Carolina Panthers' Loss Raises Doubts After DC Firing

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Carolina’s Loss Raises Doubts After Defensive Coordinator Firing

Carolina fired its defensive coordinator following last night’s loss, but the defense did not appear to be the team’s biggest problem. The Panthers lost their two standout defensive ends to preseason injuries, while the offensive line struggled to protect the franchise quarterback and the offense failed to get anything going.

The decision suggests someone is already taking the fall within the organization. David Tepper has a reputation for being short on patience and having a quick trigger, but firing the defensive coordinator seems questionable after an offensive performance that included four fumbles the previous week against Tampa.

There were some positives. Hubbard had a strong game, received plenty of attempts and scored a touchdown. Green Bay also went over its team total near the end of the game.

At 3-4, Carolina has created doubts about whether it can win the division. A few weeks ago, the Panthers looked like the best team in the division and appeared capable of reaching nine or 10 wins. That analysis may have been wrong, as it is no longer clear whether Carolina can reach that mark.

Atlanta may be better than expected, while Tampa Bay may not have buried itself and could still be alive in the race. Carolina could have lost last night without causing major concern, but the game felt over within the first 10 minutes. Watson went off, and after he was taken out, Golden did the same.

The division still looks likely to be won with no more than nine victories, but it is no longer possible to say with confidence that the Panthers will be the team that wins it.