This one hurts because it was there. The Panthers had opportunities to win this game and enter the playoffs. With a score of 14-16, they will have to go home and hope the Atlanta Falcons put them in. This is a game that is frustrating to watch and experience as a fan. In all areas of the game, there were miscues, mistakes, or blunders that took away their ability to win the game. From the players, the coaches, to even the refs. Here are the areas that possibly took away the division:
Player Mistakes That Changed the Game
Linebacker Eye Discipline Leads to a Costly Touchdown
Christian Rozeboom’s eyes on the touchdown told the story. Against trips, trio, or any 3-by-1 formation, the linebacker is usually responsible for the No. 2 or No. 3 receiver.
Instead of keying those receivers, Rozeboom focused on the running back flaring out. Because of that, Cade Otton was able to run untouched up the seam for the score. That wasn’t a talent issue, but eye discipline.
Later in the game, the same scenario showed up in the middle of the field. This time, Rozeboom fixed his eyes, trusted his keys, and it took him directly to the football for the interception.
That play showed the correction was possible. Unfortunately, the earlier mistake already shifted momentum.
Failure to Finish on Critical Third Downs
The Panthers allowed Baker Mayfield to extend plays on critical third downs. Defenders were in position to make sacks or tackles, but didn’t finish. 4 different times, Mayfield was dead to rights and was able to make the play and extend the drive. The Panthers’ defense was ranked second-worst in the NFL, and today it hurt them the most. In all levels of football, if your defense is bad on third down, you will not win the game. In the NFL, those moments decide games, and too many of them went Tampa Bay’s way.
Ball Security Has to Be the Standard
On the flee-flicker, either it was a miscommunication or poor timing, but it was really unfortunate that Dowdle sent the ball backwards. On the other hand, Bryce has to jump on that ball. Period. Immediately, flashes of Cam Newton’s Super Bowl hesitation came into mind.
That has to be the standard for Carolina quarterbacks moving forward — you fall on the ball no matter what. In a game this tight, that moment mattered.
Coaching Decisions That Didn’t Match the Moment
The playcalling was confusing when it mattered most. The flea flicker near the red zone stands out. You were moving the ball well, the field was slick, and that play does not work on that side of the field. It felt like forcing creativity instead of trusting what was working. The rhythm of the offense was giving your team a chance to move the football and stick with the game plan.
Before that trick play, there was also no creativity in the running game — no motion, no counters, nothing to stress the defense. Straight-ahead runs made life easier on Tampa Bay. They finally sent a motion with Jimmy Horn Jr, and it opened up McMillian for a big play. Dave Canales and the coaching staff need to add some more wrinkles to their game plans. Put some confusion and stress back on the defense to provide Bryce Young and the Offense easier possessions. Lastly, during the broadcast, it was said perfectly: there wasn’t enough play-action. Bryce Young is at his best when the run game and play-action are tied together. That never became a core part of the plan.
Just as frustrating was the lack of leadership in key moments. During the early whistle with Rico Dowdle. Why was Dave Canales not handling that situation? Why was Bryce dealing with officials instead? It is understandable that, as the playcaller, he has to stay focused on the offense, but that is something that is a con to the Head Coach being that person. At no point was there an explanation or even a justification for what happened.
Ref Decisions That Shifted Momentum
The officiating was disappointing to watch. Referees will miss calls, and it will always be human error. But how do they miss the helmet being ripped off, but then call the offensive pass interference on McMillian that was clearly within five yards? Both players were hand-fighting, and in the middle of the play, the ball was not in the air during that moment, so there really was no reason for that to be called. Another confusing penalty was the defensive pass interference on tripped feet. Both during the live broadcast and replay, Nick Scott never extended on Cade Otton, but the refs felt the need to throw the flag. Something good officials will tell players and coaches that they throw penalties on things they see. The refs never saw what happened, only assumed it, and that is egregious
Those calls stalled drives, flipped field position, and changed the feel of the game. Once those calls started going against Carolina, it felt like the Panthers began pressing instead of settling in.
Defensive Effort That Deserved Better
Despite everything, the defense eventually settled in. They were on the field for extended stretches and continued to compete. The defensive backs covered well and forced Mayfield to tuck the ball and run instead of beating them through the air. That effort kept the Panthers alive longer than they probably should have been.
The Reality Going Forward
Now the Panthers wait. Tomorrow, all of Panthers Nation will be Falcons fans.
If the Panthers do not get in the playoffs, this game will be hard to swallow this offseason. They had chances and opportunities to win. Hopefully they do, Go Dirty Birds!