The Drive with Tim Donnelly

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes look strong through two preseason games. Dennis Cox tells Tim Donnelly that Canes fans will like newcomers Michael Bunting and Brendan Lemieux. Also, moms call the show to state why their child should win a pair of tickets to Notre Dame football at Duke football. Also, the state of ACC football through four weeks. </p>

<p>What are Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox most concerned about, and confident in when it comes to the Carolina Panthers, including the defensive injuries, Brian Burns, Bryce Young's ankle, and more.</p> <p>Also, Adam Theilen faces his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. Plus, why hasn't third-round 2023 NFL Draft Pick DJ Johnson played yet this season for the Carolina Panthers? </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young returned to practice after missing Sunday's game vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Bryce Young said he doesn't know when or how his ankle injury happened, and doesn't seem truly certain what the ankle injury actually was. Tim Donnelly said the ankle injury is a bit perplexing and somewhat of a mystery.</p> <p> </p> <p>Also, former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton discussed the current state of the Panthers, and how the Panthers have not done enough around Bryce Young to help the rookie QB. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers are dealing with major injuries, including to safety Xavier Woods, who might miss a month of longer with a hamstring injury. Also, Sam Hartman and Notre Dame football vs Duke football in a top-20 matchup. Also, Duke football coach Mike Elko has been linked to several potential jobs, including the now vacant Michigan State football job after the firing of Mel Tucker. Plus, the Carolina Hurricanes continue preseason action. </p>

<p>The ACC released the upcoming men's basketball schedule, which features NC State basketball, Duke basketball, and UNC basketball all playing each other in the final week of the regular season, with each team getting a game on their respective home court. Also, Tim Donnelly points out that this shows the ACC is aware of the entertainment value that is needed in college sports.</p> <p>Plus, we're seeing college coaches showing more personallity, which is garnering national attention, and it might be the new wave of recruiting college athletes. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young was back at practice today after missing Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Tim Donnelly breaks down how head coach Frank Reich and the coaching staff can reassess the offense around Bryce, and the best ways to exploit the Minnesota Vikings.</p> <p>Has Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer made the correct roster decisions to help support Bryce Young and for long term success? Tim Donnelly wonders if the team signed the right free agents, and if they've hit on the NFL Draft in recent years.</p>

<p>In the starting Five, the Carolina Hurricanes begin their preseason games, the question if Bryce Young will play Sunday vs. the Minnesota Vikings, the Taylor Swift effect on Travis Kelce jersey sales, Monday Night Football, and looking around the NFC South.</p>

<p>Tim Donnelly poses the question: if the Carolina Panthers could do it over again, would they draft Houston Texans QB CJ Stroud, or stick with Bryce Young as your future at QB. Donnelly points out that early success doesn't mean long-term success. </p>

<p>The Carolina Hurricanes begin their preseason schedule against Tampa Bay Lightning tonight, and Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox discuss the biggest storylines to start the season for the Canes, including if Tony DeAngelo or Jalen Chatfield will be the No. 6 defenseman this season.</p> <p>Plus, The NCAA approved the waiver request for Minnesota DB Craig McDonald despite McDonald being a two-time transfer. Tim Donnelly points out how the situation isn't very dissimilar to UNC WR Tez Walker, who had his waiver denied by the NCAA, and how the NCAA has no consistency when it comes to decisions.</p>

<p>Is Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich the best coach for rookie QB Bryce Young? Tim Donnelly wonders if Reich needs to change his coaching style to best develop Bryce Young and reach his full potential.</p> <p>When will the Carolina Panthers get their first win of the season? There's a chance the team could go 0-6 headed into their Week 7 bye, and could face other rookie QBs CJ Stroud with the Houston Texans and Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts with the possibility of Bryce Young and the Panthers losing to other rookie QBs they passed on in the 2023 NFL Draft.</p>

<p>Who had the college football weekend in the State of North Carolina and takes atop the podium? UNC football takes the top spot with win over PITT, Duke takes second place after routing UConn, NC State makes the podium at third with an ugly win over UVA football, and Wake Forest is left off the podium after a road loss to Georgia Tech. </p> <p>Also, injuries are mounting for the Carolina Panthers. </p>

