Carolina Panthers: Ron Rivera wrong at Detroit Lions, here’s why

Failed Position

Finally, the failed position correlates to where Carolina is in terms of the current playoff picture and the game situation (again). If Carolina was 3-6 instead of 6-3 entering the ball game then going for two and potentially the win equates to nothing more than trying to build some confidence and pull out a victory – but given their standing, the attempt showed desperation and pressure.

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Win or lose the Panthers wouldn’t move from their wild card lead but the loss puts Minnesota tight on their heels and now the Seattle Seahawks – who visit Carolina next week. A made point-after wouldn’t have guaranteed the win but potentially prolonging the game would have been a better decision.

Losing two straight for the first time since Week 6 and Week 7 last season, the Panthers still remain atop the wild card picture but now face a laundry list of internal issues. The lack of confidence in special teams and defense, coupled with Newton blaming himself could be a disastrous mix moving forward.

No one should be calling for Rivera to be relieved of his duties but the decision for a two-point attempt felt extremely pressured. Carolina wasn’t an underdog entering the game but going for two portrayed them as such while sending the message that his team is desperate for a victory in a must win situation – that again would not have been guaranteed.

A tied game doesn’t mean the Panthers win either, but it does give them the full game clock and potentially overtime to decide their own outcome. Instead, Rivera gave up with time remaining simply because his team was “on the road”.