4 big Carolina Panthers storylines to watch at the Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers’ ability to make in-game adjustments
The coaching staff is coming in for increasing criticism. Not entirely unexpected when one considers how much the Carolina Panthers have struggled throughout their four-game losing run.
It’s going to be interesting to watch how Matt Rhule and his staff responds. This bears equal significance from a preparation standpoint and what in-game adjustments the Panthers make in the face of an in-form Atlanta Falcons organization.
This is an area where Rhule is falling short. And if these same problems continue throughout the campaign, then it might leave team owner David Tepper with a huge decision to make regarding his future.
There was also some speculation linking Rhule with a return to the college ranks, with FOX Sports’ college football analyst Joel Klatt claiming he’d been told the former Baylor man was “not all the way in” on the NFL.
Carolina’s fanbase doesn’t need to be hearing such things right now. So if Rhule and his staff cannot improve their own contributions in Week 8, serious questions need to be asked.
Phil Snow has been the one shining light from the coaches this season. But the defense is paying a heavy price for not getting the required rest thanks to some glaring deficiencies on the offensive side of the football.