and What's Next: The Panthers lead the division at 3-2. Tampa Bay comes to Charlotte Sunday with Baker Mayfield's thumb still in question, then it's Thursday night at Lambeau.
Your turn: When Freeling is healthy, who plays left tackle? Drop your answer in the comments.
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