For Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday’s result was just another number for the wrong side of the column.
The 26-16 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4 sent the regime to their 10th loss in 11 games and their 26th in 27 outings in which they’ve allowed 17 points or more. And if you’re a bigger-picture person, they’re now a whopping 11-26 under their third-year coach.
Regardless, Rhule told reporters on Monday that he still has faith in the process.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself, our staff and our players,” he said when asked about how safe he feels in his role. “I think everyone here is aligned.”
With those aforementioned numbers, it’s good to know at least something is aligned somewhere in the organization. Because on top of those and the fact that their third quarterback project in as many seasons is already failing, there might not be much left for Rhule to hang on to.
In another inquiry into his job security, Rhule would add that he hasn’t spoken to owner David Tepper about the topic.
“Nah, he didn’t talk to me about that,” he said. “I’m not gonna talk a lot about my conversations with Dave. He wants to win like everybody else wants to win. He’s a really good owner, a good man and I’m gonna keep doin’ the best I can for him.”
Then Rhule, after mopping up that question, was subsequently asked if he’s been contacted by any college programs that may be interested in his services. And his answer was exactly what you’d expect it to be.
“Ah, I’m not gonna talk about that,” he said. “I’m the Carolina Panther head coach. That’s it.”
That he is.
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