The Carolina Panthers surprised everyone in the NFL after this past Sunday’s 21-3 beatdown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

After firing coach Matt Rhule, watching quarterback Baker Mayfield struggle, and trading Christian McCaffrey, it seemed like the Panthers were waving the white flag on the 2022 season. 

However, Sunday’s win over the Bucs and backup QB P.J. Walker’s impressive outing hints that things might not be completely cooked for Carolina. 

Consider three factors: the team seems to be hesitant to trade more assets, whether it be wideout D.J. Moore or pass rusher Brian Burns. There are young stars on Carolina’s roster, ones they could build around for the future. 

Also, consider the season defensive tackle Derrick Brown is having. It’s becoming harder and harder to run on the Panthers, in large part because of what the former Auburn star is doing in the trenches. 

With the run-heavy Falcons scheduled twice in the next three weeks, Carolina could give their NFC South foes fits with Brown’s play.