4 major factors to blame for Panthers’ dismal loss vs. the Eagles in Week 5

Carolina Panthers lacked discipline

A prominent feature during training camp was the “DBO” sign, which became a signature for what the Carolina Panthers were trying to implement when it came to discipline. Something that was sorely lacking against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Carolina gave up no fewer than nine penalties for 69 yards. Some in crucial situations that made things harder than they should have been.

This will grate on Matt Rhule all week.

He preaches discipline on both sides of the football and to see his Panthers team go to pieces under pressure against the Eagles – who were there for the taking – was extremely disappointing.

Although the Panthers remain at 3-2 and with a winning record through Week 5, their season is in real danger of turning sour despite some winnable game upcoming on the schedule.

The Minnesota Vikings are coming to town on the back of a last-gasp victory against the Detroit Lions, so they’ll fancy their chances of getting back to .500 on the road.

To say this is an important few days for the Panthers would be an understatement. One could even call it season-defining.