4 critical observations from Panthers’ loss vs. Browns in Week 1
By Luke Gray
Another difficult day for Carolina Panthers HC Matt Rhule
Another season and we see the same troubling aspects of a Matt Rhule-coached team. Once again penalties plagued the Carolina Panthers – especially on the defensive side – with both Jaycee Horn and C.J. Henderson getting crucial penalties coming at critical periods and hurt the team considerably.
In Henderson’s case, his infringement for defensive pass interference negated a possible interception from Xavier Woods. And there’s just no telling what this could have done to the overall outcome.
We saw some questionable decisions Rhule made during the offseason have an impact in Week 1. Waiting to name Baker Mayfield the starter after the second preseason game denied him valuable reps with the first team, and this showed as the quarterback struggled to find any consistency in the first half.
Rhule is on a short leash when it comes to fan support. Losing an opening day contest to a franchise without its starting signal-caller will do little to make those in the stands alter their perception of the former Baylor man and his ability to successfully lead an NFL franchise.
The Panthers and especially Rhule must respond in Week 2 on the road against the New York Giants – the scene of arguably his worst defeat since replacing Ron Rivera.