4 Carolina Panthers in do-or-die mode vs. the Falcons in Week 14

Matt Rhule – Carolina Panthers HC

One would have to be living on a faraway planet to not pick up the signs that Matt Rhule is under enormous pressure in just his second season with the Carolina Panthers. The head coach is under fire for poor results, almost no in-game adjustments, and questionable personnel decisions that haven’t exactly installed the greatest confidence in his ability to take the organization where it wants to go.

Rhule came in with a project in mind. Even if some of the transactions made during the offseason and when competitive action began outlined they had higher hopes than anticipated.

However, things just haven’t been consistent enough to see the Panthers emerge as a legitimate playoff contender even if they somehow reach the postseason in 2021.

There is no more room for error where Rhule is concerned. The glaring spotlight on his ever-increasing hot seat is now blinding and unless marked progress is made, speculation will continue to mount.

Firing Joe Brady and going with a more trusted confidant in Jeff Nixon as offensive coordinator seems like one last throw of the dice this season. But another defeat to the struggling Atlanta Falcons is going to see confidence drop to a level not seen during his tenure.

The stakes are high for Rhule. We’ll find out much more about what he’s truly capable of in Week 14 and beyond.