Another extremely disappointing loss for the Carolina Panthers has cast further questions in the direction of head coach Matt Rhule.
Another game, another demoralizing defeat.
The Carolina Panthers were embarrassed at the New York Giants en route to their fourth consecutive defeat. A 25-3 scoreline was made worst by just how many key men were missing from the home team, casting further doubts on just which direction the organization is heading after such a promising start.
Taking losses is all part of being a fan.
But the way things appear to be unraveling for the Panthers is deeply concerning.
This was their flattest performance of the campaign by a considerable margin. The offense was a complete abomination and although the defense held their own, being on the field for so long eventually saw them falter.
Nothing seems to be changing. The same problems are constantly emerging week after week and the Panthers are lacking two things.
Adaptability.
And accountability.
One can blame the players’ plenty. There’s little doubt they need to execute better, but the coaching staff also need to be held accountable and head coach Matt Rhule, in particular.
Team owner David Tepper made acquiring Rhule a top priority. When it looked like the then Baylor coach was heading to the Giants, the billionaire reportedly paid him a house visit, offered him final say on personnel decisions, and gave him a seven-year, $60 million deal.
Year 2 is not going well for Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers.
Rhule got a pass last year during Year 1 of his rebuild. However, patience is now wearing thin due to the fact there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of progress transpiring despite their aggressive approach to recruitment that’s more like a “win-now” team than anything else.
Speaking after the game, Rhule appears willing to give their current options one more chance at redemption when they travel to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8.
"“After a game like this, you kind of want to go back in the locker room, and come back with all the same guys and see how they respond. Bad stuff happens. What do we look like next week? We better look different next week, or the conversation changes. I think that’s fair. The guys would say that’s fair. I would say that’s fair. This happened. This was not what anyone wanted.”"
The time for talk is over.
And to be honest, it’s all a little tiresome at this point.
Actions are all that matter now. There are no more excuses to be made and if things don’t turn around at an NFC South divisional rival next weekend, then some big ramifications could follow.
It’s sure to be another dramatic week with rumors about Deshaun Watson gathering pace.
According to multiple reports, the Panthers are throwing their hat in the ring despite his legal complications away from the gridiron. Although Rhule claimed they were still starting Sam Darnold this week following his benching at MetLife Stadium.
League and team sources expect the Panthers to be involved in the Deshaun Watson trade talks.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 24, 2021
But let’s face it, nobody really buys what Rhule tries to see regarding players at press conferences anymore.
Rhule is no longer a promising college coach adapting to the NFL. He’s been in the job for almost two years and considering he’s also rubber-stamping the roster-building, it’s just not good enough.
The question regarding Rhule being in over his head will be answered soon enough. If this proves to be the case, then the Panthers are going to have a big decision on their hands if things don’t improve.