Panthers Take NFC South Lead, But Derrick Brown Still Can’t Root for Falcons
Even with a division title in sight, there are some lines you just don’t cross - and for Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown, cheering for the Atlanta Falcons is one of them.
Sure, an Atlanta win over the Buccaneers on Thursday night helped Carolina climb to the top of the NFC South standings. But for Brown, a former Auburn standout now in his sixth NFL season - all spent in the division - pulling for a rival like the Falcons just wasn’t happening.
“I definitely wanted to push for the way that’s going to be best for us, for sure,” Brown said Friday during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show. “But I wouldn’t necessarily say rooting for either side… I mean, I just think the competitiveness and all that, you know, I hold that year-round.”
So, no Falcons cheers from Brown - but they didn’t need them. Atlanta mounted a wild fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a 14-point deficit and beating Tampa Bay 29-28 on a walk-off 43-yard field goal. The loss dropped the Bucs to 7-7, while the Panthers, at 7-6, now sit alone atop the NFC South.
Meaningful December Football Returns to Carolina
Sunday’s matchup against the Saints in New Orleans marks a milestone for the Panthers. It’s the first time they’ve held sole possession of the division lead this late in the season since January 3, 2016 - the final day of their 15-1 regular season.
“To be able to play meaningful football here in December, it’s a blessing,” Brown said. “But also, too, I mean this is what we wanted from the beginning. So, I mean, now we got to take care of business and that starts with this week going to New Orleans.”
That "business" won’t be easy. The Saints are coming off a big win of their own - a 24-20 victory over Tampa Bay just last week.
It was part of a rough stretch for the Bucs, who’ve now dropped five of their last six. Carolina, meanwhile, has clawed its way back from a 1-3 start to the season and now controls its own fate.
Division Race Heating Up
Sunday’s game is the first of four remaining for both the Panthers and Buccaneers - and two of those will be head-to-head matchups. Carolina hosts Tampa Bay on December 21, then travels to Florida for a Week 18 clash on January 4 that could very well decide the division.
In between, Carolina faces the Seattle Seahawks, while the Bucs take on the Miami Dolphins. But the focus right now is squarely on New Orleans.
“It’s the same process that we’ve had all year,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. “Every game is a championship opportunity… respecting the opponent, respecting the Saints and the challenges that we have right in front of us. That’s got to be the focus.”
Canales emphasized the importance of staying locked in - not just on the opponent, but on continuing to improve across all three phases. “Our pursuit is to find our best football,” he said.
“We have this opportunity right in front of us in the division. And what’s looking at us, it’s easy for me to sell that.”
Brown’s Comeback Anchoring the Defense
Brown’s impact on the Panthers goes beyond just the stat sheet. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2020, he’s been a cornerstone of the defense. Carolina’s record with Brown in the lineup is 26-54 - not eye-popping, but noticeably better than their 5-12 mark in games he’s missed.
Last season, Brown was sidelined for 16 games with a knee injury. But in 2025, he’s started every game, anchoring a defense that has helped keep Carolina in the playoff hunt.
“I just kind of sit here in awe,” Brown said. “Like last year, sitting out of football, man, it definitely made me realize how much I actually love this game. You know, you say you love it until it’s taken away from you.”
The rehab process was grueling, but it gave Brown a renewed appreciation for the game - and for the opportunity to compete alongside his teammates again.
“Just being able to sit there and go through every single day of rehabbing and fighting back to be able to be back out there with my brothers on Sunday and be able to play for one another - that was the biggest thing for me.”
What’s Next
The Panthers head into New Orleans this Sunday with more than just a win on the line - they’re playing for control of the NFC South and a shot at their first playoff berth since 2017. With Derrick Brown healthy and leading the charge, and the team finally hitting its stride, Carolina’s December games finally mean something again.
And while Brown may not be cheering for Atlanta anytime soon, he - and the rest of the Panthers - are laser-focused on the task ahead. The road to the postseason is wide open. Now it’s up to Carolina to walk it.