Can Matt Rhule exorcise the ghosts of MetLife Stadium in Week 2?

How will Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule react when he returns to the scene of the crime in Week 2 at the New York Giants?

It hasn’t taken long for the preseason optimism to diminish where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. A disappointing opening day loss against the Cleveland Browns piled further misery on head coach Matt Rhule, who must respond in the best possible way during his return to the scene of arguably his most embarrassing loss.

Rhule and the Panthers had a winnable game against an under-strength New York Giants team in 2021. Instead, a pathetic showing resulted in Carolina losing 25-3 and quarterback Sam Darnold being benched in favor of P.J. Walker.

It’s a similar situation this time around. New York is expected to be without some key personnel on defense. This makes it another contest in which the Panthers should fancy their chances.

However, nothing can be taken for granted. The Giants are loaded with confidence under new head coach Brian Daboll, who seems to have rejuvenated the organization in double-quick time after taking over from Joe Judge.

Matt Rhule must get the Carolina Panthers trending upward immediately

With a 2-13 record over their last 15 games, it’s not as if the Panthers have momentum in their favor. Rhule’s name was touted as a potential candidate for the Nebraska head coaching vacancy this week, which is sure to continue as long as he fails to bring on Carolina’s talented roster.

Whether Rhule can turn things around is anyone’s guess.

It’s only one game, so people do tend to get carried away without many perspectives. But the same complications continue to emerge and had it not been for a stunning fightback from Baker Mayfield in Week 1, the Panthers would have been blown out by a Browns team led by journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Considering the level of competition upcoming for the Panthers after this game, it already looks like a pivotal moment. A contest they simply must win on the road.

Easier said than done. However, if the Panthers can build on their fine end to proceedings versus the Browns, then ending a run of eight-straight losses is a realistic proposition.

Rhule cannot afford any further lost ground. The margin for error was already slim coming into the campaign, so starting 0-2 with the New Orleans Saints to come next Sunday is going to make for another uncomfortable few days.

This is all about adjustments and character. Rhule knows the only thing that matters is winning right now, and the fans need to see some light at the end of the tunnel after witnessing little in the way of progress since he signed a bumper seven-year, $62 million deal to replace Ron Rivera.

Just show some fight, make sound coaching decisions, and progress in areas of concern. That should be enough for the Panthers to attain success and exorcise some ghosts from the previous campaign at MetLife Stadium.

The pressure is on and every decision will be scrutinized heavily one way or another. A challenge Rhule must respond to after receiving further ridicule this week for his stats over the final 35 minutes in Week 1.

Excuses won’t wash this time around. So Rhule must deliver on an already sweltering hot seat.