Carolina Panthers: Loss makes it official, unraveling begins
The Carolina Panthers (5-8) are now officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Two embarrassing losses to divisional rival Atlanta, in the span of four weeks, wasn’t enough to officially push the Carolina Panthers out of a narrowing playoff picture but a Vikings win on Sunday ultimately sealed the deal. Minnesota defeated Detroit, keeping their own team in the hunt while mathematically eliminating Carolina, who is in the midst of a disappointing five game losing streak.
Similar to how last season unfolded, when the Panthers started 6-2 before losing seven straight, Carolina began 5-3 this year but have lost every game since and with Seattle, Indianapolis and New Orleans left on the schedule – the likelihood of getting another victory is slim.
The slide already led to second-year owner David Tepper relieving long-time coach Ron Rivera of his duties and the move is already having some ill side effects. Following the loss on Sunday, cornerback Donte Jackson publicly questioned the play calling of interim head coach Perry Fewell after allowing two touchdowns while in coverage.
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Typically, any such discrepancies would have been handled “in-house” as Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney, constructed a locker room built around a solid veteran presence but now there is no precedent. Tepper will work to find a replacement and while whoever is selected to lead Carolina into the future is surely going to establish their own procedures, Fewell faces an uphill climb these final few weeks.
Stating he was disappointed in Jackson’s decision to question his coaches via a media interview, Fewell said the matter would be handled internally. As the team prepares for a matchup against the 10-win Seahawks, there is nothing to lose should Carolina elect to send a message by sitting Jackson.
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If so, expect cornerback Ross Cockrell to get a little more playing time opposite James Bradberry down the stretch.