Russell Baxter

Russell Baxter

Joined: Jan 27, 2025

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.

Nov 2, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) looks on after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks to throw in the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

News

Dave Canales's club heads to the Steel City in Week 16 for a game that may now be even more intriguing.

Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

News

The Carolina Panthers' 2026 schedule has its share of positives and challenges.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales on the field in the second quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

News

The Panthers have been an up-and-coming team, but their progress may be slowed a bit thanks to a tougher schedule in 2026.

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales greets quarterback Bryce Young (9) after a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

News

The Panthers are a team on the rise, but will a better win-loss record in 2026 guarantee a return to the postseason?

Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan on the field before the gsme at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

News

Youth is slowly but surely being served when it comes to the Carolina Panthers.

Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Sirvocea Dennis (8) and linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) and defensive end Elijah Roberts (95) and defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) tackle Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

News

The Carolina Panthers are surely not a certainty to repeat as NFC South champions.

Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales greets players after a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

News

Dave Canales's club now knows what lies ahead with the release of the NFL schedule on Thursday night.

Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs in the second quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

News

Dave Canales's club could bear watching if the team can overcome a lot of early road games.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is pressed by Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) during the third quarter of their game Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The NFL schedule makers could cut the Panthers a break by leaving them out of the cold.

Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) runs the ball against Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers could miss 2025 rushing leader Rico Dowdle more than they think this season.

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (97) on the field in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Panthers drafted a talented defensive tackle that could reduce the playing time of a former free-agent pickup.

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats offensive lineman Sam Hecht (75) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The longtime NFL draft analyst is high on the former Kansas State center.