I still can’t shake the feeling that the Panthers lost last week when Ron Rivera, down 18 points on the Saints’ 35 yard line, elected to punt on 4th and 5 instead of attempting to either convert a first down or make a long field goal. To his credit, Rivera defended that decision the next day. Points for integrity, I guess. A 53-yard field goal cuts it to a two possession game and a first down keeps the hope of a touchdown alive. Graham Gano looked rocky from those distances last year and the offense surely hadn’t inspired much confidence yet that day, but not pursuing points in a game where you are trailing and on the wrong side of the clocks is actively trying to not win a game. That is certainly an attitude that you can have as an NFL team.
Actually, I’m taking back those points for integrity. I don’t think he’ll mind because he clearly isn’t that interested in them. We shouldn’t laud sticking to your guns when they are pointed an your own head. That is a cry for help and, at the risk of mixing metaphors, we should be as cautious in giving him a hand as he is in chasing a lead.
The erstwhile Riverboat captain has not only sworn off gambling, he actually seems afraid of water. Converting on 4th downs in key moments was a pillar of the successes of the 2013 and 2015 teams. The Panthers have yet to attempt a 4th down conversion in 2017. Not playing to the offense’s strengths is a huge mistake when we are talking about an already hamstrung unit.
Blame what you want on the team being distracted by the political firestorm that was the NFL’s week 3, and there are certainly plenty of guesses to be hazarded on the subject, but the Panthers’ offense isn’t a strong unit yet. They will see their share of 4th downs this afternoon. They will likely be trailing the Patriots on the scoreboard. Ron Rivera will be faced with more than one 4th down and questions.
Winning this game is going to require Rivera to not act like he is contractually obligated to punt at his opponents’ convenience. You have to possess the ball to win a game. Failing to attempt a 4th and short on the opponents side of the field with Cam Newton under center is a turnover. Choosing to turn over the ball when behind in an NFL game should be a fire-able offense. It doesn’t have to be harder than that.