4 worst-case scenarios after the Carolina Panthers bye week
By Dean Jones
What are some worst-case scenarios for the Carolina Panthers over their remaining five games of a rollercoaster 2021 season for the team?
Perhaps getting time to refresh and regroup was just what the Carolina Panthers needed in Week 13. The wheels were coming off rapidly following two straight losses before their period of rest, but whether the necessary adjustments can be made to get the team trending in the right direction is another matter entirely.
It certainly wasn’t dull during the bye. Christian McCaffrey and Donte Jackson were both put on season-ending injured/reserve by the Panthers, with head coach Matt Rhule also firing offensive coordinator Joe Brady after he failed to implement his run-first approach effectively.
The next five games are going to come with some substantial ramifications one way or another. Carolina still finds itself in playoff contention somehow, although their daunting run of games down the stretch means attaining postseason football would be a remarkable achievement in the circumstances.
Rhule’s decision-making in terms of coaching and personnel is coming under increasing pressure. He looks like a man on the hot seat and the former Baylor man can ill-afford a dismal run of results in the coming weeks heading into a pivotal offseason for the franchise.
Team owner David Tepper has waited long enough for a winner. If the billionaire doesn’t like what he sees, then big changes could be made in the not-too-distant future.
Without further ado, here are four worst-case scenarios for the Panthers after the bye week.