The Carolina Panthers used their mini-bye week to make significant changes. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley were both fired, but whether these drastic measures will bring the desired results remains to be seen.
Head coach Dave Canales said this was his call. He didn't hire Evero, so this was always going to be his first scapegoat. But at 3-4 through seven games, things are still hanging precariously.
Sweeping changes to the defensive scheme wouldn't be smart. That will take time, but Canales believes interim coordinator Todd Wash can galvanize his group enough to be more competitive, at the very least.
They'll need to be.
The Panthers are still dealing with significant injuries, and the offensive line remains a real issue. But somehow, they remain on top of the NFC South, so there is still everything to play for over the second half of 2026.
With that in mind, we predicted how things might go for the Panthers over the next four games as their post-Evero era gets underway.
Predicting the Carolina Panthers' next four games as life without Ejiro Evero begins
Carolina Panthers vs. Broncos - Week 9
The Panthers face another daunting test of their credentials this weekend when the Denver Broncos visit Bank of America Stadium. Sean Payton's men are riding high at 6-2, coming into the contest off a dramatic victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
This roster has very few holes. One could argue their rushing attack isn't prolific, but their defense now has All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II to lean on after a spell on the sidelines. And their formidable defensive front seven represents a tough task for Carolina's spiraling offensive line to overcome.
Canales will be demanding improvements. Unfortunately, these two clubs are heading in different directions right now.
Prediction: Loss (3-5)
Carolina Panthers at Saints - Week 10
The NFC South is wide open. All four teams will probably think they have a legitimate chance of getting a home playoff game. That makes the divisional matchups even more important than usual.
Carolina is currently 1-1 in the division. Their next chance to strike a blow comes in Week 10 against the New Orleans Saints, who are 2-5 after being touted as a dark-horse playoff hopeful before competitive action began.
That hasn't come to fruition. The Saints are struggling, and given they are also 0-4 at home, this is a can't-miss opportunity for the Panthers to end their slide.
Prediction: Win (4-5)
Carolina Panthers vs. Ravens - Week 11
This looked like one of the tougher games on Carolina's schedule before the season. Thanks to another frustrating injury to quarterback Lamar Jackson, that's no longer the case.
Jackson severely injured his thumb on the first play of his first game back in Week 8, and he's now on injured reserve. This is a body blow that the Baltimore Ravens may not recover from this season, but the Panthers are in no position to underestimate the AFC North club.
They still have a talented defense. They still have running back Derrick Henry. But without Jackson under center, the Panthers should have enough to come through.
Prediction: Win (5-5)
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers - Week 12
The Panthers were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. Baker Mayfield barely threw the football, but the Buccaneers ran all over Carolina. And this was probably the final nail in Evero's proverbial coffin.
Tampa Bay beat the Atlanta Falcons last week without Mayfield completing a pass in just three attempts. The weather was awful, and the signal-caller is still feeling his dislocated thumb. But relying on the ground game is their preferred method until further notice.
This won't be a surprise the Panthers don't see coming in their second meeting. Whether that's enough to get a victory is debatable, but it would be huge if they could avoid a sweep.
Prediction: Win (6-5)
Add us as a preferred source on Google