Panthers to remain patient with Rhule amid losing streak

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper will be patient with head coach Matt Rhule amid their losing streak, sources say.

Back-to-back defeats to start the season against the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, both of which were by a single score, have extended the Panthers winless streak to nine games – the longest such run in the NFL.

Despite that run, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport states that sources have informed him a change would only be made in the event of an 'epic collapse or a horribly embarrassing outcome'.

Improvements must be shown, however, and the situation could change later in the season, though for now the hierarchy will be patient amid the push for a turnaround.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is still settling into the offense following his blockbuster trade from the Browns in July, while Christian McCaffrey is starting to build-up steam and the defense is in the top 10 overall in the NFL.

The Panthers have a tough schedule in the coming weeks, tackling the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the end of October.

That may see the losing streak extended as a result, with Rhule holding a 10-25 record as an NFL head coach and the Panthers are 1-25 in games where they have allowed 17 or more points.

Rhule signed a seven-year contract with the Panthers upon his arrival in 2020, which shows sights have clearly been set on the long-term picture.