North Charlotte Today

DeShawn Williams recalls the atmosphere in the Panthers' locker room last season. The defensive end played 16 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2023 as the franchise struggled to a 2-15 record. He describes this year's feeling as markedly different.

"It's no panic in this room. Being here from last year, feeling this locker room to this year, it's a totally different vibe. I just think, you know, last year, you could feel more like 'ugh,'" Williams said.

"This year, it's like, no, it's what we didn't do."

On Sunday, following the Panthers' 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the mood was not one of sadness or resignation but frustration and determination. The team was upset about missed opportunities that led to their defeat and felt they were close to turning a corner.

"I just know we're getting better as a team; there's no moral victory. A loss is a loss," corner Jaycee Horn stated. "But at the end of the day, you could feel the vibe that we are getting better as a team."

Last season's statistics reflect their struggles: an average of 13.9 points per game compared to opponents' 24.5 points and an offense averaging 294.9 yards per game with a third-down conversion rate of 34.14 percent.

In contrast, during the last two weeks of this season where they went 1-1 with quarterback Andy Dalton leading them, they averaged 406 yards per game and improved their third-down conversion rate to 46 percent.

Diontae Johnson noted these improvements: "We just believe in ourselves and the game plan each and every week," Johnson said.

"It just boils down to the details, the little things... I feel like it's a different team," he continued.

Dalton echoed these sentiments: "Yeah, I mean, I definitely feel it... We were in this game to the very end."

Since head coach Dave Canales arrived, he has emphasized finding an identity for his team—a task he acknowledges is still ongoing but sees progress even in losses.

Sunday's game saw several positive moments: first-round rookie receiver Xavier Legette scored his first touchdown; Jonathan Mingo showed growth with Adam Thielen injured; Xavier Woods had his best interception return; Mike Jackson recorded nine tackles for two consecutive games; Jadeveon Clowney added a sack and two quarterback hurries—all signs pointing towards building momentum.

"So we're going to be fine," Williams assured. "Like I love this team. This team is totally different from last year and we got the right guys to get the job done."