10 quick thoughts from the Carolina Panthers loss at Bengals in Week 9

Carolina Panthers get a reality check

While the performances had been better over the last fortnight, this Sunday’s saw the Carolina Panthers come crashing down to earth. There should now be no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting this team’s new head coach in 2023.

Garbage points in the second half didn’t mask what really went on. This was a demolition job by the Cincinnati Bengals in no uncertain terms, one that caught some off guard given how much progress had been made under interim head coach Steve Wilks so far.

Carolina Panthers can’t sulk on a short week

There is no time for the Panthers to feel sorry for themselves. A short week beckons before their only primetime game of the season this Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons, which sees Carolina wearing the eagerly-anticipated black helmets – the only thing that makes it watchable if things don’t improve quickly.

What the crowd will be like is anyone’s guess. All hope is officially lost regarding respectability from the season, but any sulking within the locker room in the coming days is unlikely to be well received by Wilks.

Will the Carolina Panthers go back to Baker Mayfield?

There was a noticeable improvement when Baker Mayfield replaced P.J. Walker at halftime. The quarterback made some big-time throws and although it was far from perfect, it might be enough for Carolina to go back to him as their No. 1 option on Thursday Night Football.

Perhaps the Panthers could give Mayfield a chance to shine without the presence of Matt Rhule holding this team hostage. And it’s not like they have anything left to lose with another losing season almost guaranteed.