Dave Canales' culture shift within the Carolina Panthers is yielding the desired results. Things are not perfect yet by any stretch of the imagination, but this ambitious long-term project is making the desired progress.
And running back Rico Dowdle propelled this claim without even trying.
Canales wanted the Panthers to be a player-led club. That seemed like a step too far for this young squad in Year 1 under his leadership. But as the wins stack up and confidence increases, it is coming more to the fore.
Another prime example of this arrived during Carolina's memorable overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11.