<p>North Carolina football QB Drake Maye looked like the superstar and high 2024 NFL Draft prospect many expected him to be in a 41-24 win on the road over PITT football, which saw Drake Maye throw a left-handed TD pass.</p> <p>Also, Duke looked good once again in a win over UConn, which sets up a top-25 matchup vs Notre Dame as ESPN's College GameDay will be at Durham for the first time for football. </p>

<p>By throwing the ball 58 times, Tim Donnelly says Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich trusts Andy Dalton more than Bryce Young, and how Frank Reich is hindering the development of Bryce Young.</p> <p>Also, the Panthers finally had a couple of explosive offensive plays, including a 47-yard TD pass to WR DJ Chark. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers' false start penalties were called 'pathetic' by head coach Frank Reich, and Tim Donnelly said it's on the coaches and players for the eight false start penalties and mental mistakes in a 37-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.</p> <p>Also, Tim & Dennis Cox discuss the declining offensive line play overall in football, and how Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell struggled behind a bad offensive line while throwing four INTs. </p>

<p>Tim Donnelly gives true, real, bold predictions for the upcoming football weekend, including UNC football QB Drake Maye, NC State football at UVA football, Colorado football vs Oregon football, and more. Also, New York Giants QB Daniel Jones struggled in a Thursday Night Football loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and may have to change his nickname from 'Danny Dimes' to 'Danny Debt.' </p>

<p>With Jaycee Horn and Shaq Thompson on injured reserve, the Carolina Panthers are dealing with major injuries on defense, on top of the injuries on offense to Brady Christensen, Austin Corbitt, and now Bryce Young.</p> <p>Also, Tim & Dennis give predictions for NC State football at UVA Football, Duke football at UConn football, Georgia Tech football at Wake Forest football, UNC football at PITT football, Ohio State football at Notre Dame football, Florida State football at Clemson football, and the Carolina Panthers at the Seattle Seahawks. </p>

<p>With the Carolina Panthers ruling out rookie QB Bryce Young by Thursday, Tim Donnelly wonders if head coach Frank Reich is hiding Young behind the veil of an ankle injury. With Andy Dalton set to start for the Carolina Panthers for an injured Bryce Young, Tim Donnelly points out that how well Andy Dalton plays isn't a reflection on Bryce Young. Donnelly will also be disappointed in head coach Frank Reich if the playbook suddenly opens up because that would be a disservice to Young.</p>

<p>UNC football has to manufacture energy when traveling up to PITT football, and North Carolina football QB needs to play at the Heisman Trophy candidate and NFL Draft prospect many have expected him to be. Also, NC State football has a very winnable game against Virginia football as NC State travels to UVA. Plus, Duke football faces a trap game against UConn football. </p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly discussed quarterback Daniel Jones and the New York Giants facing the San Francisco 49ers tonight, the Carolina Hurricanes officially started training camp today, and NC State senior running back Jordan Houston announced he would redshirt for the rest of the season. Also, the PAC-12 and the Mountain West Conference discussed the potential for relegation. Plus, the Carolina Panthers announced today that quarterback Bryce Young is not expected to play Sunday. </p>

<p>Former NFL Linebacker KJ Wright, now the host of the "KJ ALL DAY" podcast, joined Tim Donnelly to preview the Carolina Panthers' upcoming matchup against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks. He describes how head coach Pete Carroll might prepare differently when facing a rookie quarterback rather than a veteran. He also shared how the Panthers need to have a next-man-up mentality, specifically on defense, regarding Shaq Thompson's injury.</p>

<p>Adam Gold, host of the Adam Gold show, joined Tim Donnelly to give a report from the first day of the Carolina Hurricanes training camp. He discussed how new additions Dmitry Orlov and Michael Bunting looked with the group and how Andrei Svechnokiv skated in his return to the ice. He also shares the likelihood of this team being a Stanley Cup-contending team this season.</p>

