A seventh consecutive loss for the Carolina Panthers officially ended all pipe dreams for a return to the playoffs. After a promising start, the worst stretch of games for coach Ron Rivera and his team continued with another uphill battle upcoming next week at New Orleans.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke received his first start in place of Cam Newton and after leading a well executed opening drive, battled through an injury in an attempt to help the Panthers keep pace. It wasn’t enough as Carolina dropped their third straight and final home game of the year.