How much is at stake for the Carolina Panthers vs. Vikings in Week 6?

Just how much is at stake for the Carolina Panthers when they take the field in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings?

It might still be relatively early days and there is a long way to go in the 2021 season. But the Carolina Panthers head into their Week 6 game against the Minnesota Vikings with lots at stake.

Their second-half meltdown at home to the Philadelphia Eagles has resulted in the fanbase getting increasingly restless about the team’s aspirations, which is a far cry from how high hopes were following their 3-0 start.

This is a high-stakes situation for both the Panthers and Minnesota. Each team is in a similar boat to a certain extent – two talented rosters looking for playoff football who come into the contest with plenty to prove.

A third straight loss for Carolina would leave a lot more questions than answers. It’s not the way they’re losing, but the most frustrating element to all this is the same problems are causing the team’s demise time and time again.

One doesn’t have to examine the Panthers to see what they are. It comes down to four things, really.

• Poor execution
• Bad situational football
• Second half performance
• A suspect offensive line

That’s not forgetting how quarterback Sam Darnold regressed in the face of considerable pressure in Week 5 without Christian McCaffrey alongside him in the backfield.

These are problems that can be fixed. Although the Panthers don’t possess much in the way of quality depth across their protection unless additional moves are made.

But it’s a riddle the Panthers haven’t been able to solve since Matt Rhule took over as head coach.

Unless things change, Carolina can only get so far.

Flaws like this are getting exposed because opposing teams aren’t stupid. They know their weaknesses and are safe in the knowledge that if they can hang around even when things aren’t going their way, it might give them a chance as the contest progresses.

This added sense of urgency did not go unnoticed by the team, with Wednesday’s practice described as “intense” by Darnold and Rhule claimed it was the best session he’s overseen since arriving at the franchise.

"“I thought today was our best practice we’ve had, probably since I’ve been here. The defense came out with a lot of energy today, the offensive guys had an edge to them, so that was a good practice. We’ve been practicing well, but this is the best. Hopefully, we see some dividends and do it again tomorrow. When you have an edge, usually you’re a lot better. To not have played our best game last Sunday, you’d hope you’d have an edge.”"

It shows that the players are striving to get their season back on track. But the coaching staff also need to raise their respective contributions accordingly in key situations.

Phil Snow’s defense got themselves back on track in Week 5, which was encouraging. However, unless the Panthers produce a complete performance against the Vikings, it could be costly.

Minnesota is another organization that has no more margin for error. This is a chance for them to gain some ground on the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, who play each other this weekend.

There are 11 games to go after this one. But that should not detract from what a crossroads encounter it could end up being at Bank of America Stadium.