4 big decisions ahead for Matt Rhule as final cuts loom
By Dean Jones
What are some of the big decisions that head coach Matt Rhule needs to make as final cuts loom for the Carolina Panthers?
The next few days are going to be crucial for the Carolina Panthers ahead of the new season. Final cuts to make their 53-man roster will be happening sooner rather than later and who the organization decides to take with them into 2020 could go a long way to determining their fortunes.
Plenty of coaches and scouts will have their say. But the final decision will ultimately fall on Matt Rhule. The new head coach has made an impressive start to life with the Carolina Panthers in the most difficult of circumstances. But this disrupted preparation period has done little to alleviate concerns regarding their aspirations next season.
Rhule has built up a tremendous reputation for bringing struggling programs back to prominence. This was the key factor behind the Panthers giving him a seven-year deal worth $60 million this offseason. But making the transition to the NFL has been a step too far for the majority of college coaches who try to make a similar impression at the next level.
The Panthers will be hoping that this does not ring true regarding Rhule. He has changed things up for the better during training camp, with increased intensity of team drills something the should benefit his roster considerably.
He has commanded the respect of his locker room thanks to his unconditional support regarding taking a stand in the current climate. But the coach will have some tough decisions to make in the coming days.
Here are four big decisions Rhule must come to a conclusion on as training camp winds down this week.