Panthers vs Saints game review: Losing the shine

The version of you that took a critical eye to the composition of the Carolina Panthers in August would have considered their current place in the standings and the opportunity ahead of them in the final 3 weeks an unequivocal victory. A step forward for a team that desperately needed to move in the right direction.

But right now, coping with yet another moment where Lucy has pulled the football up at the last second, it’s hard to not want to set fire to everything. Frustration takes over for some, apathy sets in for many more. 

It’s not a secret that the Panthers organization is littered with youth on the roster and in the coaching staff. But now, the shine is starting to wear off and all that’s left is what’s underneath the luster. The edges start looking a little rough and all the little imperfections that may have always been there underneath the surface start to come through and stand out with each passing day.

Against the Saints, it seems like a magnifying glass is being taken to these flaws. Examining the type of moment that the Panthers had shined in the past and being critical of the failure to execute that begat their second loss of the season to a bitter rival.

For this week’s game review, let’s look through that magnifying glass together and examine exactly where the veneer has worn off.

Secondary miscues

Unnecessary and ill-timed penalties, breakdowns in communications, missed assignments, lost one-on-ones, missed turnovers – the list goes on. It was an unfortunate day for the secondary, who for the second time this season succumbed to the moment and face-planted versus the New Orleans Saints. No moment lower than their performance in the 4th quarter. The Saints had the ball to start the drive down 7 points with 4 minutes and 37 seconds left. Then, proceeded to give up a receptions of 17, 18, 16 and finally 12 yards for touchdown all to Chris Olave in a single drive. Followed up by allowing a 62 yard drive that started at the 9 yard line with less than a minute to go to give up the game winning field goal. All aided by a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty by rookie safety Lathan Ransom that was just the icing on the cake for an already brutal stretch.

Tetairoa McMillan hit the rookie wall

After a hot start to the season, McMillan’s last 3 games have been his 3 lowest reception totals of the season, not eclipsing more than 2 receptions in the trio of outings. Hs last two games being his least targeted games of the season as well. Included on McMillan’s disappointing stat line on Sunday was a potential touchdown that hit his hands and fell to the turf. A tougher catch than it needed to be based on his leverage on the defensive back and the poor placement of the football by Bryce Young… but a ball the young receiver should be expected to start holding onto as his career continues.

4th down creativity

Creativity has served the Panthers well on 4th down so far, but lack of fundamental execution and ability to operate the plays that are the bedrock of the sport will continue to haunt them. I’ve appreciated the aggressiveness on 4th down, even praised the conviction in the quarterback to have the stones to put in his hands to make a big play happen against the hottest team in the NFL. But when there are just inches left to get a first down, and the whole league being enamored with the tush-push, it’s painful to feel like the play-caller needs to dig deep into the bag of tricks. Sometimes, it might be nice to be able to reach into the tool box and pull out ol’ reliable. To not make it complicated and line-up for a QB sneak – even using a tight end for all anyone cares since the physics aren’t exactly in favor of the Panthers QB1.

Are there more areas the Panthers fell short? Plenty. At some point, a team that was running hot in crucial situations all season was bound to regress back to the mean at some point. Let’s hope that when the division is up for grabs against the Tampa Buccaneers on Sunday, they look a little more polished.