5 big talking points from Panthers’ defeat at the Bills in Week 15

(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton
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Carolina Panthers
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Cam Newton

What were the big talking points as the Carolina Panthers fell to yet another loss at the Buffalo Bills in Week 15?

Sunday’s game was always going a tough ask for the Carolina Panthers. It doesn’t get much more difficult than a trip to the Buffalo Bills in December, coupled with the fact that Sean McDermott’s men are far superior and it’s no surprise the odds were never good.

Carolina for the most part actually stayed competitive before Buffalo scored late. But the same cracks and problems were evident throughout.

This defeat leaves the Panthers at 5-9 with three games to play. For the fourth consecutive season, Carolina will end the campaign with a losing record.

With the difficulty of the remaining schedule for Matt Rhule and his charges, it’s a serious possibility that Carolina will end the season 5-12. Back-to-back five-win seasons don’t bode well for Matt Rhule’s chances of returning for a third season.

Confidence has evaporated quickly regarding the head coach and whether he can guide this team back into legitimate playoff contention. The excuses are wearing thin and some big decisions await the franchise this offseason one way or another.

Without further ado, here are five major talking points that emerged from the Panthers’ ninth loss of the season.

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