The Carolina Panthers are still trying to find themselves. They are growing together as a young, ascending team, but the consistency is nowhere near the required standard just yet.
That was no more evident than during another demoralizing loss to the New Orleans Saints with the NFC South lead firmly in their grasp.
The Panthers never looked comfortable. It was almost as if the moment was too big for them at this stage of their growth. But even with such a massive setback, Carolina still has destiny in its hands.
Two wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the next three weeks will secure postseason football for the first time since 2017.