<p>Tim Hasselbeck, ACC Network Analyst, joined Tim Donnelly to discuss North Carolina traveling to Pittsburgh, which he will be on the call for along with Wes Durham. He shared how strong of a Heisman contender he believes Quarterback Drake Maye is. He also previews the important ACC matchup between Florida State and Clemson.</p> <p>Also, NC State football announced that Senior running back Jordan Houston will redshirt for the remainder of the season. The roster no longer includes Houston, which indicates he has moved on from the program. Tim discussed what this means for the offense. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young did not practice again due to an ankle injury he sustained on Monday night against the Saints. He didn't participate in walkthroughs yesterday, which has caused alarm throughout the fanbase. The Panthers officially announced that quarterback Bryce Young isn't expected to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Tim Donnelly discussed what this now means for the Panthers' offense going into Sunday as Andy Dalton will be the starting QB.</p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Paul Ihander and Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports, discuss Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young sitting out of practice today with an ankle injury, Travis Kelce and Taylor officially announcing their dating, and a recent update on the North Carolina sports gambling bill. Also, Justin Field told the media he's been feeling "robotic" due to coaching. Plus, Paul discussed a proposed deal for the Panthers in which they would trade defensive end, Brian Burns, for anything. </p>

<p>In 2023, the Carolina Panthers moved up to the top overall pick in the draft, trading away multiple first-round picks in the 2024 draft and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears to draft quarterback Bryce Young. Was it worth it? Paul Ihander and Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports, debate the pros and cons of the trade, as well as look at Young's potential as a franchise quarterback.</p>

<p>Our local Triangle college football teams are all on the road this weekend. Paul Ihander, Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports, and producer Graham Hill discuss what they're most confident about and what concerns them for all three teams. UNC and NC State begin ACC play on the road, while Duke travels to UConn for their first road game. </p>

<p>Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich announced quarterback Bryce Young did not practice today due to an ankle injury. Young's availability for the Panthers game against the Seattle Seahawks is uncertain. Paul Ihander and Brian Murphy, WRAL Sports, discussed how Young's injury is part of a common theme for the team early on this season.</p> <p>Also. drafting a franchise quarterback is one of the most important decisions an NFL team can make. But when teams draft a quarterback at the wrong time it can set them back for years. Paul and Bryan discuss how the NFL is littered with young quarterbacks, but some it's the right situation, but the wrong time</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers lose on Monday Night football to the New Orleans Saints, 20-17, but also lose LB Shaq Thompson for possibly the rest of the season with broken fibula. Also, the Pittsburgh Steelers dominates Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football that saw Browns RB Nick Chubb suffer a severe knee injury.</p> <p>Also, SMU raised $100 million after it was announced they were joining the ACC. Also, Colorado and Colorado State averaged 9.3 million viewers on ESPN despite the game kicking off at 10PM ET. </p>

<p>ACC football schools have an 8-5 record against schools from the Big Ten (4-3), and the SEC (4-2). Tim Donnelly points out that the national narrative of the ACC needs to continue to change because it's not top-level ACC schools beating up teams at the bottom of the other conferences. Also, is the NFC South good? And do to the Carolina Panthers at 0-2 have a chance of catching the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are all 2-0 on the sesaon? </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers defense makes up for the deficiencies of the offense and rookie QB Bryce Young, but injuries to Jaycee Horn and Shaq Thompson are going to hurt in the long run. Also, why is safety Jeremy Chinn getting such little playing time?</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers and head coach Frank Reich have scored only 27 points through Week 2 of the 2023 NFL Season. The play calling and scheme looks bland, lacks creativity, and doesn't do much to help rookie QB Bryce Young.</p>

<p>After a 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Tim Donnelly says that it's clear that Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young isn't NFL ready like many expected him to be. What is the confidence level in Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young after a 20-17 Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints?</p> <p> </p>

