What were some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ loss against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 6?
After another turbulent week for the Carolina Panthers that resulted in Matt Rhule losing his job, there was a quiet sense of optimism surrounding the dawning of a new era at the Los Angeles Rams. Steve Wilks is the man tasked with gaining some semblance of respectability from the 2022 campaign, even if they were heavy underdogs for their Week 6 clash versus the defending Super Bowl champions.
Sean McVay’s men have struggled to reach the heights of their memorable run to the Vince Lombardi Trophy last season. But they undoubtedly saw this as a chance to get right given the turmoil currently enveloping the Panthers and the number of key personnel missing from the encounter.
As it turned out, it was the same old story for the Panthers as they fell to another defeat, taking them to 1-5 on the season and with far more questions than answers.
With that being said, here are ten quick thoughts from Carolina’s loss at SoFi Stadium in Week 6.
Quick Thought No. 1
Carolina Panthers missed Jaycee Horn
An under-strength Carolina Panthers defense already missing some key men were dealt another blow when Jaycee Horn couldn’t go at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. To see the stud cornerback was sorely missed would be a huge understatement.
Horn’s shutdown capabilities have been evident throughout the campaign. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Donte Jackson and C.J. Henderson, who didn’t exactly step up to fill the void.
Hopefully, Horn won’t miss any more time. If he does, then expect further complications against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium in Week 7.
Carolina Panthers led after a topsy-turvy half
It was an encouraging start overall from the Carolina Panthers. They were patient on offense, leaned on Christian McCaffrey, and managed to keep the Los Angeles Rams in check over the first quarter to provide hope an upset might be on the cards.
Sadly, they let the initiative slip soon after. Missed tackles, more third-and-long conversions, and almost no risk-taking with P.J. Walker under center allowed the Rams to seize slight control before the pendulum swung again just before the break thanks to a pick-six from Donte Jackson, who atoned for his earlier error in the best possible way.
Christian McCaffrey carried the Carolina Panthers’ offense
After intense trade speculation throughout the week, Christian McCaffrey looked like a man on a mission in Week 6. The running back was tasked with plenty of responsibility early and made a significant impression throughout the game en route to 158 all-purpose yards – almost the entirety of Carolina’s offense.
What this means for McCaffrey’s future in Carolina remains to be seen. But his importance to this team currently cannot be overstated and is something those in power should consider strongly before deciding things one way or another.
Derrick Brown was sensational
It’s hard to find the right words to describe just how good Derrick Brown has been in 2022. The defensive tackle is rapidly becoming the player Carolina thought when they drafted him No. 7 overall in 2020 and he further boosted his credentials with a sensational showing against the Rams.
Brown was a constant menace at the line of scrimmage, having his way with a less-than-stellar offensive line and coming up with some huge plays along the way. If the Auburn product continues in this fashion, then a potential Pro Bowl nod might not be too far behind.
Carolina Panthers had no faith in P.J. Walker
With Baker Mayfield inactive as expected, the onus fell on P.J. Walker to provide better production under center. However, it was clear from very early on that the Carolina Panthers had no faith whatsoever in the former Temple star.
Walker was given no opportunities to get the football downfield in the first half. When he was allowed to air it out in the second half, it was largely ineffective en route to 60 passing yards before leaving the contest with a head injury.
It looked like Sam Darnold could be ready soon based on his pre-game workout. So let’s see what happens this week.
Robbie Anderson’s days could be numbered
Another reportedly being shopped by the Panthers, Robbie Anderson didn’t cover himself in glory at the Rams. The offense wasn’t taking many risks downfield as previously mentioned, but the wide receiver’s frustrations got the better of him during a sideline altercation with wideouts coach Joe Dailey.
Here’s the video of Robbie Anderson getting in the face of Joe Dailey. pic.twitter.com/TR9agsvaFr
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 16, 2022
Anderson spent the third quarter in a hat riding the stationary bike. He was also spotted away from his teammates and was eventually dismissed from the field by Steve Wilks in the second half, which is the clearest sign yet that his time with the organization is coming to an end.
Carolina Panthers couldn’t contain Cooper Kupp
If Christian McCaffrey was the obvious focal point for the Panthers, then the same can be said of Cooper Kupp. The electrifying wide receiver came up with huge plays time and time again as the contest wore on, which is something Carolina couldn’t contain effectively.
Kupp finished with 93 total yards on the day. But the Panthers won’t be the last who suffer at the Triple Crown winner’s hands based on this performance.
Carolina Panthers’ offense is a disgrace
Matt Rhule might be gone, but Ben McAdoo remains. And with that comes an offensive scheme incapable of succeeding in the modern-day NFL.
No adjustments, no creativity, and predictability that is easily figured out by opposing defenses. It’s a huge mess and a complete reset is needed if the Carolina Panthers want to salvage anything from their season.
Carolina Panthers suffered more 3rd down woes
Getting off the field on third down has been an ongoing frustration for the Panthers. Something that reared his ugly head once again in Week 6.
The Los Angeles Rams converted some third-and-longs and had their way thanks to Sean McVay rolling the dice and getting creative. That proved to be the difference between the two sides as Carolina’s defense looked visibly tired due to prolonged spells on the field with very little rest.
Carolina Panthers are a bad football team
There’s no getting around it, the Panthers are a bad football team. Simple as that, really.
The sooner those in power come to this realization if they haven’t already, the better their chances will be for the future. Massive changes are coming with a new head coach in 2023, so it’s vital general manager Scott Fitterer builds the necessary foundations to put the upcoming arrival in the best position to succeed.
This season is a lost cause now. And in truth, the damage had been done long before Week 6.