The Carolina Panthers were dealt a heartbreaking loss by the Seattle Seahawks in classic letdown fashion. This loss hurt worse than many, mostly because of how well the Panthers offense played. While the Carolina Panthers were losers yesterday, there are some performances worthy of praise. Conversely, there are also performances worthy of scrutiny. Here are the winners and loses of the day as I see it.
Winners
The young guns of Carolina had an amazing day. Christian McCaffrey, Curtis Samuel, and DJ Moore have proven they have enough talent between them to take over a game. There is no longer any doubt, these three young men should be starting. They are the future of the Carolina Panthers and fans should be very excited about that.
Cam Newton broke a franchise record for consecutive completed passes. Cam is quietly having one of his best seasons ever. That fact makes it all the more confusing as to why the Carolina Panthers don’t look like a playoff caliber team. Cam Newton finally has weapons and his improved play tells us it is something he should have had all along.
Losers
Devin Funchess did not play against the Seattle Seahawks, but he is a loser on the day none the less. Without Funchess on the field, the Carolina Panthers had one of their most efficient and impressive days moving the ball up and down the field. Now there is no doubt that the Panthers should not pay Funchess a large sum this offseason to retain his services. They don’t need him.
Ron Rivera and Marty Hurney need to be on the hot seat right now. Rivera’s team lacks focus and attention to detail. A head coach is responsible for his players in this regard. They are a reflection of the head coach and right now Rivera’s reflection isn’t so nice to look at.
Rivera also failed in game management. During the Panthers final drive he played for a 50 yard field goal and was happy leaving two minutes on the clock for the Seattle offense to take advantage of. This ultra conservative approach is antiquated in today’s NFL. You need touchdowns to win. Field goals, even when made, don’t cut it. The Carolina Panthers still would have lost yesterday even if Graham Gano made his kick.
Marty Hurney has a roster with only two competent corners who play the outside. When Donte Jackson went out with injury early, they had no choice but to replace him with a nickel. That roster mismanagement arguably was the nail in the coffin on Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks took advantage of Hurney’s blunder and won the game.
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