10 quick thoughts from Carolina Panthers loss vs. Cardinals in Week 4

What were some quick thoughts to take for the Carolina Panthers’ loss against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4 at Bank of America Stadium?

Morale was high within the Carolina Panthers heading into their Week 4 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Ending their lengthy losing streak did wonderous things for Matt Rhule and his squad, but it was equally as important to make further strides versus a team relatively lacking confidence after a 1-2 start of their own.

The weather was murky and emotions were high as the Panthers honored the great Sam Mills before and during the game. Even if this did little to detract from what a vital contest this was for the organization on the back of last weekend’s triumph.

As it turned out, it was another capitulation down the stretch en route to Carolina’s third defeat of the campaign. Something that piled further misery on Rhule and the entire organization.

With this in mind, here are 10 quick thoughts we generated from the Panthers’ loss against the Cardinals in Week 4.

Quick Thought No. 1

Carolina Panthers OLB Frankie Luvu was outstanding

Although the Carolina Panthers didn’t get the result they wanted, it was another outstanding performance overall from Frankie Luvu. The outside linebacker continues to be a real force on defense and was everywhere from start to finish against the Arizona Cardinals.

Luvu ended the game with 11 tackles and a phenomenal interception that resulted in a score early on. Unfortunately, the offense once again faltered and unless this changes in the near future, then it won’t matter what the Washington State product does to assist.

Carolina Panthers underused Christian McCaffrey

There appears to be yet more confusion about how the Carolina Panthers are deploying Christian McCaffrey. The All-Pro running back did get a touchdown to save his day, but carries were once again at a premium despite the contest being close heading into the final quarter.

McCaffrey sat out some practices during the week, which could have played a part in his lack of touches. But this is something offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is finding difficult to balance and it’s having an adverse effect on Carolina’s ability to move the chains.

Brian Burns cannot do it alone

It’s no secret that Brian Burns is having a tremendous season. The defensive end looks like a significant force despite extra attention coming his way from opposing offensive lines and this continued with another late afternoon wreaking havoc against the Arizona Cardinals.

There isn’t much pressure coming off the opposite side. However, if Burns keeps up this consistency, then the Panthers would be wise to make him a very rich man once the 2022 campaign comes to a conclusion.

Carolina Panthers fans voted with their feet

One would have been ignorant to ignore the sparce crowd at Bank of America Stadium in Week 4. Once the game got out of hand in the fourth quarter, not many stuck around to see it out as the Panthers fell to their tenth defeat in 11 contests.

Team owner David Tepper has been patient up to now. Something that could change if fans vote with their feet and it impacts the billionaire’s bottom line.

Carolina Panthers’ offense is a major weakness

The Carolina Panthers aren’t exactly setting the world alight on offense. So many individual errors just make it even more difficult for the team to generate anything like the momentum needed to become competitive.

Turnovers change games. Carolina had one in their favor early on when Frankie Luvu went in for a pick-six, but this was negated and then some by Baker Mayfield’s erratic distribution that resulted in two interceptions and a QBR of just 7.4 out of a possible 100.

Carolina Panthers no longer have to worry about punting

It must be comforting for the Panthers to know that punting is no longer a concern. All-Decade punter Johnny Hekker has started the season off on an extremely positive note, which he managed to extend in fine style versus the Arizona Cardinals.

There wasn’t much else for the Panthers to celebrate on Sunday afternoon. But there’s no doubt Hekker was one of the very few that can look back on his contribution with a sense of pride.

D.J. Moore looked a little better

There was a lot made throughout the week about how the Panthers are utilizing D.J. Moore. The wide receiver was also criticized by Joe Person of The Athletic for not getting open effectively, which was quashed by the stats and drew uproar from large sections of the team’s fanbase on social media.

Moore cut a frustrated figure at times, but this was his best game of the year statistically thanks to six receptions from 11 targets for 50 receiving yards. The former first-round pick also got one carry for 11 rushing yards, which was a slight step in the right direction if nothing else.

Carolina Panthers CB Donte Jackson had a tough outing

Even though Donte Jackson was also dealing with an injury problem, it hasn’t prevented the cornerback from participating over the last two contests. Therefore, the Carolina Panthers and its loyal fanbase have every right to expect more from the former second-round selection.

Jackson had a rough game in coverage and was exposed by quarterback Kyler Murray often. Not exactly what everyone had in mind regarding a player that was allocated a lucrative contract extension this offseason in preference to keeping All-Pro Stephon Gilmore around.

Carolina Panthers have a Baker Mayfield problem

The Panthers have a Baker Mayfield problem. A complete lack of execution and inability to generate any sort of positive momentum during the contest has frustrations rapidly growing where the quarterback is concerned.

Fans made no secret of their thoughts by booing Mayfield and the Panthers off the field late on. With Sam Darnold set to return from injury in the not-too-distant future, the leash is tightening around the former Oklahoma star and unless things improve, then head coach Matt Rhule could be tempted to revert back to the man he acquired from the New York Jets in 2021.

Matt Rhule remains under significant pressure

If last weekend’s win over the New Orleans Saints provided some brief respite for Rhule, the pressure is well and truly on again right now. Another inept performance in front of their home crowd sees the Panthers sitting at 1-3 and there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

Something is clearly amiss within the organization. Although there is a united front from players and staff alike in front of the media, one cannot help but wonder just how frustrating things are getting for a franchise that looks set for another high-end draft pick in 2023.

With games upcoming against the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, things are unlikely to improve anytime soon. Just what it means for Rhule is anyone’s guess at this juncture.