<p>During the Starting Five, Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discuss North Carolina moving to 3-0 with a win against Minnesota, former UNC quarterback Sam Howell continuing to have early success in his NFL career, and Duke improving to 3-0 with a win over Northwestern. Also, NC State's offense is still a work in progress after a bounceback against VMI. Plus, the Carolina Panthers have their home opener on Monday Night Football against NFC South opponent, the New Orleans Saints. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers offensive line is one of the biggest question marks on the team, and starting two young guards in a big game against a tough New Orleans Saints defense could be risky. The Panthers' young guards, Chandler Zavala and Cade Mays have to be ready for the challenge. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discuss how if the Panthers' guards can't hold up, it could be a long night for Bryce Young and the offense.</p> <p>Also, the Carolina Panthers will have all their skill players active tonight against the New Orleans Saints, which is a major boost for their roster. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young will have a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal, including, wide receivers Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark Jr., and Jonathan Mingo. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discuss how the Panthers' skill players can impact their Monday Night Football game against the Saints.</p>

<p>After a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, the Carolina Panthers can't afford to fall 0-2. A loss in tonight's Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints would put them in a deep hole in the NFC South, and it would be a setback for their playoff hopes. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discussed how tonight's primetime game against the Saints is a must-win for the Panthers.</p> <p>Also, Tim and Dennis recap the college football action from over the weekend including NC State's offense still being a work in progress in a win against VMI, and Duke improving to 3-0 with a win over Northwestern</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and rookie quarterback Bryce Young take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football in a pivotal NFC South matchup. Young will look to bounce back after a two-interception performance in Week 1 while the Saints try to build momentum after a season-opening win over the Tennesse Titans. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discussed how this game will be a test for both teams, but it's essential for the Panthers and Young.</p> <p>Also, the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 31-13 in an ACC vs. Big Ten Challenge football edition. Drake Maye threw for 414 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tar Heels, while Nate McCollum had 15 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown. Tim discussed what this victory means for North Carolina's season heading into ACC play.</p>

<p>During the starting five Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discussed how the Carolina Panthers need to utilize their extra day of preparation ahead of their Monday Night Football game against the Saints, NC State needs a bounce-back win against VMI tomorrow at home, and Carolina Hurricanes Jordan Martinook joining Nickelback on their stage last night during their show in Raleigh. Also, UNC head coach Mack Brown is still advocating for Tez Walker's eligibility, and Sam Howell gets an early welcome to the NFL as he looks to lead the Commanders to a win on the road against the Denver Broncos. </p>

<p>Duke football looks to remain undefeated on the season when they host Northwestern tomorrow at Wallace Wade Stadium at 3:30 p.m. Mike Elko and the Blue Devils are looking to move to 3-0 against a program that could target Elko as their next head coach. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discussed how this is an important game for both programs.</p> <p>Also, Wake Forest looks to get a win on the road against a program that has given ACC schools trouble in recent years. Can quarterback Mitch Griffis lead the Demon Deacons to a win against Old Dominion tomorrow?</p>

<p>Quarterback Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders look to improve to 2-0 when they travel to Denver to face Russell Wilson and the Broncos on Sunday. Howell will make his first road start in his NFL career, and he'll be looking to keep the success going for the Commanders over a Broncos team that is looking to rebound from a Week 1 loss.</p> <p>Also, the Carolina Panthers have an extra day of preparation before they face divisional opponent, the New Orleans Saints in their home opener, a part of Monday Night Football. Quarterback Bryce Young and the team hope to bounce back after their season opener loss last week against the Atlanta Falcons. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox go through what the Panthers should be crossing off in preparation for Monday.</p>

<p>No. 20 North Carolina takes on Big Ten opponent Minnesota tomorrow in Chapel Hill at 3:30 p.m. It's the first game of the post-Tez Walker era for the Tar Heels after his eligibility was denied by the NCAA. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discussed how it's time to move on from the Walker situation and not allow it to become a distraction.</p> <p>Also, NC State faces VMI tomorrow at Carter-Finley Stadium at 2:00 p.m. Head coach Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack are looking to get back on track after falling to Notre Dame at home last weekend. Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox discussed how this is the perfect "get back" game for the team and the offense as well.</p>

