The Carolina Panthers were given a perfect chance to assume control of the loaded NFC South. They tripped on their proverbial lace front in their recent game against the New Orleans Saints. After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost in an upset to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, the math got a lot tougher. Both the Panthers and Buccaneers came into Sunday’s game at Bank of America Stadium with identical 7-7 records. The Panthers’ repeated tendency to drop games they were leading would come back to haunt them yet again.
In an incredibly close matchup against their division rival the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers were again faced with a pivotal fourth down. This time a fourth-and-a-foot. They failed to convert, which allowed New Orleans to score a game-tying touchdown with just 2:33 left on the clock. The Saints then capitalized on their momentum, driving from their own 9-yard line into scoring position for the game-winner with only 57 seconds remaining.
Bears’ Carolina’s rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, finished 15-24 for 163 and a touch in the contest. The Panthers put up a valiant effort, but once again they just didn’t have the firepower. This defeat represents their second straight and fifth loss in the past six contests. Yet the damning reality is that this team has imploded in every discernible close game they were once winning this season.
While head coach Dave Canales was clearly disappointed, he kept everything in perspective with his post-game comments after the loss.
“We have to be smarter in those situations,” – Dave Canales
Canales reiterated that they could be better in key situations as the team gets set to take on Tampa Bay again. The Panthers are opening as 2.5-point underdogs at home against the Buccaneers in their next game.
“We’re really fortunate to be in this position where we can play the Bucs twice,” Canales added. And for the past eight weeks, that has meant the Panthers winning every other game. They’ve failed to put together back-to-back wins since winning three in a row in October against the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets.
The Panthers’ recent struggles have left them with a dismal record of 0-12 as favorites since 2021, underscoring their inconsistency this season. Young credited the team’s determination to always finish games strongly.
“This team is trying to find an identity of professionalism, of maturity, just to have that consistent outcome,” – Dave Canales
The Panthers must win all three of their remaining games against the Buccaneers in order to win the division. Or, they can clinch the division by beating both Tampa Bay and Seattle, with the Buccaneers losing their Week 17 game against the Miami Dolphins.
As they prepare for what could be a defining matchup against Tampa Bay, the Panthers are focused on correcting their mistakes and regaining confidence.
“We are a team that prides ourselves on finishing,” – Bryce Young
The upcoming game against Tampa Bay could determine not only playoff positioning but test the resilience of a team that has struggled with consistency throughout the season. The Panthers need to unlock their upside. To flip their fortunes during this last third of the season, proper execution is key.
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