The Carolina Panthers are 3-9. They have lost two in a row and will likely suffer another loss at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. And yet fans are more optimistic about the future than ever before.

It took a while for everything to click. Head coach Dave Canales was hit hard by injuries early in the season. Building an improved culture took time, but he never hesitated. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator is starting to see the fruits of his labor.

The Panthers won’t win every game. They lack talent in key areas and the experience necessary to compete in close competitions. However, Canales’ side have proven over the last month that they can be competitive. This is not the same pass that became the laughingstock of the NFL under previous regimes.

That’s why the team’s long-suffering fan base clings to it as a source of inspiration. Since David Tepper took over, there has been a lack of hope throughout the company. This is slowly and finally changing.

With that in mind, here are five notable improvements from the Panthers during their recent resurgence in 2024. We’ll start with the biggest one in particular.

Bryce Young’s growth

Bryce Young’s progress since being re-appointed as the starting quarterback is the catalyst for the Carolina Panthers’ improvement in performance. Considering how dire things looked for the signal caller after he was benched in Week 3, this is a stunning turnaround.

Young didn’t sulk when Dave Canales took him out of the firing line. He learned, took deep breaths away from the spotlight, and worked hard to improve his craft. When the Panthers gave him another shot, he grabbed it with both hands.

The Heisman Trophy winner looks like a different player. Young no longer hesitates, showing confidence and exuding confidence that his teammates will benefit. He makes smart decisions with football and handles high-pressure situations to further increase optimism.

That’s exactly what the Panthers had in mind when they took Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He went from being a trade candidate to the team’s potential long-term center fielder this offseason. This is a testament to his high character and strong work ethic in the face of adversity.

Canales took a lot of heat for benching Young so soon into his tenure as head coach. As it turned out, this was the best thing that could have happened to him as an NFL professional.