<p>Former Miami Hurricanes QB, and Heisman Trophy winner, Gino Torretta discussed the latest with ACC football, including the national perception of the conference. Torretta also weighs in on the transfer portal, and how different his career could have been if the transfer portal was an option. </p> <p>Plus, Colorado State football head coach Jay Norvell had some harsh comments about Colorado football and their head coach, Deion Sanders. Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox say it's okay for Deion Sanders to keep receipts. </p>

<p>Washington Commanders, and former UNC football, QB Sam Howell must learn to protect himself from taking hits, and has to avoid making contact when it's not necessary if he wants to last in the NFL.</p> <p>Also, what the biggest areas of confidence, and biggest areas of concern for the Carolina Panthers as they head into their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers need to be supportive around rookie QB Bryce Young, and not ask Young to carry the team this early in his career, and that the team around Young needs to elevate their play.</p> <p>Plus, how does the Carolina Panthers being without their two starting guards impact Bryce Young, and why is center Bradley Bozeman a key piece to the Panthers as they take on the New Orleans Saints in a NFC South matchup. </p>

<p>Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield joined Tim Donnelly in studio to discuss his journey through the junior hockey in the OHL, minor league hockey in AHL, and into the NHL as a full-time player with the Canes, making the roster out of training camp, and his future with the Canes and the NHL.</p> <p>Also, Chatfield shared his thoughts on the trade rumors surrounding the team, competing for ice time, how much better the defense can be with the additions of Dmitry Orlov and Ton DeAngelo, if he's thought about a contract extension with the Hurricanes, and being loved by his teammates and the Raleigh community.</p>

<p>The cost to attend NFL games are continuing to rise, with the Carolina Panthers projected to be the 6th most expensive team to attend home games for a family of four in 2025. Also, the Panthers placed guard Brady Christensen on injured reserve, will be without CB Jaycee Horn for several weeks, and have signed veteran RB/KR Tarik Cohen to the practice squad. </p> <p>Plus, the NCAA contradicts itself when it comes to mental health and student-athletes, Also, Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones threw shade toward teammate Mark Williams, who formally played for Duke basketball. </p>

<p>Bryce Young's size wasn't a factor despite the Carolina Panthers losing to the Atlanta Falcons, 24-10. Tim Donnelly also looks around the NFC South to guage where the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Falcons all stand after Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season. </p>

<p>With the 2023 NFL season underway, Tim Donnelly says it's probably best for the Carolina Panthers & Brian Burns to table contract negotiations until after the season. Former NFL QB Mike Glennon evaluates the first NFL start by Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young, and where he can improve from interceptions he threw against the Atlanta Falcons. Glennon also shares his thoughts on the Carolina Panthers signing former North Carolina A&T RB Tarik Cohen to the practice squad.</p>

<p>Two weeks into the college football season, what areas are Tim Donnelly & Dennis Cox most concerned about, and confident in when it comes to Wake Forest football, NC State football, Duke football, and UNC football? </p>

<p>How does NC State football, UNC football, Wake Forest football, and Duke football stack up against the rest of the ACC and potential to compete for an ACC football championship against possibly Florida State football or Clemson football?</p> <p>Also, ACC football needs to be getting more respect nationally after its strong showing in primetime game, and having a 4-1 record vs SEC competition. </p>

<p>How does NC State football, UNC football, Wake Forest football, and Duke football stack up against the rest of the ACC and potential to compete for an ACC football championship against possibly Florida State football or Clemson football?</p> <p>Also, ACC football needs to be getting more respect nationally after its strong showing in primetime game, and having a 4-1 record vs SEC competition. </p>

<p>The NCAA responded back to UNC football and head coach Mack Brown as North Carolina football was vocal about Tez Walker being ruled ineligible for the 2023 season. Tim Donnelly says it's time for North Carolina to move forward from the NCAA's ruling and focus on winning football games because it's likely the final year they'll have QB Drake Maye before he enters the NFL Draft.</p> <p>Also, Clemson football and head coach Dabo Swinney needs to adapt to the current times of college football and start recruiting talent from the transfer portal. </p>