Matt Rhule’s stubborn approach is costing the Carolina Panthers

Matt Rhule’s stubborn approach is costing the Carolina Panthers as the team gets set for another eventful offseason period this spring.

Holding yourself accountable is the hallmark of almost every head coach across the NFL. Even when players are at fault, leadership dictates that the man at the helm carries the can in front of the media rather than throw certain individuals under the bus to save their own skin.

This is something Matt Rhule has yet to master. The Carolina Panthers are in the midst of a disastrous run of form and with the pressure mounting, blaming others to deflect attention is already well underway where the former Baylor man is concerned.

Firing offensive coordinator Joe Brady was just the start. Teddy Bridgewater was the fall guy in 2020 and it seems Rhule turned his criticism to Cam Newton straight after the team’s ninth loss of the campaign at the Buffalo Bills.

Upon watching the film, Rhule backtracked on his original statement regarding a fourth-and-one play that was a complete mess. However, these rash comments won’t go unnoticed by those within the locker room and other pros across the league.

Stubbornness doesn’t get you very far in the big league. Coaches have to be able to make adjustments quickly, adopt a ruthless approach when it comes to making changes and, most important of all, those in power must recognize when mistakes are made and react accordingly.

Something Rhule hasn’t accomplished so far.

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has not helped himself in 2021.

This is especially evident on the offensive line, which continues to be a constant source of frustration. Rhule’s insistence to start players that have no business being NFL starters is costing the Panthers and offering nothing to the development of rookie duo Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown.

There is nothing left to lose.

Unless Brown and Christensen see meaningful reps over the next three games – at their preferred positions – then some serious questions will be asked about Rhule’s approach to player development.

Not only this, but Rhule is also flirting with the idea of bringing back Sam Darnold into the starting lineup. His refusal to officially name Newton as the starter for what might be his final game at Bank of America Stadium is proof positive that it wasn’t the coach that wanted him back in the first place.

Installing Darnold as the starter after such a torrid series of performances would be yet another stubborn move by Rhule.

One that could set many fans over the edge when it comes to his future.

Just how things unfold for the Panthers over their remaining three games could dictate how certain situations transpire this offseason. Relieving Rhule of his duties is a franchise-altering call by team owner David Tepper after just two seasons, especially considering the coach demonstrated tremendous growth in Year 3 at Baylor and Temple.

However, if they extend their losing streak to seven before the campaign comes to a conclusion, then Tepper’s hand might be forced. This isn’t college, after all.

Demonstrating a willingness to adjust is a minimum requirement for Rhule down the stretch. Failure to do this might end up with some pretty big ramifications for a man Carolina handed a seven-year, $60 million deal when Ron Rivera departed.