The Carolina Panthers’ free fall continues as they lost in spectacular fashion to the Buffalo Bills 31-14 at Highmark Stadium. The loss puts Carolina at 5-9 on the year as they slowly creep to an offseason that has more questions and not enough answers. Here’s a closer look inside the latest loss.
No Kicker
The pregame loss of Panthers’ kicker Zane Gonzales didn’t matter much in the bigger picture of the game, however, it was a factor nonetheless. Without Gonzales the Panthers’ offense was forced to go for it on fourth down five times and a couple of two-point conversion attempts. The Panthers were 1 for 4 on fourth-down conversions and 1 for 2 on two-point conversions. If Carolina had their kicker, they could’ve scored a couple of field goals instead of having empty possessions.
No Offensive Line
As expected, the Panthers’ offensive line proved that they are made of swiss cheese. Cam Newton was pressured from kickoff to the final gun. The Bills’ defense ate – hitting Newton six times and sacking him four times. Buffalo’s defense stayed in the pocket and also deflected their share of passes. While the line failed their assignment, some of this is on Newton. There were some instances when he was hesitant in the pocket and before he could decide whether to run or pass he got hit. At times he squandered opportunities to keep drives alive with his indecisiveness.
Leaky Defense
Carolina’s defense started the season strong; a pillar of stability for an offense that struggled. Their play was what sustained the Panthers when they needed help the most. Currently, that stout, solid defense is now as porous as the offensive line. Against the Bills the unit couldn’t stop a nosebleed on third down. They also allowed Devin Singletary and Gabriel Davis to get loose for three touchdowns.
No Accountability
In his postgame press conference head coach Matt Rhule cited the inability to throw the ball at a high level as one of the team’s biggest issues, but the thing is, when you have only a few seconds in the pocket it’s hard to make the proper reads and throw. Point five seconds or less to make decisions isn’t ideal in the NFL. No adequate blocking . No pocket. No passing. The coaching staff has failed to make proper adjustments on the field. Rhule has to decide what kind of identity he wants for the Panthers. Is it a team predicated on the run or will they be pass heavy? Regardless of what Rhule decides, a little accountability from his end would go a long way.