4 former Carolina Panthers with plenty on the line in Week 13
By Dean Jones
Which former Carolina Panthers have plenty on the line in Week 13?
At long last, the Carolina Panthers are on their bye week. This comes after a grueling 2020 season that has been the rollercoaster many expected and has head coach Matt Rhule’s men at 4-8 after their first 12 games.
This should be far better. The Carolina Panthers haven’t got themselves over the line against teams they should have beaten, which was no more evident than during a complete capitulation at the Minnesota Vikings that eventually ended with a 28-27 loss.
A good period of rest for everybody associated with the organization was much needed.
That includes Carolina’s loyal fanbase, too.
They’ve been put through the wringer during free agency and the current campaign. So getting some time to watch football stress-free this weekend will be more than welcomed by most.
It is also an excellent chance to check up on some former Panthers who have plenty riding on their efforts. Here are four such individuals with a tremendous amount at stake for differing reasons.
Former Panther No. 1
Ron Rivera
Former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has a shot to make the postseason just one year removed from his sacking. This doesn’t have anything to do with the Washington Football Team gaining a winning record. But the fact they’re playing in the dismal NFC East has them aiming for a surprise playoff appearance.
Washington faces a daunting proposition against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, but there might not be a better time to play Mike Tomlin’s men. They only took the field on Wednesday in a sluggish win over the Ravens and if the roster hasn’t recovered from a physical game sufficiently, it might just give Rivera a sneaky hope of pulling off a major upset.
Nobody in Carolina will be rooting against Rivera after everything he gave the franchise and that he’s been through this season to get to this point. Beating the Steelers would lay down a huge marker for Washington, who have turned things around quickly under their new head coach.