Panthers enter Bye Week on a high note

by Crimsion | 3 years ago | 2 Comments

Being locked atop the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers unfortunately still chase the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they head into their bye week with a 4-1 record.

Following their tragic loss to Tampa Bay in week 3, the Panthers have since tallied two more wins to their total, Joe "Hollywood" Kirkland called cut in Los Angeles, defeating the Rams in week 4, before the defensive unit stepped up in week 5 to silence the Detroit Lions.

As they head into the Bye Week, head coach Jordan Charles expressed his content with the team's play, but stated that the work didn't stop during the empty week. 

"Normally the guys want a week to themselves, and they've earned it, but having a bye this early has changed some things," said Charles on Monday. "The guys, Joe [Kirkland], DJ [Moore], Monte [Brackens] and Nate [Branson] were all here bright and early, Brian [Burns] has convinced some of the guys to stick around as well."

While it appears a lot of the Panthers' roster will treat this week like no other, Charles was clear that this wasn't something he was enforcing. Players could still access the facilities and he would be in office, but those chose to spend their open week away from the team were welcome to do so.

"We certainly weren't forcing anyone in here, 17 games is a grind and you have to make due with what your schedule pans out to be," said Charles. "Vets like Travis [Kelce] and Steven [Nelson] may decide against it and they've earned that. Those two have been massive for us to start the season."

Two of their most recent acquisitions have surely help carve out this 4-1 start for the Panthers, and while they aren't expected to remain at the facilites, sources say the team is doing all they can to prepare for a deep post-season run.