The Carolina Panthers came away from Week 7 with an eye-opening statement of a win. They were able to shut down quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Buccaneers, stifling their offense en route to a 21-3 win.
So, let’s show you how they got there in evaluating Sunday’s studs and duds.
Stud: Interim HC Steve Wilks
Although this was a big win for Wilks, it was also about his players—who fought valiantly for their respected leader. You could see in the postgame celebration that there was a different energy in the locker room, and that it was truly a different team from a few weeks ago.
Wilks’ defensive game plan was exceptional, the team was prepared and there were no notable coaching mistakes. In fact, they appeared organized and confident for the first time since their win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 of 2021.
If Wilks can continue this vibe, perhaps he won’t have to carry that “interim” label through 2023.
Stud: Panthers defense
There was absolutely no one that predicted the performance the Panthers defense would put out on the field. They were tenacious and consistent, they made plays on the ball constantly and disrupted Brady’s pocket with timely pressure.
The defensive line and linebackers showed up in the ground game, shutting down running back Leonard Fournette to a measly 19 yards on eight carries. A tempo-less Tampa had to seemingly fight for every yard they got and were denied regularly on third downs (two-for-12) and fourth downs (one-for-three).
If the Panthers defense can keep this up, they may just spark that improbable playoff push.
Stud: C Bradley Bozeman and the offensive line
What a change one position can make.
With usual starter Pat Elflein sent to injured reserve, free-agent acquisition Bradley Bozeman was finally given his first start of the season. Bozeman and his fellow offensive lineman completely dominated up front, rampaging the way for the new starting rotation at running back of D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard.
As a result, the duo ran for a combined 181 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries. Despite the team shipping their All-Pro star Christian McCaffrey off to San Francisco only a few days ago, both rushers stepped into the role and ran through wide open holes all afternoon.
Dud: WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
It feels harsh to even write about a dud, but it wouldn’t make much a “studs and duds” piece otherwise, would it? So, you’re up, Terrace.
Marshall Jr. got an opportunity thanks to the ousting of Robbie Anderson. And although it felt as though he wasn’t cemented into the game plan just yet, he was targeted just three times.
To his credit, he did reel in two of those looks for 31 yards. But it’ll be interesting to see if those attempts go up.
Stud: QB PJ Walker
The interesting story of Walker’s career continues.
Now up to 3-1 as a starter, the 27-year-old quarterback was locked in all afternoon—maintaining his composure and making some dazzling throws (most notably on his touchdown passes to DJ Moore and Tommy Tremble) in the process. He was also quite efficient, connecting on 16 of his 22 throws for 177, those two scores and zero turnover.s
As Wilks noted after the game, it will be very hard to pull Walker from the starting job after this showing.
