The Carolina Panthers (6-6), on a four-game skid, shuffled things around this week in a clear attempt to change the downward momentum of their season.
Head coach Ron Rivera has taken over complete control of the defensive play-calling, which demoted defensive coordinator Eric Washington to take charge of the front seven. Washington retains his title.
Rivera also fired two defensive assistants on Monday, secondary/cornerbacks coach Jeff Imamura and defensive line coach Brady Hoke.
And now, a true shift in momentum will have to go through, of all places, Cleveland (4-7-1) this Sunday. Sure, it’s Cleveland. But the Panthers have only won once on the road this season, out of six trips.