CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers dismal start to the 2016 season has hampered their chances of making the playoffs, but all hope is not lost.
The euphoria from the Carolina Panthers’ 2015 playoff run is gone. The Panthers’ present reality is that they are a 1-3 team struggling on both sides of the ball.
Carolina’s streak of 30 consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards was snapped in the Panthers’ 48-33 loss to the Falcons.
Panthers’ running back Jonathan Stewart missed Sunday’s game with a lingering hamstring injury and starting left tackle Michael Oher missed the game with a concussion, but their absences were not to blame for the lack of rushing production, which was mostly a product of playing from behind.
Which brings me to the next point.
Carolina had no answer for Atlanta’s offense. Our usually stout run defense was gashed repeatedly, and the duo of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones had career days at the expense of our young cornerbacks.
The Falcons offensive line has proven to be a formidable unit this season, so there is no shame in having difficulty getting to Matt Ryan. Carolina did sack Ryan three times in Sunday’s game, but the pressure was not consistent enough. Although it hasn’t been terrible, the Panthers’ pass rush has been average, at best, all season.
In 2015, Carolina led the league with 24 interceptions and ranked sixth in the NFL with 44 sacks. This season the Panthers are on pace for 36 sacks, which would have ranked 20th in 2015.
Last season the Panthers recovered, a league high, 15 fumbles, but through four games this season, they have only recovered two.
The defense must find a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks and force more turnovers in order to reverse the course of the 2016 season.
According to Pro Football Reference, since 1990, only 15% of 1-3 teams have gone on to make the playoffs, so the odds are not in the Panthers’ favor.
However, with their next two games against the Bucs and Saints, the Panthers have a good opportunity to reach 3-3 and significantly increase their playoff odds. Since 1990, 38% of 3-3 teams have gone on to make the playoffs in that season.
Following the week 7 bye, Carolina faces the Arizona Cardinals in Charlotte, and could potentially push their record above .500. Roughly 50% of 4-3 teams go on to make the playoffs in any given season.
The health of Cam Newton who suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss and Thomas Davis who tweaked his hamstring will play a large part in determining the Panthers’ success. We will know more about the status of both in the next few days.
The Panthers have put themselves in a difficult position with little room for error. We know they have the talent to compete for a playoff spot, but they have not shown championship form through the first four games.
The issues with the running game and pass rush are solvable, but the Panthers must make the necessary adjustments quickly, or risk joining the club of Super Bowl losing teams who fail to make the playoffs the next season.
