Five consecutive Carolina Panthers losses have a team once in firm control of their own playoff destiny, clinging to hope and needing help from other teams to continue their season. After not receiving any help on Sunday, a loss to New Orleans would not mathematically eliminate Carolina but would essentially end any real hope at making the playoffs.
Half way through, the Panthers appeared poised for their first ever back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history. Fast-forward a few weeks and Carolina is in real jeopardy of posting a losing season. The decline and inability of coach Ron Rivera to right the ship down the stretch could have new owner David Tepper anxious for a potential coaching change.