Well, well, oh, what the turntables are like.

The Carolina Panthers are officially on the rise. After a surprising win over Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, people in the NFL media landscape are starting to praise both Dave Canales and Bryce Young while dreaming of a bright football future in Carolina. ESPN NFL Everyman Dan Orlovsky took to social media after the win to do just that.

Orlovsky is 100% right. A little over two months ago, Carolina hit rock bottom when they were smothered, covered and dismembered by the Jayden Daniels-less Washington Commanders. Marcus Mariota and his ragtag group of skilled position players took Andy Dalton and the Panthers to the woodshed in a four-quarter brawl reminiscent of Carolina’s Frank Reich era.

Since then, however, the arrow in the Queen City has clearly been pointing upwards.

Carolina clearly has the right head coach for the job. Dave Canales exudes charisma and ball knowledge, which he demonstrates each week as he continues to empower unheralded position players like Jalen Coker, Dan Chiesna and David Moore to succeed. The Panthers continue to compete and win despite their lack of talent. This is good coaching, folks.

The most peacocking feather in Canales’ cap is the rapid development of Bryce Young. His rollercoaster of a young career is finally heading in the right direction, albeit with a few bumps along the way. Last week against Dallas was terrible. Great against Arizona this afternoon.

Since his unexpected return to the lineup, Bryce Young has shown all the traits of a premier NFL quarterback who can hold down the most important position in the game in Carolina for the long haul.

The trio of Dave Canales and front office executives Dan Morgan and Brandt Tillis have laid the foundation for a solid team on Mint Street. With pockets full of money to spend in free agency (after some possible housekeeping) and a top-ten draft pick in tow, it’s time to build something. The 2025 offseason is supposed to be Carolina’s chance to make big moves to catapult the moribund franchise into the playoffs.

Next fall can’t come soon enough.

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