The Carolina Panthers have turned the page after their morale-sapping Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. But this is the NFL, where games come fast, and narratives can shift week to week.
Head coach Dave Canales' squad will be aiming to silence their doubters against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. And it's already a must-win game for both clubs.
The Falcons are also coming off an opening-day loss and have serious quarterback concerns. But for a Panthers team that gave up 291 rushing yards and six scores on the ground to start the campaign, seeing Bijan Robinson in their way isn't exactly ideal.
It's a division rivalry, so anything can happen. But the Panthers have a good record versus Atlanta in recent years, and Canales will be hoping for the same again.
But for these Panthers, their margin for error has already vanished entering Week 2.
Carolina Panthers whose margin for error has already vanished entering Week 2 against the Falcons
Xavier Legette, WR
The signs were positive around wide receiver Xavier Legette this summer. He had a renewed purpose, performed well in training camp, and raised optimism about his outlook. But not for the first time in his professional career, he couldn't come through when it counted.
Legette dropped a screen pass early in Week 1. He didn't successfully gather his only other target, and he was restricted to kick return duties after that. It was a poor start, and Jimmy Horn Jr.'s release should serve as a warning to the South Carolina product if he cannot turn things around.
Princely Umanmielen, OLB
There was real excitement about Princely Umanmielen's first career start. He once again flashed as a pass-rusher, but he was a glaring weak link against the run, failing to stay disciplined and breaking edge containment almost constantly.
This might be who Umanmielen is. The Ole Miss product is confident he can be a three-down force, but he still has significant work to do to get there. And the sooner veteran Patrick Jones II gets back, the better.
TeRah Edwards, DL
The Panthers gave TeRah Edwards a shot in Week 1, making Cam Jackson a healthy scratch. That was somewhat surprising, but Carolina wanted to see what it had in the new addition, who arrived via trade just before final cuts.
It did not go well. Edwards played 29 percent of defensive snaps and was bullied at the line of scrimmage by Chicago's interior protection. If he's active this weekend, he has to display more core strength and get into his anchor more effectively.
Ejiro Evero, DC
The Panthers' defense was abysmal to begin the season. Ejiro Evero came under fire as expected, but Canales once again threw his support behind the defensive coordinator as pressure builds.
Evero doesn't deserve all the blame. The players still have to execute, but the soft zone coverage in key moments was another big frustration. Unless there are major adjustments to get things back on track, the coordinator's seat is going to get increasingly warm.
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