The moribund Carolina Panthers need to embrace the “Keep Pounding” mantra more than ever

Where do the Carolina Panthers go from here?

From a lack of significant depth to a continued underperformance of key players and a defense without any type of pass rush. There are too many problems for the Panthers to solve when it comes to building a team in 2024.

However, one thing could help get things moving in the right direction.

Losing is never fun, especially when your job is to win. This is evident in the faces, body language and late-game brawls that have become a staple for the Panthers of late. A simple look back to a few weeks ago, when veteran quarterback Andy Dalton came in and led the team to an improbable win in Week 3, proves this.

The Panthers were happy back then and fun to watch. This team has to find that again. The fans have to find that again. Ultimately, football is a game that is supposed to be fun.

This season is over. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling a pipe dream. So what can the Panthers hope to salvage?

Culture.

Think back to the 2015 Super Bowl run. What made him special? The energy that the team exuded, the fun and excitement that could be seen on their faces. And yes, winning all but one of the regular season games is enough, but the point still stands. It was fun to watch it develop, even if you weren't a Panthers fan.

This proves an important thing. Energy is contagious.

If you look at the team that is currently hanging its head and getting into duels on the field with big losses, this energy feeds itself. It is a self-destructive cycle that will only drag the Panthers deeper into the abyss.

An unhappy locker room is on the verge of collapse and the Panthers are on a knife's edge. Something has to change.

This team needs to look in the mirror and realize that they are not going to compete this season. Internalize this belief. Then go out and just play the game to play it. When you let go of stress, magical things happen.

Turn off the noise from outside and just have fun again. Try to make a name for yourself with a chance that might not come around again considering how banged up this team is right now. Let that positive energy feed itself and transform this culture into a place where players want to be.

“Keep Pounding” is the Panthers’ rallying cry for a reason. Where has this attitude gone?

For too long, the Panthers have been the laughingstock of the NFL. This has become their identity and has led to a pretty toxic situation in Carolina. From ownership downwards. Head coach Dave Canales needs to change the feel of this locker room before it becomes irreparable. The only thing that makes a free agent sign here is a good culture.

It's not about the pedigree, the popularity or even the playing time of the championship. Culture is what will attract a player to this organization. But only if it can be fixed.

Attitude is much more important than anyone would give it credit for. Trying to regain that positivity is the best thing the Panthers can hope for this season. It won't be easy, there will be hard times. However, the important part is how to get back on your feet after the hard times.

And that’s exactly what the Panthers need to do.

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