If you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Carolina Panthers after their 37-15 week-four loss to the 49ers…think again. Carolina entered their matchup against the Rams with a new head coach and what seemed like new mindset, but what we saw was more of the same. The Panthers’ offense still can’t move the ball, the defense is still over worked, and third down is still a problem. What made Sunday worse were the injuries that are piling up and the frustration that is spilling onto the sideline.
In addition to Jaycee Horn being out, it was announced before the contest that linebacker Frankie Luvu would not play for the second straight week. Donte Jackson was sidelined during the second half of the game with an ankle injury, CJ Henderson entered concussion protocol in the fourth quarter and would not return, and Cory Littleton left the game with a groin injury.
Adding to the injuries on the field were the arguments off of it. Wide receiver Robbie Anderson got into a couple of heated discussions with his position coach, Joe Dailey, before Coach Wilks excused him from the game in the fourth quarter – all while the Panthers’ offense went six straight possessions without getting a first down.
The result…another “L.” But this one felt different. Last week when 49ers’ fans took over Bank of America Stadium it was bad and a change was needed. That change happened when David Tepper parted ways with head coach Matt Rhule. A week later, with three injured quarterbacks, a banged up defense and public feuding, the Panthers have officially hit rock bottom – but the good thing about hitting bottom is that there’s no where else to go but up. That up may start with an unexpected win at home against the Bucs next week OR the number one pick in next year’s NFL draft. Either way…there’s only one direction the Panthers can go from here.
