Few three-win teams at this point in an NFL season have much to feel optimistic about, but the Carolina Panthers are proving to be an exception. After a rough start, they’ve managed to string together a series of consistent performances.
For a franchise that has experienced little but disappointment under David Tepper’s ownership, this is a promising shift. While there’s still plenty of work to be done both this season and during the 2025 recruitment period, fans are beginning to sense that the billionaire hedge fund manager may finally have the right leadership in place for the football operations.
However, no one is getting overly optimistic just yet. The Panthers remain near the bottom of the standings and are in contention for a top-five pick in the 2025 draft. Still, their gutsy effort against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs has given them reason to believe. Head coach Dave Canales’ squad is proving they can compete with the best.
The challenge now is maintaining this momentum. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still chasing an NFC South title and a postseason berth, and they’ll be determined to avoid stumbling against a Carolina team they’ve historically fared well against.
With the Panthers aiming to play spoiler in a divisional clash, the stakes are high. Here are five Carolina players facing intense scrutiny as they head into Week 13 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers players on the hot seat entering Week 13 vs. Buccaneers
Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE
With rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders sidelined following a hard hit in Week 12 that required hospital evaluation, Tommy Tremble steps into the spotlight. Although Sanders’ neck injury prognosis is positive, head coach Dave Canales confirmed he will not play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving Tremble a prime opportunity to prove his worth.
The 2024 season has been challenging for Tremble, a former third-round pick whose injuries and underwhelming performances have cast doubt on his future with the team. Now positioned as the primary tight end for this matchup, he has a chance to reshape the narrative.
However, past evidence raises concerns about Tremble’s reliability in the passing game. He notably dropped a potential touchdown pass from Bryce Young against the Kansas City Chiefs, and his development was hindered by poor handling from previous coaching staffs.
Despite these setbacks, Tremble isn’t looking for excuses. This game may represent his last chance to secure a place in Carolina’s plans for 2025. If he doesn’t deliver, it’s hard to envision a scenario where he remains part of the team moving forward.
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