Panthers Tracks: Recent Episodes
The Charlotte Observer
Weekly, Charlotte Observer reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Ellis L. Williams go inside the locker room and outside the lines for a look at the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams breaks down what losing kicker Zane Gonzalez and Sam Darnold means for the Panthers. Williams also shares his 53-man roster projection on a new edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams breaks down what is going on with the Panthers receivers and why he thinks Shi Smith is in for a big season on a new edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams breaks down the what Matt Corral’s Lisfranc injury means for Carolina going forward on a new edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams breaks down the Panthers two joint practices in New England on a new edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams breaks down the Panthers preseason victory over Washington on a new edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts on how good the Panthers offense can be with Baker Mayfield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts on the state of the Carolina Panthers as the team enters its last week in Spartanburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts on where Carolina’s QB battle stands and if its already Baker Mayfield’s job to lose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts the explosive day Baker Mayfield and Robbie Anderson had on Day 6 of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts why Baker Mayfield had his best practice yet as Carolina put the pads on for Day 5 of training camp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts on Day 3 and 4 of Panthers camp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams shares his thoughts on Day 2 of Panthers camp. Baker Mayfield bounced back working with the first-team. Darnold and Mayfield are expected to split reps for a while. Where is this competition headed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams breaks down Day 1 of Panthers training camp by taking a closer look at the quarterback competition between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers Tracks season 3, episode seven is here. Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams asks former Observer writer Jonathan Alexander to predict the Panthers 2022 regular season record. With Baker Mayfield now on the team, the two pick a starting quarterback and then breakdown each game, starting with Week 1 versus the Cleveland Browns. Who will start at quarterback and will the Panthers make the playoffs? Williams answers that and more on this edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Panthers Tracks Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, including Apple, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Google, Spotify and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers Tracks season 3, episode six is here. Panthers beat writer Ellis Williams explores who he thinks will be the Panthers starting quarterback Week 1 of the regular season. Between Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo, which quarterback gives Carolina the best chance to make the playoffs? Williams answers that and more on this edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Panthers Tracks Podcast is available on all podcast platforms, including Apple, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, Google, Spotify and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers beat writers Jonathan Alexander and Ellis Williams break down the latest following the Panthers' three-day minicamp. The duo answers burning questions about who the Panthers quarterback will be come Week 1. Will it be Sam Darnold, who performed will during OTAs. Or rookie Matt Corral? Is a trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo looming?
The Panthers' beat writers take a closer look at Darnold's performance over the three-day minicamp and discuss what they liked and did not like about the quarterback's practices. Then they discuss Robbie Anderson's strange off-season and what it could mean going forward. All that and more on this edition of the Panthers Tracks podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Panthers Tracks, Carolina Panthers beat reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Ellis L. Williams debate whether the Panthers should trade for Baker Mayfield. And Jonathan interviews comedian Brenden Clinton, also known as Coach 30, who is a Carolina Panthers fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Observer reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Ellis L. Williams break down the Panthers 2022 schedule and what we saw from rookie minicamp.
Ellis also talks with Voch Lombardi, a free lance talent evaluator of NFL draft prospects, YouTuber and Dallas Cowboys fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of Panthers tracks, reporters Ellis L. Williams and Jonathan M. Alexander talk with N&O N.C. State beat reporter Jonas Pope IV about Ikem Ekwonu, and break down the rest of the draft, from Matt Corral to Brandon Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Observer reporters Ellis L. Williams and Jonathan M. Alexander are joined by by Josh Norris of the Underdog Football Show to talk the upcoming NFL draft and what the Panthers may do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Observer's Jonathan M. Alexander and Ellis L. Williams talk about the upcoming draft and also talk to quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery about Liberty's Malik Willis, who could be the first quarterback called in the draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn sat down with Observer Panthers beat reporter Jonathan M. Alexander to talk about a range of topics, including his jersey auction, where he wears a legend's jersey and auctions it for charity, Year 2 and some of his toughest matchups he's faced in two seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu joined the Observer's Jonathan M. Alexander in a one-on-one interview to talk about his journey to the NFL, growing up in America Somoa, how his brother's memory motivates him and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Panthers' tracks, Jonathan M. Alexander sat with Haason Reddick for a discussion about his background, why he is into fashion and what motivates him. The Panthers signed Reddick in the 2021 offseason. He has 6.5 sacks through six games this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson is playing the best football of his four-year career. He sat down with Observer Panthers' beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander recently to talk about his growth, the challenges during his second season, why he's playing the best football he's ever played, and why he feels disrespected.
This is season 2 of "Panthers Tracks." Subscribe on any podcast platform.
