The Carolina Panthers have made changes, firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley after a disappointing start to the campaign. Something had to be done, and the failures were enough to pull the plug.
But where could this leave the Panthers' approach before the trade deadline?
One of the biggest reasons for Carolina's defensive failure is injuries. The unit is decimated, but head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan were confident the supposedly improved depth could help them navigate turbulent waters.
Carolina Panthers' firing Ejiro Evero may impact Dan Morgan's trade deadline strategy
There is enough evidence to suggest that this isn't the case. Fans are now calling for additions to strengthen the ranks and keep things from spiraling out of control.
Morgan has shown restraint so far, and the Panthers aren't exactly blessed with lots of salary-cap space to take on contracts. The front-office supremo also values his draft picks highly, which could be another reason behind his decision to stand pat.
But could Evero's firing and the Panthers' failure to meet expectations so far shift his thinking toward removing a couple of high earners from the equation?
That was the question some fans were asking on social media after the Evero news broke. But it is highly unlikely all the same.
Trading anyone of note would be akin to the Panthers waving the white flag. They are on a two-game skid, but they are somehow still leading in the NFC South. That speaks to the division's lack of quality once again, but it shows Carolina is far from out of the running.
Things are not going well.
Dan Morgan will probably stand pat at the trade deadline
Evero's firing speaks to growing strain in the building, with team owner David Tepper projecting a winning record for the first time under his leadership this season. That's still possible, but the tougher schedule will make it challenging.
Carolina faces some difficult offseason decisions. Morgan and Brandt Tilis need to make sacrifices with just over $7 million in projected cap space. They might get a couple of calls for someone like Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown after Evero's firing, but those in power should resist the temptation.
This project is floundering.
But it is still salvageable.
The more likely scenario is that Morgan holds firm, plays the poor hand he's been dealt, and lets the chips fall where they may after that.
Some fans might not like it. But has this team justified a bold trade to potentially put them in a better position?
Not at the moment.
Evero was sacrificed. This always seemed possible, though secretly giving him a contract extension at season's end was bizarre in hindsight. Morgan gave him the personnel, and even though many of them got hurt, the standards weren't improved enough.
This could have a ripple effect, and the vultures will no doubt circle, looking to get difference-makers at the right price. But Morgan isn't in the business of disposing of talent before it's required.
Firing Evero after just seven games won't change that.
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