The #Panthers run defense has pushed in a good direction after Week 1’s all-time bad performance. Week 1: 291 rush yards and six TDs Week 2: 157 rush yards (blowout win limited rushing opps for ATL) Week 3: 132 rush yards (Watson’s mobility played into this) Week 4: 46 rush yards and a TD (Gibbs was limited to 15 carries in a shootout) Week 5: 35 rush yards and a TD (impressive no matter the opponent) Stark difference, even taking away Week 1, between Weeks 2-3 and Weeks 4 and 6. The unit inarguably deserves due credit. One game (Detroit) of great run defense is encouraging, but two is a really positive trend. 132.2 allowed average on season (would rank sixth-worst heading into Week 6) — after Week 1: 92.5 (would rank 7th best heading into Week 6). The group is getting better. The below take did not endure at all (Panthers were terrific against the run all game and I deserve a tomato or two) — and that’s because of the improvement upfront. Side note: Thought the use of Turk Wharton in the rotation was sound on Sunday in his return.

#Panthers WR Jalen Coker calls TE Tommy Tremble “the heart and soul of the team.” He adds he’s unlike anyone he’s played with because of his work ethic and pain tolerance.