They can’t all be pretty. In fact, almost every game the Carolina Panthers have participated in this season has had a certain quality that only their fans can love. While the product on the field may have been ugly, there’s a certain aesthetic that having more wins than losses has that I think we can all appreciate.
While taking down the Philadelphia Eagles in their own building was the main goal, the Panthers set some personal records while a handful of players also made some history. For this weeks
game review, let’s take a look at some of the records, milestones, and other notable marks that were reached.
Prior to kickoff, the Panthers social team put out a few things to watch with most coming to fruition.
Bryce Young became the first quarterback in team history to have at least 250 passing yards and a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games and the first player in the NFL since 2013 to throw for at least 280 yards and a touchdown in the first five games of the season. The last two of three quarterbacks to accomplish the same feat won MVP – Aaron Rodgers in 2011 and Peyton Manning in 2013.
On that note, the Young-led offense has score 146 points so far this season. This is the highest total through 5 games in team history, surpassing the old record of 135 set by Cam Newton and the 2015 Panthers on route to an MVP season and SB 50.
Tetairoa McMillan’s six receptions has him tied with Kelvin Benjamin as the second fastest player in team history to reach 100 career receptions. While not my favorite career-trajectory comparison, it is impressive nonetheless.
Speaking of great stats with frightening names tied to them, Ryan Fitzgerald’s first field goal of the afternoon made him the first kicker since big-legged Joey Slye to make the first 10 attempts in a season. Also, yes, Slye did also miss two extra points in that time.
Of course, there was also JJ Jansen setting the record for most games played by a long snapper in NFL history. Only another 100 more games to go until breaking the record for most games played in NFL history.
Of course, it can’t all be positive. The Panthers also set the team record for most penalty yardage given up in a single game. A worrying trend as the team has been near the top in penalties for the entire season and after a bye week they decided that wasn’t enough.
One last one to close out the fun. For the schadenfreude enjoyers: by beating the Eagles, the Panthers contributed to the NFC East being the first division in NFL history to have all their teams go winless in back-to-back weeks.
It’s hard to ignore the positive vibes permeating the team and their performance. A history of disappointment is sure to keep a sliver of nagging doubt in the back of the mind, but when the team is making history – the good kind, not the tragic kind – it’s bound to get people excited. Let’s see how things play out when the Panthers take on the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week. Until then, keep pounding.
