4 biggest disappointments in Panthers’ collapse loss at Vikings

Game management

If this loss wasn’t bad enough, the Carolina Panthers held a 21-10 lead and looked in complete command at one stage. This was followed by what can only be described as a collapse of epic proportions that undid all their good work in the third quarter.

The players need to take a large share of responsibility for their lack of execution. However, Carolina’s coaching staff also has to do a better job of seeing games like this out to get a positive result.

Head coach Matt Rhule was right to put the defeat on his shoulders, and he’s right to a certain extent. One only has to look at the way Mike Zimmer brought Minnesota back from the brink to see how much experience counts in the NFL and this will be another steep learning curve for the former Baylor man to reflect upon during the Panthers’ bye week.

The Vikings seemed intent on handing Carolina a fifth win of the season. They struggled for the most part on offense and made some big mistakes that would have cost them on another afternoon. But the Panthers took this gift and handed it straight back.

It’s the story of the season.

10 takeaways from the Panthers’ loss at the Vikings in Week 12

What were some of the big takeaways for the Carolina Panthers after they suffered a crushing loss at the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12?

Managing games well is the sign of great coaches at the next level. Rhule and his staff are finding that out the hard way and this needs to get better – quickly – to get the Panthers back where they want to be.