Can the Panthers REPEAT as NFC South Champions? 🐾 Steve Smith Sr. Sounds Off!

Can Bryce Young and Dave Canales repeat as NFC South champs? Steve Smith Sr. previews the 2026 Carolina Panthers! 🐾 Fresh off an unexpected NFC South title and playoff berth, the Carolina Panthers enter 2026 with real expectations and a much tougher schedule. In this special in-person studio episode, Steve Smith Sr. and James Palmer are joined by Charlotte’s own Kyle Bailey (WFNZ) to deliver an unfiltered season preview before the real bullets start flying. Steve dives into whether Bryce Young can transition from merely operating Dave Canales' offense to completely controlling games, what reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan must add to his arsenal to beat bracket coverage, and how Jonathon Brooks' backfield presence will open up the passing game. The crew also analyzes the state of the offensive line with Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton working back, why Xavier Legette is at a pivotal career crossroads, and how Jimmy Horn Jr. is flashing 20+ MPH game-breaking speed in camp. Subscribe to @89show for elite NFL breakdowns:    / @89show   0:00 Carolina Panthers 2026 Outlook: The Element of Surprise is Gone 1:15 A Brutal Schedule: NFC North, AFC North, Seattle & Denver 3:45 Welcoming Charlotte Radio Host Kyle Bailey (WFNZ) 5:15 8-9 Again or a 10-Win Team? Realistic Expectations 7:35 Can Bryce Young Control the Game Under Duress? 10:05 Tetairoa McMillan: Beating Year 2 Bracket Coverage 13:10 Moving T-Mac to the Slot & Jalen Coker’s Complementary Role 15:10 Ro Sponsor Break 16:00 O-Line Health: Waiting on Ikem Ekwonu & Taylor Moten 18:55 Xavier Legette at a Crossroads & Jimmy Horn Jr.’s Speed Surge 23:00 The "Underwear Olympics" vs. Real Football Offseasons 25:20 Final Thoughts: Can Carolina Repeat in the NFC South? #Panthers #CarolinaPanthers #keeppounding #NFL