The Carolina Panthers fell to the New Orleans Saints in a disappointing 17-7 loss on Sunday. This loss underscores another shameful failure in a campaign marred by failure to execute and squandered chances. The Panthers reached a new depth with this defeat. It was their 11th consecutive loss as a favorite, the longest such losing streak in franchise history dating back to the Super Bowl era.
Carolina entered the game with a 6.3-point floor advantage. They were a colossal disappointment, particularly in the passing game. The team’s quarterback, Bryce Young, struggled to connect with his receivers, missing a crucial opportunity to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan while trailing by three points. Carolina’s most recent defeat as an outright favorite came in Week 15 of the 2024 season. This Sunday, the past couple of challenges will hit them head on.
The loss hurt, particularly as it was to a Saints side that had won just one of their last nine fixtures. That’s what made that loss feel more uncharacteristically disheartening. Coach Dave Canales acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, taking responsibility for the performance and emphasizing the need for improved execution going forward.
“We need better execution, and that starts with me, making sure we have the right schemes for our guys,” – Dave Canales
Even left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who was catching the danger signals in advance of the game while on the practice field. Most importantly, he made a stunning admission about the state of the team’s preparation.
“The mindset this week, the preparation this week, wasn’t good enough,” – Ikem Ekwonu
The sheer lack of creativity from the Panthers’ passing game became all too apparent as the game continued. With a little over 12 minutes to play, Young committed the cardinal sin. He was pressured all day long, and he threw the back-breaking interception that sealed their fate.
This season, the Dallas Cowboys took full advantage of Carolina’s difficulties. In the process, they snapped Houston’s 19-game home winning streak and did so as a big 2.5-point pooch! This troubling trend of underperformance begs the question of whether Carolina can bounce back over the next few weeks. The Panthers have one of the toughest schedules in the League on deck. They have to fight with the big boys, such as the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, and face Tampa Bay, another division rival, twice.
Looking ahead Carolina will likely not be favored again over their final seven games, an extended de facto stretch run to get into bowl consideration. With pressure building and this being a dog fight against adversity, the Panthers will have to proactively defend through this smiling teeth stretch.
“Everybody [saw] the same thing we [saw]: missed opportunities,” – Dowdle
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