The Carolina Panthers (5-6) face an uncertain future as coach Ron Rivera attempts to potentially save his position over the next few weeks. Undoubtedly on the hot seat, Rivera is also on the verge of suffering back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2011-2012, his first two with Carolina.
Avoiding consecutive losing seasons may not grant the Panthers a playoff position, but it will help Rivera’s case while hoping for a healthy return of quarterback Cam Newton next year. Regardless of any moves owner David Tepper makes, Carolina undoubtedly needs their franchise quarterback to return in order to compete for an opportunity to knock New Orleans off their current streak of three consecutive divisional titles.