The Carolina Panthers are 6-5 and need to make some defensive corrections if they are going to save the 2018 season.
The Carolina Panthers are have hit the danger zone as they are 6-5 and riding a three-game losing streak. While the 52-21 blowout at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers may be considered an anomaly, there are pressing issues that need to be addressed in the fact that this group has also dropped two close games in the last two weeks to extend this winning drought.
Even though the Panthers are second in the NFC South, they must right the ship over their final five games if they are going to hold on for a coveted spot in the 2018 postseason.
Things are not all doom and gloom for the team from Charlotte. Cam Newton is having a very strong season. His 69.6 completion percentage is nearly eight points higher than any other point in his career. He’s also lowered his rushing attempts, which will help increase the longevity of his career, avoiding the ailments that a physical playing style may bring.
Then there is Christian McCaffrey, who is on pace to have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving this season. Other areas of the team are also performing well, creating a glimmer of hope that fans should not be ready to trash this team just yet.
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Looking at the Panthers’ three-straight losses, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the issues are rearing their head as multiple pain points come to light. The loss to the Lions came on the heels of a failed two-point conversion, with head coach Ron Rivera taking the risk to win the game rather than go for the tie — something that doesn’t happen too often in today’s NFL.
Then against Seattle, the defense was unable to get a stop in the final moments to keep the Seahawks from making the go-ahead field goal. In a league that tends to be risk averse, the Panthers are playing in an opposite fashion that does create some excitement, but is also leaving the door open for these close losses that have plagued this organization in recent years.
Statistically, signs continue to point questionable play by the defense as a catalyst for this current slide. In the last three games, Carolina has allowed an average of 387 total yards, but have forced zero turnovers during that run. Carolina’s defense was once recognized as a group that found themselves in bend-not-break situations, frequently finding a way to force a turnover when it was needed most.
Those days seem to have passed as the team is in a seven-way tie for sixth place in the NFL with 11 interceptions, a four-way tie for 17th with nine forced fumbles and in 22nd place with only four recoveries. As Carolina continues to face powerful offenses, especially those coming in the NFC South, their inability to create turnovers should be a real pressing concern.
Even more telling is that Carolina is struggling in the time of possession battle. Pittsburgh, Detroit and Seattle each won the time of possession contest, controlling the ball for more than half of the game. This is imperative in those late-game situations where Carolina has been unbale to pull out a big stop or play to get the win. This is also apparent when looking at their ability to get off the field on third-down as these three opponents have completed a combined 18 of 37 attempts on third-down for 48 percent.
Carolina isn’t out of the conversation yet to reach the 2018 post eason. But if this current trend continues, those hopes will dash in the coming weeks. Looking at the last three losses, Carolina has clear issues on the defense that need to be addressed if the ship if going to successfully turn around. The question now becomes whether there is enough time left before the 2018 season is in the past and the Panthers are once again at home in early January.