Ron Rivera has made some changes to his defensive coaching staff after four straight losses. Defensive line coach Brady Hoke and secondary coach Jeff Imamura have been fired. Max Henson
Thomas Davis Color Rush Jersey , of panthers.com, is reporting that Rivera is taking over play calling duties and will focus on coaching the secondary. Eric Washington will focus more on coaching and coordinating the front seven.The Panthers secondary and their defensive line have fallen apart at key times during almost every game this season. This is Ron Rivera’s major shake up to try to save his job. Not only has he fired the assistant coaches responsible for those struggling units, he has effectively demoted new defensive coordinator Eric Washington. The defense from here forward will be unequivocally Rivera’s. We will learn over the next four games if the problems have been due to player talent or coaching.Much of the team came forward yesterday after the game to affirm their support of Rivera and his job as head coach for the Panthers. They haven’t quit on him. Rivera will have a chance to change the narrative against the toughest stretch of schedule they have faced all season. The Carolina Panthers have endured two tough tests in the beginning weeks of their 2018 campaign. While the Panthers’ offense was able to do just enough to keep the team afloat, Carolina fell to the Falcons 31-24 for their first loss of the season. The Panthers’ offense is still adjusting to life after Greg Olsen’s foot injury. Despite the loss, Cam Newton looked solid with a 71.1% pass completion and was able to test things out as he looks for a new safety target.Things won’t get any easier for the Panthers as they take on an undefeated (2-0) Bengals team. The Bengals are coming off a 34-23 win over the Ravens. The Bengals have tallied a total of 68 points in their first games of the season—the second highest point total after the first two games of a season in team history. The Bengals also have a defense to compliment their offense. Their defense may be young, but they’re able to create turnovers in critical moments. Here are the four keys for the Panthers’ offense to defeat the Bengals’ defense:Take Pressure off Newton: It’s tiresome to say
https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Cameron-Artis-Payne-Jersey , but the injuries on the offensive line is still a huge factor to how the offense is playing. So far, the offensive line has lacked in keeping Newton protected. In a matter of two games, Newton has already been sacked a total of five times (although two of those sacks can be attributed to other factors). The Bengals defense has tallied six sacks, including 4 in their last match-up against the Ravens. Defensive tackle Geno Atkins is one of the best in his position. He’s quick at getting to the quarterback, totaling nine tackles and three sacks so far. It’s critical to keep Newton away from one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the league. Carlos Dunlap will be another force to be reckoned with. Between he and Atkins, they have combined for nine quarterback hits so far. Prevent Turnovers: The Bengals have a young defense
https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/J.J.-Jansen-Jersey , but they play like veterans. Cincinnati is tied for No. 2 in the league in turnover margin. They have forced five turnovers—including a scoop and score fumble recovery touchdown that won the game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Of those five turnovers, four of them have resulted in setting up points for the Bengals.Although the Panthers have been fairly good at not turning over the ball (one fumble, one interception), it’ll be key to not allow any mishaps against a team that’s able to capitalize on turnovers.Key in on Christian McCaffrey: Without Olsen, it was clear that McCaffrey was Newton’s safety net against the Falcons. McCaffrey led the team with 14 catches and 102 yards. With defenders like Atkins, Dunlap
https://www.carolinapanthersfanshop.com/Mike-Adams-Jersey , and Jordan Evans, a run game may not be realistic. But the Panthers can utilize McCaffrey in quick passes to keep the momentum going. Get a pass game going: The Bengals’ defense has allowed 836 total offensive yards—695 of those coming through the air. The Panthers’ receiving corps hasn’t been the most efficient on catching passes, but this is the week to get a pass game going. Last week, D.J. Moore scored his first touchdown— a 51-yard catch and run that showed off his amazing skills in space—on his first NFL reception against the Falcons.Devin Funchess was strong in Olsen’s absence bringing in seven of nine targets for 77 yards. The potential for a strong passing game is there. Ultimately, this game will come down to Panthers being able to control ball. The Bengals will come fast and hard. It’s key to give Newton time in the pocket and limit the turnovers.