The Seattle Seahawks are facing the Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 17. From 2010-2019, the Seahawks and Panthers squared off 10 times, including twice in the playoffs. Now, they take the field against each other for the first time since September 2023.

Carolina has changed quite a bit since these teams last saw each other, and I felt it was prudent to take yet another trip Behind Enemy Lines to get a better idea of the 2025 Panthers. I spoke with Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire, and his answers to my questions can be found below.

No. 1 – What has been the biggest leap you’ve seen from quarterback Bryce young this year?

The Panthers’ last great quarterback, Cam Newton, used to say that NFL offenses aren’t like “instant grits.” They need time to grow. And I believe that’s what we’ve seen with Young, who may be growing into the organization’s next franchise guy. Confidence and comfort has been key for Young, especially here in Year No. 3. He was tasked with trying to digest a complicated, almost Frankenstein-ish system under Frank Reich in Year No. 1, then had to reset in a completely different approach with Dave Canales in Year No. 2. Even No. 1 overall picks need time to learn and adjust to the pros. Young is now in his second season with the same head coach, play-caller and offense—and his progress has shown as much. Between his emergent 10-game stretch to end the 2024 campaign and the majority of 2025, we’re seeing more of the Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama—the one who is bold enough to tap into his above-average playmaking, improvisational and processing abilities.

No. 2 – What have you seen from this Panthers team that has impressed you the most?

Carolina hasn’t been afraid to punch up this season. We saw it in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, when they pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year. Then we saw it again in Week 13, when they turned away the mighty Los Angeles Rams and MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford at home. Both opponents, at the time of those matchups, were the No. 1-seeded teams in the NFC. Nevertheless, the Panthers stepped to the challenges instead of shying away from them. Given their youth, where they are in their rebuilding process and, well, their lack of talent, this team probably shouldn’t have any business beating the juggernauts they have. Yet, their resilience has set them up for their first division title in a decade.

No. 3 – Who is a Panther that is a non-household name the 12th Man should be aware of?

Here’s a name “The 12th Man” may actually be familiar with—Mike Jackson. Jackson, of course, was acquired by Carolina from Seattle ahead of the 2024 season. The veteran cornerback would go on to have quite a campaign, proving to be a viable running mate for Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and earning himself a new two-year, $14.5 million deal this past spring. He’s kept it going with an even better 2025, where his 78.5 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus currently stands as a career-high. That mark is also tied for the fifth-best amongst all cornerbacks with at least 200 coverage snaps.

No. 4 – The Panthers pull off the upset if….

 . . . if wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan makes an impact. Although they’re still known for their stout defense, the Seahawks possess quite a bit of firepower on offense—especially if the ground game between Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet gets going. The Panthers may have to go shot for shot at some point in this one, and they might not be able to keep up if their best pass catcher is phased out. McMillan has scored in five games this season. Carolina is 4-1 in those contests. He must be involved.

No. 5 – Who wins and why?

Again, the Panthers are a very live underdog. Plus, they could, with the help of a Tampa Bay loss or tie, clinch the NFC South off a win—so they’re still playing for their postseason hopes. But can they pull off a third upset over a No. 1 seed? That’s a pretty tough ask, for any team. The Seahawks escape with a 27-24 victory.