The NFLPA’s 2024 report card gave the Carolina Panthers mediocre grades and ranked them 17th out of 32 teams, a drop from their 12th place ranking last year. The report card had more categories this year and the team made some progress in certain areas while regressing in others. However, the biggest news is that the NFLPA surveyed players for the first time on the quality of ownership and head coaching for each team.
The timing of the survey is uncertain, but it is likely that it was conducted after Dave Canales was hired as the new head coach of the Panthers. According to the players, Canales received an A- grade, while team owner David Tepper received a D. Canales was ranked as the 14th best coach in the league, while Tepper was ranked as the fifth worst owner, ahead of only four others.
It is surprising that players rated Clark Hunt, despite his team winning three Super Bowls in five years, as the worst owner. This suggests that winning doesn’t solve all problems. It is probable that the survey was conducted after Canales’ hiring, as it is unlikely that players would give Frank Reich or Chris Tabor an A- grade.
Canales’ optimism has helped him connect with some of the locker room, which is a good start. However, his A- grade is only slightly above average, with 19 teams giving their coaches an A- or higher. Tepper’s grade is not dependent on the timing of the survey, as he has been the constant factor in the organization for six years. Despite rumors of his interference in the locker room or undermining Reich, he is ultimately responsible for the team’s failures. The players recognize this.
