Manna

Just accept things for what they are and move forward.

This is what I’m thinking too. Using that rule to their advantage.

After 2023 expectations were high because he had a new offensive minded coach. Came out 0-2 and benched. After the 2024 season he was riding high off the ATL performance and expectations were high. Came out 0-2. After making the playoffs at the end of the 2025 season, expectations are sky high to make it back. Most likely come out 0-2 again.

I answered that in my post. If picking up his 5th year is considered an extension then yes.

Being overly critical of him up to this point, warranted or not, won't change the fact that he's still our QB1. Two of our franchise greats have been undersized for their positions, and they overcame their limitations. Why couldn't it happen a third time? Bryce has proven that he has heart, to me, this year so maybe a little bit more time (length of his rookie contract) will see the draft pick bear good fruit.

I agree, but maybe if we set aside the hyperboles we were sold pre-draft, maybe some patience will pay off?

If you buy the argument that Bryce’s rookie year shouldn’t really count because of how unstable everything was around him, then this season is basically Year 2 of his development. IF viewed that way, his growth feels reasonable. He might just be a late bloomer, one of those Madden guys whose progression is slow, but the tools to succeed are there. What stands out to me now are his anticipatory throws (something 89 and many others raved out pre-draft) In terms of throwing guys open and getting the ball out before breaks, Bryce is doing things I haven’t seen from a Panthers QB before, honestly, even compared to franchise greats like Delhomme and Cam. That trait matters because that’s his “edge.” The big problem is consistency. One week he looks in control and decisive, the next it’s scattershot. Cam got labeled the same way, but Bryce’s margin for error is smaller since his game is built on timing and precision rather than raw physical dominance. That’s why the Atlanta games this year stick out to me. The question is whether those were just outliers or a preview of who he can be if things stabilize. If that’s the real Bryce once he levels out, then we have a franchise QB. I’ve always thought Bryce was the type of QB who needed the team to be playing well at 1000% for him to succeed, but those Atlanta games for example pushed back on that idea. He didn’t just benefit from good circumstances, he elevated the offense. That second Atlanta game especially stood out. He got hurt, stayed in, and still beat the Falcons through the air. That showed me about his toughness and ability to carry the team when things aren’t perfect.

If Bryce stays the same then we can expect him to come out the gate in the 2026 season with an 0-2 record…Mr. 0-2 2023: 0-2 2024: 0-2 2025: 0-2 2026: 0-2?

Dan gonna pull a Fit and trade up watch.

All we need is for the defense and Bryce to be consistent and then we'd be good. Shouldn't be too hard right?

Most players named Nick in the NFL suck. This is coming from someone whose name is Nick. This is why I'm not in the NFL.

Thanks. I avoided going there because it tends to get a bit overly optimistic.

I wasn’t able to watch the game today and am just now catching up on what happened. From an objective standpoint, what’s the outlook for this team heading into next season? I’m especially curious about how Bryce performed. I’ve been critical of him over the past three years, so how did he show up in the playoff game? What happened to the run game? How as the offensive and defensive playcalling? And ultimately, is there reason for optimism going into next year? Proud to rep this team in California. #KeepPounding

I was thinking we should do one at the one yard line...our one yard line (lol).

keep pounding!

If the Bucs or Falcons won the division with an 8-9 record, the narrative would be all about praise. It’s only shame because the Panthers won.

105 yards. FIFY

yes, the story behind it is just legendary

all the stuff that's been going on since we made it into the playoffs, better light a fire under every player and coach on the team.

My brother in law is a Lion's fan so we might fly (from the west coast) to CLT to watch the game. Will be my first game since 2014 when we played the Saints on Thursday night with good ol' Cletus Blakeman officiating.

with Clete Blakeman reffing? Shoot, get Cotchery to bang the drum.

ugh not that guy

Dragon ball reference: This reminds me of stuff like dragon ball where Goku (Panthers) are down and Vegeta (falcons) gives his remaining energy to Goku to finish the fight against Jiren in the tournament of power. except in this case, let’s win the tournament of power.

More like Thank you Falcons for allowing Bryce to be your kryptonite, and for allowing Bryce to enter the playoffs lol.

I’d like that 49ers rematch. Living in California I would love nothing more than for them to travel to BOFA and get whooped.