{"id":54628,"date":"2018-12-09T17:42:10","date_gmt":"2018-12-09T22:42:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=54628"},"modified":"2018-12-09T17:42:10","modified_gmt":"2018-12-09T22:42:10","slug":"carolina-panthers-losing-streak-reaches-five-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/12\/09\/carolina-panthers-losing-streak-reaches-five-games\/","title":{"rendered":"Carolina Panthers Losing Streak Reaches Five Games as They Fall in Cleveland"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s much harder to digest this losing streak as a fan of the Carolina Panthers<\/a> when there isn\u2019t really anything, in particular, to point to. No impactful, game-breaking injuries. No horrible coaching decision making. It\u2019s just bad football across the board, and it\u2019s surprising to see considering the talent on this roster. The Panthers have dropped their fifth straight in Cleveland and will not be making the playoffs short of a miracle, but at this point is it really even worth it? It might be time to wave the white flag on 2018, put Cam Newton<\/a><\/strong> on injured reserve, and fire Ron Rivera<\/a><\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers Losing Streak Reaches Five Games as They Fall in Cleveland<\/b><\/h1>\n

Bad Football<\/h2>\n

The Panthers are a bad football team. They fail in crucial situations in every way imaginable. It\u2019s hard to put it into words. Newton clearly isn\u2019t right and this team looks dead in the water. They need a fresh start, and that won\u2019t come until next September. The pieces are there to be successful, but the product on the field is just not.<\/span><\/p>\n

Horrifying football aside, Luke Kuechly<\/a><\/strong> played like a man possessed. He finished the game with 11 tackles and two forced fumbles. Kuechly and Thomas Davis<\/a><\/strong> looked like the only guys who cared on the defense today. <\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next?<\/h2>\n

You\u2019d have to think this was Rivera\u2019s last straw. Losing to Cleveland is bad enough. To lose your fifth straight game to Cleveland after starting the season 6-2 is more than a fireable offense. The only reason Rivera wouldn\u2019t be fired this season would be because owner David Tepper<\/strong> isn\u2019t comfortable with any candidates to replace him. It\u2019ll be interesting to see what develops over these next few weeks, especially if this losing streak extends to six games on Monday Night Football. <\/span><\/p>\n

Looking towards the draft, the Panthers need to get younger on defense. Look for Carolina to bring in a game-breaking pass rusher. Pressure has been nonexistent from the front four this season. A pass rush is essential to any successful team and I can\u2019t see the Panthers addressing any other position in the first round. <\/span><\/p>\n

Scoring Summary<\/b><\/h3>\n

First Quarter<\/b><\/h4>\n