4 Carolina Panthers on the hot seat in Week 16 vs. the Lions
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers find themselves firmly on the hot seat in their Week 16 home finale against the Detroit Lions?
Even though morale surrounding the Carolina Panthers took a major hit in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are not out of the divisional race with three games remaining. This speaks volumes about the lack of quality within the NFC South, but opportunity knocks providing Steve Wilks can regroup his players in time for a crucial home finale versus the Detroit Lions.
Wilks was in no mood to discuss playoff aspirations after such a dismal performance. And this weekend’s Christmas Eve clash promises to be another stern challenge.
The Lions are in the midst of a sensational turnaround that has them within touching distance of a wildcard berth. This would be an extraordinary feat in Dan Campbell’s second season considering how poorly Detroit started the campaign.
High stakes for both teams all things considered. Here are four Panthers who find themselves on the hot seat entering Week 16 at Bank of America Stadium.
Panther No. 1
Ben McAdoo – Carolina Panthers OC
Another ineptly called game in Week 15 has the pressure piling on offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Nothing new since he arrived with the Carolina Panthers, but time is running out for the former New York Giants head coach to regain some career respectability.
If the run game doesn’t become forceful early on, the Panthers and McAdoo cannot come up with the adjustments needed. The Lions have a suspect – yet improving – defensive unit, so this is another chance for the play-caller to silence some doubters and get Carolina a pivotal win on home soil.