What’s more embarrassing? Trying to recruit two retirees to play quarterback for you on a few days’ notice or losing to the team who was trying to recruit two retirees to play quarterback for them on a few days’ notice?
Well, the Carolina Panthers may be experiencing the latter this upcoming Sunday. But, for now, let’s see where their latest dose of embarrassment has them across this week’s power rankings.
Touchdown Wire
Author: Nick Wojton
Rank: 27 (-1)
Author’s take: “Whether it was Cam Newton or Sam Darnold at QB, it didn’t matter. The Panthers were absolutely routed 32-6 by the Buccaneers, who were shutout the week prior and appeared to have taken out some anger.”
USA TODAY
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 28 (-1)
Author’s take: “Public Service Announcement: Matt Rhule has 99 Problems, but being compared to Jay-Z isn’t one of them.”
NFL.com
Author: Dan Hanzus
Rank: 30 (-2)
Author’s take: “What’s the opposite of the Midas touch? Whatever it is, Matt Rhule has it when it comes to the quarterback position in the NFL. On Sunday, the coach opted to play both Sam Darnold and Cam Newton — roughly splitting the snaps between the two quarterbacks — to predictably calamitous results. The resulting 32-6 loss to an injury-ravaged Bucs team showed just how far this team has fallen since the salad days of September’s 3-0 start. Rhule did himself no favors after the game with a labored Jay-Z analogy that drew groans on social media and — perhaps — the Panthers front office. Rhule’s best chance at a third year in Carolina might hinge on his ability to keep a low profile.”
ESPN
Author: David Newton
Rank: 27 (-1)
Author’s take: (On his team MVP choice of Haason Reddick.)
“Not only does Reddick lead the team in sacks with 11, he has been key to helping young players understand the process that coach Matt Rhule preaches in regard to turning the organization around. Reddick was a part of that process at Temple under Rhule, so the linebacker understands the work and effort that goes into that — and is able to verbally explain it as well as lead by example.”
CBS Sports
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 26 (-)
Author’s take: “Their offense is awful. Does it matter who plays quarterback? They have to get that fixed for the future.”
Pro Football Talk
Author: Mike Florio
Rank: 27 (-1)
Author’s take: “The paying customers want change. Does the owner?”
Our final take:
Head coach Matt Rhule and his Panthers are about to face another test of humility in New Orleans this Sunday. Can they even look respectable in, let alone win, a game against a team who currently has over 20 players and coaches shelved on the reserve/COVID-19 list?
If Carolina can’t come out victorious, it’ll be their sixth straight loss with one week to go.
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