The Carolina Panthers probably welcomed the short week after such an abysmal performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But make no mistake; any further failures will not be tolerated.
To say Carolina underperformed is understating things. Head coach Dave Canales was outcoached, and his players didn't execute effectively enough. It was a complete mess, but Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers is a chance to right things.
Canales will demand nothing less.
The Panthers are short-handed, but that's been the case all season. They just have to get on with it, and this team typically performs well when its back is against the wall.
That's a reason for encouragement, if nothing else. But for some players, they are dangerously clinging to their roles on the prime-time stage.
With that in mind, here are three Panthers players who are edging closer to being benched entering Week 8 at Lambeau Field.
Carolina Panthers players who are dangerously close to being benched entering Week 8 against the Packers
Luke Fortner, C
The Luke Fortner experiment is not going well. Just how much longer the Panthers keep things as they are is debatable. But if the veteran center cannot provide improved stability against the Packers, the mini-bye week might be a good time to make the desired changes.
Fortner was meant to be a short-term stopgap, so nobody expected miracles. They expected consistency, and he just hasn't provided it.
With rookie fifth-round pick Sam Hecht and versatile lineman Brady Christensen patiently waiting for their chance, the stakes couldn't be higher for Fortner under the prime-time spotlight. If he doesn't deliver, a demotion could be in his immediate future.
Nick Scott, S
The Panthers have two young, dynamic safeties in Lathan Ranson and rookie Zakee Wheatley. Ejiro Evero trusts veteran Nick Scott, but it may be time to transition him out of the lineup in favor of the ambitious duo.
Scott has been a natural scapegoat for fans, but he played pretty well last season. Unfortunately, he hasn't come close to reaching those heights this time around, so there will come a time when even Evero's patience runs out.
The former Penn State standout is a little older and a little slower now. Green Bay's high-octane offense will target this as a weak link, and if he fails to come through, a reduced role might be best moving forward.
David Moore, WR/KR
Dave Canales proudly claimed that David Moore was the safest option in the return game before Week 7 against the Buccaneers. That faith was misplaced, as the wide receiver turned in an error-prone performance that added to the growing frustration around his return to the roster.
There is no doubt Canales trusts Moore. They've worked together at three stops, and he's always been confident in his capabilities. Unfortunately, the contribution isn't matching this confidence, and the tipping point should arrive at some stage if the same trend continues.
Moore might get one more chance to prove himself. But with running back Trevor Etienne also boasting return skills, that could be the best option for this team long-term.
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