Panthers May Be Running Out Of Time To Correct Mistakes By Postseason

By Danny Cox

As the Carolina Panthers wonder how they fell to 3-6-1 with one game remaining before their bye week, they have but one thing to say, and that’s “Thank God for mediocrity.”

If it weren’t for the fact that the NFC South-leading New Orleans Saints are 4-5, the Panthers may already have been already out of playoff contention. The poor play in the entire division this year has kept all four teams alive, but time is beginning to grow short.

With just six games left on the schedule, the Panthers need a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the worst way. After that, they have a bye week and finish the season off with the Vikings, Saints, Buccaneers, Browns, and Falcons on the road. A loss at home this weekend could officially make it close to impossible for them to get into the postseason.

Upon looking at things as a whole, though, it’s almost hard to place your finger on just one or two things that need to be fixed.

First and foremost, the offensive line needs to be fixed in the worst way. Cam Newton being sacked nine times by the Philadelphia Eagles is completely and totally uncalled for. There is some blame that can be placed on his shoulders, but the line has to protect their quarterback better or they won’t have one.

The same could be said for the line in the fact that they hinder the running game as well. It’s hard to ignore the fact that DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and every other back has missed time due to injury this season, but the running game is nonexistent.

Going from there, the defense has to improve somehow and someway. A couple of explosive offenses (Atlanta, New Orleans) are coming up on the schedule and Carolina has given up far too many points this season already.

Five of 10 opponents have scored 31 points or more this season and the Saints almost got there with 28, but were leading by enough to take their foot off the gas.

All of these problems go hand-in-hand because they play off of one another. The defense allows the Panthers to get in a hole so the running game has to be abandoned. Then, Newton has to pass more and opposing defenses are ready for that so he stands in the pocket longer and ends up being sacked more often.

The Saints have a tough remaining schedule ahead of them, and that is good for Carolina. If the Panthers can win 3-4 of their remaining games and the Saints falter a bit, then they could take the division and end up with an automatic spot in the playoffs.

This is not the time to rely on others to make mistakes though. Carolina has to fix their mistakes and they have to do them this weekend against Atlanta. After that, use the break to regroup and come back strong in the final five games of the season.

A couple of false steps against the Falcons, and that could spell the end of the season for Carolina before they even hit their bye week.

For more Carolina Panthers news and updates, visit Carolina Panthers Central.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.