The Carolina Panthers have had plenty of time to stew over their Thursday Night Football loss to the Green Bay Packers. Big changes have been made, and fans are now expecting improvements moving forward.
Next up, it's the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. They are 6-2 and brimming with confidence. Sean Payton's team is widely regarded as a Super Bowl hopeful, so the challenge awaiting Carolina cannot be overstated.
Injury problems are mounting. Confidence in their aspirations is diminishing, and for the first time in his tenure, questions are being asked about head coach Dave Canales' outlook.
It's not ideal. But with 10 games remaining, the Panthers must show some fight as pressure mounts.
With that in mind, here are five Panthers firmly on the hot seat entering Week 9 against the Broncos.
Carolina Panthers on the hot seat entering do-or-die game against the Broncos
Rasheed Walker, OT
Despite left tackle Rasheed Walker's woeful play this season, there's been no indication the Panthers will bench him yet. But this cannot continue for much longer if they want to keep quarterback Bryce Young healthy.
Walker's lack of strength is damning. His lateral movement isn't up to the required standard, and his confidence is clearly lacking. And with the Broncos boasting one of the league's most ferocious pass rushes, the problems are clear.
Nick Scott, S
Ejiro Evero trusted Nick Scott fully. They developed a close relationship during their time together on the Los Angeles Rams, and despite his up-and-down play in Carolina, his confidence never wavered.
Evero has now been fired, as has pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. Scott's safety net has vanished, so don't be surprised if rookie Zakee Wheatley and Lathan Ransom start eating into his reps.
Robert Hunt, OL
Another week, another poor performance from Robert Hunt. The Panthers are making excuses, claiming playing next to a rookie right tackle is impacting his performance. But as a seasoned pro being paid by one of the league's best, he's just not doing enough.
Taylor Moton is done for the year, so Monroe Freeling will remain on the edge next to Hunt. And unless the right guard steps up his game, he'll be a prime salary-cap cut candidate next year.
Derrick Brown, DL
With Ejiro Evero now gone, interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash has a primary goal in mind. He wants to get more out of Derrick Brown, who remains the best defensive player on Carolina's squad, even if the numbers don't show it right now.
Everyone knows how dominant Brown can be when firing on all cylinders. Things just haven't clicked so far, but against the Broncos, he has to step up, pressure Bo Nix, and keep their subpar rushing attack in check.
Dave Canales, HC
The Panthers have already sacrificed their scapegoat, with Dave Canales firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. This was seemingly long overdue, but it puts all the pressure on the head coach moving forward.
The Panthers were expected to do more this season, and they haven't delivered yet. Their schedule is about to get tougher as well, so unless significant improvements arrive, fans may begin to question Canales' ability to take this franchise where it wants to go.
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