Panthers Wire mailbag: What fans want to know in Week 13

The Carolina Panthers bungled another shot at making a statement. This time, they fell on prime-time television—in a 20-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

But all hope is not lost.

Even with a tough opponent awaiting them on Sunday in the Los Angeles Rams, everything is in front of the Panthers here at the start of Week 13. They’re only half a game behind the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers with two matchups against their division foes still on deck.

So, as the team treks on, let’s dig into the mailbag and answer your questions for the road ahead!

Miscommunication on play calls

The process of communicating plays is quite complicated.

Specific calls can vary from system to system and coach to coach. There can be several unique components to keep note of—including the personnel, formation, formation adjustment, route concepts and protection calls. (And that’s not even accounting for possible tags for motions or audibles.)

Plus, we must consider the human factor. Since the verbiage of calls can sound similar, players—especially young ones—may get tripped up into confusion.

Carolina, as a growing team, will experience growing pains—with this issue popping up among them.

Lack of "championship moments"

Perhaps both.

We must remember that there’s a lot on the plate of second-year head coach Dave Canales, who is in charge of that offensive play-calling. They also have a third-year quarterback in just the second season of this system and several first- and second-year starters at the skill positions.

The championship moments will come for this team as they continue to find themselves heading into 2026. For now, perhaps we can settle for “playoff-contending moments.”

The status of Panthers starting linebackers

Wallace has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury. But his prospects for suiting up against the Rams seem solid, as Canales told reporters on Wednesday that he expects to have the 2024 third-rounder back.

Canales did, however, come across less optimistic about Christian Rozeboom, who remains sidelined with a hip and hamstring injuries. With second-stringer Claudin Cherelus dealing with a concussion, we might get another week of Krys Barnes in the middle.

Struggles vs. man coverages

It’s the scheme, play-calling and players.

Canales hasn't been able to provide many opportunities for separation against man coverage and allow his players to work to their strengths. Yet, the Panthers lack some players who can create that separation against man coverage consistently on all levels of the field.

Rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan has done well to separate against man defenders. Xavier Legette has improved his ability at the line of scrimmage to separate on vertical planes. Jalen Coker can also win at all three levels if asked. But the Panthers don't have someone who is a deliberate route runner with ample quickness and explosiveness to beat man-heavy schemes.

Could 2025 sixth-rounder Jimmy Horn Jr. be that player? It is hard to say, though the flashes have been displayed this season.

Look for the Panthers to find this with someone like Jakobi Meyers in free agency or maybe with another playmaker in the draft.

Unexpected positive outcomes

I feel the most obvious answer to the first question is running back Rico Dowdle. His presence as arguably the most explosive playmaker on offense has provided a significant boost and energy to the team.

As for what needs to be done to see the Panthers take the next step, the answer is three-fold:

• A change in play-calling—specifically the addition of an outside offensive coordinator.

• Adding a quality playmaker at both tight end and linebacker.

• Adding a pass rusher who generates quick pressures and can finish.

Those solutions will help take the pressure off of Canales, Young and his skill players and the defense as a whole.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers Wire mailbag: What fans want to know in Week 13