Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as fingers continue to point following another poor loss at the Detroit Lions in Week 5?
The day after is always one of reflection and perspective. This might be the case within the Carolina Panthers franchise, but anger continues to build across a fanbase that is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the way things are currently unfolding after being sold dreams of contention by those in power - who wrote checks their players cannot cash.
Some hard work lies ahead in the coming days before they make their daunting trip to take on the Miami Dolphins. Until then, the stories causing conversation include Hayden Hurst's frustration, Terrrace Marshall Jr.'s lack of involvement, Frank Reich looking to shake things up, and David Tepper's constant meddling.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers TE Hayden Hurst's frustration
It's hard not to be frustrated, it really is. The Carolina Panthers are 0-5 and staring another lost campaign in the face unless there is a turnaround of epic proportions over the next 12 contests, which is the sort of form that's become synonymous with the franchise under David Tepper's ownership.
Easier said than done, obviously. But this is a time for big characters and strong will - something the Panthers have seemingly been devoid of through five weeks.
When discussing the team's failings in front of the media, veteran tight end Hayden Hurst has seemingly had enough. And considering he joined Carolina from an AFC contender in the Cincinnati Bengals, this clearly isn't what he signed up for.
Panther TE Hayden Hurst says he has not been a part of a season like this before. Hear why he's starting to be more vocal as the team heads into Week 6: pic.twitter.com/YRwBBHBrbK
— Carla Metts Gebhart (@CarlaGebhart) October 9, 2023
Hurst needs to be more involved, but for him to question some players for not putting in the necessary effort to reach their collective goal is deeply concerning.
Carolina Panthers WR Terrace Marshall's involvement
After securing nine receptions from 10 targets in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. was conspicuous by his absence at the Detroit Lions. This was strange considering how much the Carolina Panthers had to rely on the passing game after getting into a deep hole early.
When discussing Marshall's lack of involvement in front of the media, Frank Reich acknowledged via Sports Illustrated that he should have utilized the former second-round selection. It almost seemed as if the head coach forgot that the wideout was active for the contest.
"He should have played. He should have played some. I wish he would have gotten in there a little bit more. That's my fault. I need to make sure after the week he had the week before with the nine catches and got a little momentum going…he and I had a conversation. That was poor communication by me. I did not do a good job of telling our coaches this is what I would like to see. He should get some play time."Frank Reich via Sports Illustrated
This is the latest in a concerning trend of personnel blunders where Reich is concerned. He's rapidly losing the faith of fans and from Marshall's perspective, must be confidence-sapping after arguably one of his better performances since joining the Panthers out of LSU.
It would be a shock if Marshall didn't get a few targets as a result this weekend at the Miami Dolphins.
Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich's preparation
After so much optimism throughout a dramatic offseason for the Carolina Panthers, nobody expected them to lose their first five games of the 2023 season. No realistic fan envisaged a Super Bowl run, but to see the team falling by the wayside after being told this was a roster built to drop in a quarterback and take off is a major disappointment.
With general manager Scott Fitterer and team owner David Tepper hiding in the shadows, head coach Frank Reich is carrying the can. Pressure is mounting to turn this sinking ship around, but that might have to be after the bye considering how the Miami Dolphins are performing of late.
Regardless of whether the Panthers have a shot this weekend or not, Reich is looking for better preparation, more commitment, and a collective process based on his comments via Carolina's website.
"First and foremost, in their preparation. It takes a little bit more collaborating with the coaches, looking for an edge, looking (at) how can we give the players – and we're always looking for that – but just challenging yourself to find, is there one other play that we can run? On the field, (it's) how can we push the guys on the field? What's the right scheduling thing? We're in practice, what that looks like, and then watching the tape of our practice, are we correcting the mistakes that we see on practice tape so they don't show up again on game tape? Don't leave any detail out. Weeks get very busy. There's a lot of stuff going on. You've just got to make sure you're covering every detail."Frank Reich via Panthers.com
This sounds great and hopefully, it bears fruit. But after five straight defeats - some of them nothing short of embarrassing - talk is cheap.
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper's meddling
It seemed for a long time as if team owner David Tepper had learned some harsh lessons and was altering his thought process accordingly. The Matt Rhule hire and giving him so much control was an expected catastrophe, but the Carolina Panthers went about their business with far more conviction throughout the offseason to raise hopes about long-term, sustainable success.
After five weeks, the Panthers are back to square one. There is no inspiration, the same problems constantly emerge from week to week, and Carolina is all set to give up the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears as it stands.
Tepper is a renowned meddler in football affairs. He can do what he likes as owner, obviously, but it's clear standing over head coach Frank Reich's shoulder at every turn is having an impact for good or bad based on his comments via USA Today Sports.
"He’s super competitive. Wants to bring a winner to the Carolinas. He wants it now. Wants it now. And pushes me and pushes us to that end. He wants to do whatever it takes and turn over every stone. Turn it as much as he has to to produce winning football. So, I appreciate those conversations—they’re always very challenging. He’s a super-competitive person. He’s not gonna sit idly by. There’s different philosophies in ownership. Some owners kinda stay away and don’t engage a whole lot. Other owners do. And his philosophy is he’s gonna engage. And listen, it’s only been a short experience, but it’s been a really good experience. It hasn’t been fun. It’s not fun. Those meetings—I wouldn’t characterize them as fun meetings. But those meetings make me better and I trust they make us better."Frank Reich via USA Today Sports
The billionaire hasn't achieved any success since buying the Panthers. He's impatient after so much underachievement, which is understandable, but perhaps Tepper should focus more on the business side instead of forcing the issue on football matters.
Based on history, that seems highly unlikely.