4 defining moments from the Panthers’ loss vs. Bucs in Week 10

What were the defining moments in the Carolina Panthers’ loss to the Bucs?

It will not be a performance that lives long in the memory of their Carolina Panthers. They might have been underdogs for their Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium, but the way everything came crashing down in a disappointing 46-23 loss is a damning indictment of just how much more this team has to do moving forward.

Nobody will know this more than head coach Matt Rhule, who didn’t hold back in his postgame presser with the wound still fresh. The former Baylor man is not without blame, but he is clearly being let down by those he trusted by bringing into the organization this offseason.

The Panthers now find themselves at 3-7 and staring down the barrel of another losing season. This is something that was probably expected at this stage of their development. But considering the fact that this team was supposed to be getting better as the campaign goes on, it’s hard not to be a little concerned with what’s currently transpiring.

Here are four defining moments that determined the outcome of Carolina’s fifth straight loss of the campaign.

Defining Moment No. 1

The third quarter

After more than holding their own against the Buccaneers in the first half – going in tied 17-17 at the break – things took the biggest of slides immediately after the interval with a dismal third-quarter showing.

This is a trend that’s becoming more concerning with every passing week. Whether it’s a lack of adjustments being made by the coaching staff or a distinct lack of effort from players once they get some rest is unclear, but it’s something that needs to be rectified at the earliest possible opportunity.

Everyone needs to shoulder some blame for this. And it’s been a major difference during Carolina’s current slump.