For background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article254835637.html#storylink=mainstage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Brandon Zylstra knows how tough it is to achieve your dream when there are obstacles in the way. Zylstra went to a Division III college, paid his way through school, went to the Canadian Football League and is now entering his fourth year in the NFL as a wide receiver and special teams player — the third with the Panthers. But he’s the first to admit that he doesn’t know what it’s like to experience racism. That’s part of the reason he had conversations with his friends and teammates who were Black. And it’s why he’s establishing a scholarship to help Black students who aspire to go to college and have faced adversity. “I didn’t know racism was as prevalent as it actually is until social media became more popular and people started sharing videos and documenting everything,” Zylstra said. Zylstra, who is from Spicer, Minnesota — less than two hours from Minneapolis — said he was moved to help after seeing the video of George Floyd’s murder and the reaction across the country. “It just hit close to home,” he said, adding that he started having conversations with his friends. Through those conversations, he learned more about their stories and how they experienced racism. He wanted to help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of Panthers Tracks, reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss the Panthers 2021 draft picks, and what to make of those moves. For background reading: + What the Panthers’ depth chart looks like after the draft: New starters, more weapons + Jaycee Horn traded football in the suburbs for inner-city Atlanta. He’s tough by choice + Panthers NFL draft updates: Carolina ties franchise high with 11 players selected Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of Panthers Tracks, Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg are joined by Observer columnist Scott Fowler to discuss the 2021 NFL draft and how the Panthers will approach the first round. They also discuss who they would pick in the first round. For background reading: Panthers’ 1st draft with a new GM. What 3 changes to expect without Marty Hurney Final Carolina Panthers mock draft What positions the Panthers need to address in the draft and how they can do it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of Panthers Tracks Podcast, Charlotte Observer beat reporters talk with Jordan Reid, a senior draft analyst for The Draft Network. Reid talks about some of the prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class, who he sees the Panthers selecting, and gives his thoughts on Sam Darnold and what he could do for the Panthers. Reid, a former quarterback at N.C. Central University, also spent time on the N.C. Central's coaching staff, before joining the Draft Network as one of its senior analysts. For background reading:
Panthers have 3 scenarios for trading their No. 8 NFL draft pick that are worth it
Panthers are giving Sam Darnold a chance to succeed, fair or not
Carolina Panthers mock draft 2.0: Sam Darnold trade has some impact on picks
Carolina Panthers mock draft 3.0: A first round trade that builds for the future.
Follow Reid on Twitter at @Jordan_Reid and find his work at The Draft Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week’s episode of Panthers Tracks Podcast, reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg go more in-depth about the the Panthers’ trade for Sam Darnold and why it occurred. They discuss what it means for the Panthers’ going forward, how they’ll approach the 2021 NFL draft, and what’s next for Teddy Bridgewater. For background reading: Carolina Panthers trade for Jets quarterback Sam Darnold How the Sam Darnold trade affects the Panthers' approach to the 2021 NFL draft What went wrong for Teddy Bridgewater and the Panthers, and what's next for the QB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Panthers pick eighth in the NFL draft in April, and it is becoming increasingly likely that the top four quarterbacks will be off the board by then. So who should the Panthers target? Alaina Getzenberg and Jonathan M. Alexander break it down in this week's episode of Panthers Tracks. For background reading:
What do Miami Dolphins' draft trades mean for Carolina Panthers?
Carolina Panthers mock draft 1.0: It's not a quarterback coming in the first round.
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The Carolina Panthers entered free agency with a little more than $30 million. They signed a number of players addressing the offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg talk about what they like and didn't like about the Panthers' moves in free agency. Background reading:
Five NFL players still available who could help the Panthers
Panthers got one of NFL's best edge rushers on a bargain; Reddick knows his time will come
Carolina Panthers free agency tracker: Tracking every move for the Panthers in free agency
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ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper's latest mock draft had the Panthers drafting Mac Jones with the No. 8 pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss whether that's too high. They also took questions from listeners via Twitter and answer them on air. For background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article249605898.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article249511695.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Panthers cleared about $25 million in cap space last week. Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg talk about why they made those moves and what to make of it, as well as whether it opens up the possibility to sign both Taylor Moton and Curtis Samuel. For background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article249429740.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article249441045.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Carolina Panthers have the No. 8 pick in the 2021 draft. They could trade up or trade back, Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg look at some potential scenarios and discuss whether not drafting a quarterback in 2021 is the end of the world.
Background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article249094985.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248988520.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Charlotte Observer Panthers beat reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss the Senior Bowl, the reality of Deshaun Watson to the Panthers and whether Teddy Bridgewater could be the Panthers' starter in 2021. For background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248976300.html#storylink=mainstage_lead https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248946009.html#storylink=mainstage_card Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it is believed that Texans star quarterback DeShaun Watson has played his final snap in Houston.
Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss whether the Panthers have a realistic chance at getting him and whether they should try to get him.
Background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248584200.html#storylink=mainstage_card https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248605985.html#storylink=mainstage_card https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article248634800.html#storylink=mainstage_lead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One month after firing former general manager Marty Hurney, the Panthers turned a new leaf by hiring Seahakws VP of football operations Scott Fitterer. Fitterer is known as a talent evaluator, who helped draft key pieces to the Seahawks 2014 Super Bowl team. For background reading: -Panthers hire Scott Fitterer as team’s new general manager -Who is Scott Fitterer? Here are a few things to know about the Panthers' general manager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Panthers finished the 2020 season with a 5-11 record and will pick No. 8 overall in the draft. They will have to make some difficult decisions this offseason and may have to part ways with a couple of their offensive stars. For background reading: Panthers free agency guide: Will Taylor Moton, Curtis Samuel be re-signed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There is a lot on the line for the Carolina Panthers in Week 17 when the Panthers play the Saints in Week 17 at Bank of America Stadium. Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss it all, as well as potential draft implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Carolina Panthers fired Marty Hurney on Monday. Jonathan Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss whether it was the right move and where the Panthers go from here in searching for a general manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is 0-7 this season in game-winning situations this season after their 32-27 loss to the Broncos. Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss whether Bridgewater is the answer for the Panthers' long term future. Background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article247816545.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article247815020.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article247822545.html
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Reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss what these players being placed on the COVID/reserve list means for the Panthers ahead of their game against the Broncos. They also discuss Matt Rhule's decision to play his starters, including Christian McCaffrey, the final four games of the season,
For background reading: Panthers place 8 players -- 5 starters -- on COVID list ahead of Broncos game Latest with the Panthers' COVID-19 situation and what the NFL is doing about it Panthers want healthy Christian McCaffrey to play, even as playoff hopes have faded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Panthers lost 28-27 to the Vikings last week, and were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Reporters Alaina Getzenberg and Jonathan M. Alexander discuss that, and what it means moving forward, including which positions the Panthers will target in the draft.
For background reading: Analysis: Panthers had the Vikings beat. It was poor play calls that cost them — again 2 TDs in 10 seconds? Jeremy Chinn left no doubt who the NFL’s best rookie on defense is Teddy Bridgewater’s return to Minnesota falls short on ‘panicked’ play call Mailbag: Are Panthers satisfied with Bridgewater? Is he a better option than Cam Newton? Joey Slye missed a 'routine' game-winning kick. Can the Panthers count on him in the clutch? Teddy Bridgewater took accountability for Panthers' loss. That's the progress this team needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Teddy Bridgewater suffered a knee injury last Sunday in the Panthers' 46-23 loss to the Buccaneers. And Christian McCaffrey is likely to miss Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss whether it's time to sit McCaffrey.
Background reading: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article247234649.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article247257659.html https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article247222759.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Panthers lost their fourth consecutive game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. And to make matters worse, star running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a shoulder injury on the game's final drive. Observer reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg discuss that, and Alexander's recent story on undrafted rookie Sam Franklin, his unconventional path to the NFL.
For background reading On Franklin: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246770302.html On McCaffrey: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article247124006.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Panthers had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Chicago Bears last Sunday. Can they rebound against the Saints? Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg, who both cover the Panthers for the Observer, discuss that, as well Alexander's recent story on defensive coordinator Phil Snow, who was tasked with rebuilding a young Panthers defense. For background reading:
The Panthers can go from good to great, but Bridgewater and Moore must take them there: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article246563708.html
Analysis: Panthers never fixed mistakes that hurt them in win streak. It cost them. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246537863.html
Meet Phil Snow, who his players and coaches call the 'Yoda' of the Panthers' defense. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246304295.html
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First-year head coach Matt Rhule has said from the start that he doesn't believe this is a team rebuilding. Maybe he's right. The Panthers are 3-2 and tied for first in the NFC South after a win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jonathan M. Alexander and Alaina Getzenberg, who both cover the Panthers for the Observer, discuss that, as well Getzenberg's recent story on LG Chris Reed who was diagnosed with COVID-19 prior to the start of the season. For background reading:
Analysis: Panthers weren't supposed to look this good. Then came Teddy Bridgewater: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246376540.html
How a bad mistake by Panthers' safety Juston Burris led to a game-saving interception https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246377010.html
Having COVID-19 was a big surprise for Panther Chris Reed. He beat it and now starts. https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246377010.html
Injured Christian McCaffrey can return from IR, but Panthers want to test him first https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article246398485.html
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