The Carolina Panthers are striving to be a much more competitive team this season.

That means winning more games, but it also means being tougher, grittier and more physical.

That’s why fans will love to hear that rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. has taken some pages out of Steve Smith Sr.’s book.

Asked about the biggest things he could learn from the Panthers legend, the sixth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft gushed about one particular attribute of the All-Pro.

“The main thing I took from [Steve’s] game was the physicality,” Horn said. “He played tough, and on the field, he wasn’t going for nothing. So that’s just something natural as a player that you got to have too. And I see that in me a lot too, though. I ain’t really going for nothing on the field.”

This will be Carolina’s second season under head coach Dave Canales.

The Panthers showed some signs of life last season, especially after quarterback Bryce Young returned from a brief stint on the bench.

Just when it looked like he was about to join the long list of busts, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft finally showed glimpses of being the decision-maker and accurate passer he was at Alabama.

Now, with another full offseason to take hold of the system, an offensive-minded head coach who’s known for fixing quarterbacks, and an improved set of pass-catchers, the Panthers could take a leap.

Of course, they still have a long way to go to return to the NFC playoff picture.

Also, Horn will have to prove he has what it takes to get on the field as a rookie.

But with this physical approach, the Panthers might be making progress.

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