The Carolina Panthers are not in good form. But thanks to the dismal quality across the NFC South, they still have everything in front of them.
There is nothing they can do about the past. This is all about moving forward, which starts with beating the New Orleans Saints in Week 10 to deliver a telling blow in the division.
The Saints have picked things up from a difficult start. They also have only three wins, falling well short of preseason expectations. But the Caesars Superdome is a difficult place to play, and the Panthers must be at their best, with no weak links, to end their slide.
With that in mind, here are four Panthers on the hot seat against the Saints.
Carolina Panthers on the hot seat entering Week 10 game against the New Orleans Saints
Will Lee III, CB
This game has come too soon for Mike Jackson Sr., who was officially listed as doubtful. He may be one week away, but things look much more promising for rookie fourth-round cornerback Will Lee III.
Lee was listed as questionable, but the signs are positive. It'll be a baptism of fire upon his return, with the Texas A&M product set to lock horns with Saints wide receiver Chris Olave.
Interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash's system should allow Lee to become more impactful in press coverage, but he cannot get burned deep. Any mistakes, and Olave will punish them, so there is no time for a bedding-in period.
Monroe Freeling, OT
The Saints could target offensive tackle Monroe Freeling as a weak link. The rookie first-round pick has endured some inevitable growing pains in Year 1 of his professional career, made worse by the transition to the right-hand side after Taylor Moton's blood clots during the summer.
Freeling has unique athleticism, but he is incredibly raw. Defensive end Chase Young is in his crosshairs this weekend, another daunting proposition for the Georgia product on the road.
Young was touted as a generational prospect coming out of Ohio State. While he hasn't lived up to that billing, he enjoyed a new lease of life in New Orleans. If Freeling isn't ready, he's in for another torrid afternoon at the office.
Derrick Brown, DL
Derrick Brown flashed quality once again in Week 9. Some fans still argue he isn't doing enough, but the interior defensive lineman has a good chance to pile more misery on the Saints in this one.
The Saints confirmed that Cesar Ruiz is moving to center, with rookie Jeremiah Wright coming in at right guard after Erik McCoy's injury. This weakens their offensive line, which could mean good things for Brown as he looks for his first statement game of the season.
Looking at this matchup and Brown's success against the Saints throughout his career, he will never get a better opportunity.
Dave Canales, HC
The pressure is building on head coach Dave Canales. Questions are now being asked about whether he is the man to take this project where it wants to go, and his nonchalant attitude toward some egregious officiating calls against the Denver Broncos irked sections of the fan base.
Canales still has belief in the building. Injuries have decimated this squad, but reinforcements return this weekend. Though positive, that also removes an excuse.
The Panthers have won three games, but they are still leading the NFC South. They cannot afford to lose division battles in their bid to return to the postseason, and things will get incredibly uncomfortable if they don't leave New Orleans without a win.
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