Darin Gantt
daringantt.bsky.social
Darin Gantt
@daringantt.bsky.social
Putting the senior in senior writer and managing editor, Panthers.com. Founding member, William Herschel Society.
Once upon a time, a young Panthers team with a less-than-stellar record had a win-and-in the final week of the season for a division title.

On that exciting, messy, and victorious 2014 team, and their "belief" that carried them to the playoffs.

www.panthers.com/news/for-the...
For the 2014 Panthers, young players and
If this year's Panthers season seems familiar, there's a good reason, since it harkens back to their last team who played a win-and-in on the final week of the season.
www.panthers.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Happy Dutch New Year. I’m going to bed.
December 31, 2025 at 11:47 PM
For one thing, Rico Dowdle says his toe is fine.

For another, he says there's a lot more he can do after his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season.

panthers.com/news/rico-do...
Rico Dowdle's feeling good, and ready to build on what he's done so far
The veteran running back said his toe isn't a problem, and his focus is on getting the win this weekend so he can continue his second straight big season.
panthers.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:06 PM
Happy New Year D'Anthony Bell, you're a Panther now.

www.panthers.com/news/panther...
Panthers claim a safety off waivers
They claimed former Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell off waivers, and placed tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders on injured reserve to create the spot.
www.panthers.com
December 31, 2025 at 10:01 PM
In fact, Panthers ST coordinator Tracy Smith was asked about JJ Jansen (276 games and counting) today:

"He can do this for as long as he wants to. He's everlasting. There's no proof that he's not a robot. Nobody knows that he is not AI.

"Feel free to put that wherever you want to type it."
December 31, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Calais Campbell, like JJ Jansen, rejects the artificial construct that is time.
December 31, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Exactly 365 days ago, the Panthers were 4-12 and playing out the string (not knowing Bryce Young was about to throw "that pass" at Atlanta).

Today, they're playing for the playoffs, and more. (From @kassidyhill.bsky.social)

www.panthers.com/news/hope-ha...
Hope has turned to belief as the Panthers look to set a new standard in Carolina
Hope is one thing. Now, with a tangible opportunity to advance further than they have since 2017, that hope has turned to belief; in themselves and what they're capable of.
www.panthers.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Panthers legend Cal Davies (community relations) killed it tonight on Wheel of Fortune.

It’s a sign.
December 31, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Four takeaways from Tuesday, including Rico Dowdle's day off, Rob Hunt's status, playoff scenarios, and more as they prepare for Saturday's regular season finale at Tampa.

www.panthers.com/news/four-ta...
Four takeaways from Tuesday, including Rico Dowdle's day off and Robert Hunt's status
The veteran running back didn't practice because of a toe issue, but Dave Canales was hopeful he'd be ready for Saturday. Plus more from Tuesday.
www.panthers.com
December 30, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Bryce Young had no idea when someone asked him about the Falcons winning Monday creating the chaos scenario.

Because focusing on the thing in front of him is his superpower.

(With bonus photos of Young wearing a sombrero a young fan gave him.)

www.panthers.com/news/for-bry...
For Bryce Young, the next thing is always the most important thing
The Panthers quarterback has turned flushing it and moving on into a superpower, which means last week's loss to the Seahawks is long gone with a playoff berth on the line.
www.panthers.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Canales said Rico Dowdle didn't practice today with a sore toe.

Day-to-day, hoepful, but wanted to get him a rest day.
December 30, 2025 at 8:23 PM
The Panthers added some tight end depth after the season-ending injury to Ja'Tavion Sanders last week.

www.panthers.com/news/panther...
Panthers add a tight end to practice squad
The team signed veteran Ross Dwelley to add depth, after the season-ending injury- to Ja'Tavion Sanders last weeek.
www.panthers.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Luke Kuechly is again a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But with rules changes and a large class of first-year eligibles, Steve Smith isn't this year.

More on the final 15 here.

www.panthers.com/news/luke-ku...
Luke Kuechly a finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The Panthers linebacker advanced for the second straight year, but wide receiver Steve Smith did not make the cut to 15 this year after he was a finalist in 2025.
www.panthers.com
December 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Waking up to Falcons news, and realizing this is why I start the Wordle every morning like this.
December 30, 2025 at 10:45 AM
December 30, 2025 at 2:39 AM
If you are a fan of the Carolina Panthers, absurdity, or both, you are definitely pulling for the Falcons tonight and here's why.

www.panthers.com/news/panther...
Panthers postseason scenario breakdown, entering Week 18
The Panthers will face the Buccaneers next week at Raymond James Stadium with the NFC South title on the line. We look at all the scenarios here.
www.panthers.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:16 AM
There's no hiding the scoreboard this week. The fact this is a "shirts and hats game" is all Dave Canales and his team need to know.

Plus more from a Monday in a condensed week, before Saturday's big game at Tampa.

www.panthers.com/news/monday-...
Monday Brew: All focus on Saturday against the Bucs
Players had the day off, and they'll get back to work on Tuesday to prepare for Saturday's playoff-mode game at Tampa Bay. Plus more from Monday's press conference.
www.panthers.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Panthers postseason scenarios, entering Saturday afternoon's (maybe) decider against the Bucs.

There's always the chance for chaos, because NFC South.

(I didn't choose the NFC South. The NFC South chose me.)

www.panthers.com/news/panther...
Panthers postseason scenario breakdown, entering Week 18
The Panthers will face the Buccaneers next week at Raymond James Stadium with the NFC South title on the line. We look at all the scenarios here.
www.panthers.com
December 29, 2025 at 12:52 PM
How about some Inside The Numbers and snap counts with your coffee? You know you want some.

www.panthers.com/news/inside-...
Inside The Numbers: Panthers vs Seahawks in Week 17
A look at some of the key stats from the game, as well as the snap counts from Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, which sets up next week's battle for first in the NFC South.
www.panthers.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Panthers-Bucs Saturday afternoon.

If the Falcons win Monday against the Rams, we'll be sitting until the end of a Falcons-Saints game next Sunday at 1 before we know.

www.panthers.com/news/panther...
Panthers postseason scenario breakdown, entering Week 18
The Panthers will face the Buccaneers next week at Raymond James Stadium with the NFC South title on the line. We look at all the scenarios here.
www.panthers.com
December 29, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Staying awake to find out when I'm flying to Florida next week.

Play NFC South games, win NFC South prizes.
December 29, 2025 at 4:02 AM
Probably important for Panthers fans to remember they were playing a team that was top 10 in the league in both offense and defense.

It was close, until it wasn't.
December 29, 2025 at 2:39 AM