Well the last time we took a look at the Panther's season it wasn't looking good. The Panthers were 2-3 and weren't playing very good football. But since then, they have slightly turned things around. They've went 3-1 in their last 4. With the only loss coming to division rival Tampa Bay.
The main reason for the turnaround is that Cam has been throwing to the right team. He has 8 TDS to only 1 INT through the last 4 games. The offensive line is a big reason also. They have given Cam time to throw the ball instead of running for his life. The change to the Rookie OT, Adam Bisnowaty from Michael Oher has seemed to work so far. The line has also opened a few more holes for Leonard Fournette. In the last 4, he has 248 yards and 3 TDS. Which isn't great but it's an improvement over the first few weeks. He now has 615 yards and 5 TDS in his rookie season. Another Rookie that has looked good is Travis Rudolph. His totals aren't that big due to an injury that cost him 4 games, but when he has played, he's looked good. He has 14 catches on the season for 174 yards and 3 TDS. Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin have most of the production through the air. They have combined for 1,151 yards and 9 TDS, on 75 catches.
On the defensive side of things, the Panthers have been very up and down this year. But in the last 4 they have given up an average of 20 points a game. Which is a big improvement over the first few weeks. Cam Sutton finally returned this week and was able to record his 1st career INT. Luke Kuechly is (no surprise here) leading the team in tackles with 66. He's also tied with Charles Johnson, with 9 TFLs. He also has 1 sack and 1 INT. Kony Ealy is leading the team with 5 sacks and the team lead in INTs is tied between James Bradberry and Tre Boston. Both have 3.
If the team keeps playing ball like they have the last 4, this team could push the Buccaneers and Falcons for the division. But as unpredictable as this team has been, the good play could end next week. The schedule ahead isn't very friendly either. As the division leading Falcons (7-2) come to town next, followed by a trip to Tampa to take on the Bucs (4-4). Both of these teams have already beaten the Panthers this season. These next 2 games will likely decide the playoff hopes for Carolina. And possibly the future of Coach Rivera.
The main reason for the turnaround is that Cam has been throwing to the right team. He has 8 TDS to only 1 INT through the last 4 games. The offensive line is a big reason also. They have given Cam time to throw the ball instead of running for his life. The change to the Rookie OT, Adam Bisnowaty from Michael Oher has seemed to work so far. The line has also opened a few more holes for Leonard Fournette. In the last 4, he has 248 yards and 3 TDS. Which isn't great but it's an improvement over the first few weeks. He now has 615 yards and 5 TDS in his rookie season. Another Rookie that has looked good is Travis Rudolph. His totals aren't that big due to an injury that cost him 4 games, but when he has played, he's looked good. He has 14 catches on the season for 174 yards and 3 TDS. Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin have most of the production through the air. They have combined for 1,151 yards and 9 TDS, on 75 catches.
On the defensive side of things, the Panthers have been very up and down this year. But in the last 4 they have given up an average of 20 points a game. Which is a big improvement over the first few weeks. Cam Sutton finally returned this week and was able to record his 1st career INT. Luke Kuechly is (no surprise here) leading the team in tackles with 66. He's also tied with Charles Johnson, with 9 TFLs. He also has 1 sack and 1 INT. Kony Ealy is leading the team with 5 sacks and the team lead in INTs is tied between James Bradberry and Tre Boston. Both have 3.
If the team keeps playing ball like they have the last 4, this team could push the Buccaneers and Falcons for the division. But as unpredictable as this team has been, the good play could end next week. The schedule ahead isn't very friendly either. As the division leading Falcons (7-2) come to town next, followed by a trip to Tampa to take on the Bucs (4-4). Both of these teams have already beaten the Panthers this season. These next 2 games will likely decide the playoff hopes for Carolina. And possibly the future of Coach Rivera.