The Panthers debut an all-new uniform combination against the Falcons in Week 6

I don't have to tell you this, but it hasn't been the most fun year to be a Panthers fan. Whether it was Brian Burns' offseason trade, Bryce Young's benching early in the season or any number of David Tepper moments over the past 12 months, it's been a tough sled ride in Charlotte. You know things are bad when your 1-4 record barely ranks in the top 5 current concerns. And there's no reason to obsess over what Caleb Williams looks like in Chicago, because sometimes self-care is the most important thing you can do for yourself.

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But finally – Finally – Panthers fans have something to look forward to this weekend. (I want everyone reading this to take a moment now and reset their expectations.) This weekend the team is unveiling new jerseys! Although they are not really “new” uniforms, they are more of a new uniform combination. It's not much, but beggars can't be choosers; You take what you can get.

First of all, I'm sorry you had to watch New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns talk about “new beginnings” in a Panthers jersey. In hindsight, perhaps not the smartest decision by the Panthers' content team. Although I suspect he wasn't wrong when he said a lot of things would change around the building?

Otherwise these are pretty sharp. The black and blue helmet is particularly fun, which is surprising since it's harder than you'd think to pull off a matte black helmet. It does a great job of showing off the blue jerseys even more, and the overall black-blue-black combination is a win. The blue jerseys aren't used as often as they should, so it's an encouraging sign that the team is thinking about using them a little more often – they'll wear them again in Week 10 against the Giants in Germany.

So, yes. New uniforms! (Somehow.) Everyone always benefits from a timely redesign. Maybe this will be the big turning point in the Panthers season! Maybe the black helmets will become an issue now! 1-4 teams have to look forward to this; This and free hand.