Jason Kelce Drags the Panthers for Refusing to Win the NFC South

Fahad Hamid
Kelce

Let’s be honest: The NFC South is a dumpster fire this year. And nobody seems to know that better than Jason Kelce. On the latest episode of “New Heights,” the retired Eagles legend didn’t hold back when talking about the Carolina Panthers. His main gripe? They seemingly refuse to just take the division title that has been sitting there on a silver platter for weeks.

“They’ve done everything they can to not get in,” Kelce said, sounding equal parts confused and frustrated. “They’ve lost twice to the Saints, right? Like, the fact that this conference, this division is still up for grabs is bonkers.” And honestly? He’s not wrong.

A Season of Missed Opportunities

If you’ve been watching the Panthers this season, you know exactly what Kelce is talking about. It’s been a rollercoaster of hope followed immediately by a faceplant.

Kelce pointed out that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—who he actually picked as his favorite team coming into the season—have “fallen off a cliff.” That collapse should have been the green light for Carolina to cruise into the playoffs. Instead, the Panthers have stumbled their way through the last month, treating “clinching the division” like it’s a chore they’re trying to avoid.

“Panthers have had every opportunity the last few weeks to clinch this thing, not even playing like top opponents in a lot of this stuff,” Kelce ranted. “And they just refuse to clinch it. It’s nuts. It is crazy.”

It’s harsh, but it’s fair. We’re talking about a team that has alternated wins and losses for ten straight weeks. History isn’t exactly on their side either—statistically, teams that inconsistent usually watch the playoffs from the couch. But because the NFC South is the definition of “mid” this year, Carolina is still alive.

Kelce
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; ESPN Monday Night Countdown panelist and former player Jason Kelce speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Bryce Young Factor

So, where does that leave Bryce Young and the squad? Despite the inconsistency and the blown leads (looking at you, Week 15 vs. the Saints), the path is frustratingly simple.

If Carolina beats Tampa Bay on Saturday, they’re in. They take the crown. They host a playoff game. It’s that easy.

But if they lose? Well, they have to rely on the Atlanta Falcons to do them a solid and beat the Saints on Sunday. And as any football fan knows, relying on the Falcons to handle business is a dangerous game.

Kelce’s frustration mirrors what a lot of fans are feeling. It’s rare to see a division where nobody seems to want to be the king. But Saturday is the final exam. Can Dave Canales and Bryce Young finally string together the performance they need, or will Kelce be proven right about a team that seems allergic to prosperity?

We’ll find out at Raymond James Stadium. But if Kelce’s rant is anything to go by, the Panthers are running out of excuses.