Expectations for the Carolina Panthers had been for probably the most section low this season. Yet they are nonetheless one of the vital largest disappointments in the NFL.
Following a coarse 5-12 2021 marketing campaign, the Panthers have come what may seemed worse in 2022 amid a 1-4 get started. After another listless effort in a 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, head trainer Matt Rhule used to be requested if he’d spoken with crew proprietor David Tepper about his job safety.
“I hope you guys understand, I’m here to talk about the game,” Rhule stated. “I’ve always been very forthright with you guys. I have nothing to say about that now. Really just here to just talk about the game today. I would never want to make this about me.”
It’s a tricky spot for Rhule, who is aware of the drill. The industry of soccer is hyper-focused on effects, and two-plus seasons into his tenure, the Panthers have proven no indicators of growth. They recorded 5 wins in his first season, 5 wins in 2021 and are on tempo to fall in need of the entire this season with another last-place end in a so-so NFC South. Five weeks into the season, Rhule’s seat is sizzling sizzling.
He’s now not getting a lot assist from quarterback Baker Mayfield, who used to be received this offseason as an alleged improve over Sam Darnold. So a long way, he is been the rest however.
Mayfield entered Sunday with a career-worst 54.7% of entirety share whilst throwing 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions with 186.8 passing yards in line with recreation. Sunday’s line in opposition to the 49ers: 20-for-36 (55.6%) for 215 yards with 0 touchdowns and an interception the 49ers returned for a landing. These don’t seem to be numbers befitting an NFL quarterback.
Mayfield used to be likewise requested about his job safety Sunday. He did not seem to understand the query.
“Did you question my job, ’cause I’m not,” Mayfield replied. “I’m confident with where I’m at. I haven’t played well enough obviously. … We have to get it fixed. That’s how I’m wired.”
Whether or now not he performs subsequent week in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams will not be as much as him or Rhule. Mayfield’s left ankle were given rolled on a first-half hit, and he confirmed as much as Sunday’s postgame information convention dressed in a walking boot.
He performed in the second one half of with the harm and is scheduled for an MRI on Monday to decide its extent. If he cannot play subsequent week, Darnold isn’t anticipated to peer his subsequent shot. Darnold began the season on injured reserve along with his personal ankle harm and is not anticipated to be in a position to play in Week 6.
That implies that if Mayfield cannot cross, third-year quarterback P.J. Walker is the following guy up. He has tallied two touchdowns and 8 interceptions in restricted NFL motion.
If Rhule in the end is fired, he’ll lose his job with out the advantage of competent quarterback play.