The Carolina Panthers suffered another crushing defeat in Week 8, this time to the Green Bay Packers on prime time. The result has created significant changes for the organization.
Head coach Dave Canales fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, sending shockwaves through the league. While the move was necessary, it still doesn't absolve players of blame for their rough performances against the Packers.
Following Thursday night's loss, it's apparent which players are most to blame for the Panthers' loss. Here are four players who should be at fault for Carolina's second consecutive defeat.
Players most to blame for the Carolina Panthers' loss to the Green Bay Packers
Rasheed Walker, OT
Rasheed Walker is officially a liability and arguably the worst left tackle in football. He lacks the anchor and power to be an adequate starter at any level, and it has made the Panthers a worse team as a result. He certainly won't be posting any clips of him throwing players into the ground anytime soon.
According to Pro Football Focus, Walker conceded five pressures and a sack, and now leads the NFL in pressures allowed with 30, pending the remainder of Week 8 results.
This is a game that should warrant a benching, and thankfully, the Panthers could make an easy decision since they are only paying him $4 million.
Luke Fortner, OL
LukeFortner may also be the worst center in football. Snaps were low for quarterback Bryce Young, miscommunication was rampant up front from the center, and the blocking was wildly underwhelming.
This is the type of game after weeks of constant bad displays that warrants a benching. ESPN's Mike Kaye suggested that this could be the case, with potential personnel changes along the offensive line.
I believe Fortner played his last game as a starter after another terrible game. It's time for the Panthers to give their rookie fifth-round pick, Sam Hecht, a chance to show what he is capable of at this level.
Robert Hunt, OL
When you're being paid $20 million per year to be a top player, you better be performing as such. Robert Hunt has been one of the worst starting guards in the NFL this season and proved it against the Packers' defensive front.
It seems Hunt doesn't have the upper-body strength to stifle opposing defenders anymore after his bicep injury last year. He is not the same player, becoming a swinging open door for opposing pass rushers to get a clean shot at Young in the pocket.
The Panthers are in a tough spot with Hunt's performance and current pay this season. An underperforming and overpaid guard is not something you want to have at this critical juncture.
Nick Scott, S
With Todd Wash now the interim defensive coordinator, Thursday Night Football may have been Nick Scott's last start for the foreseeable future. Wash coaches a much different style of football that would make the safety's usage redundant.
Scott has been a liability for the Panthers' defensive backfield in recent weeks, missing tackles in space that have led to big plays on the ground or through the air. Early in the game, he missed a critical tackle on wide receiver Christian Watson, which led to a Packers score a couple of plays later.
It's time for the younger players to get their shot, specifically Zakee Wheatley and Lathan Ransom, both of whom are being pegged as the future at safety for the Panthers.
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