How Much Pressure is Rivera Under?

[Seltzer]

Good article that points out that the Panther's excellent offseason has only served to raise the pressure even more this season for Rivera to produce a playoff team.

https://catcrave.com/2019/06/18/carolina-panthers-offseason-pressure-ron-rivera/

As someone who still believes Rivera is capable of leading the team to a Super Bowl victory, I think he will rise to the challenge as he has in years past.  Rivera seems to perform better when his back is against the wall, and while I wouldn't say his seat is blazing hot, it will be warm all year.

Tepper has seen how stability and continuity has for the most part been a good thing for the Steelers organization, but he bought the team with the stated goal to win Super Bowl(s), and has made it known he will do whatever it takes to make that goal a realization.  That is what we want to hear as fans, but there has to be action behind those words if the goal is not reached.

Privately, I think Tepper was as upset as anyone at the way the season fell apart.  Any coach deserves criticism for allowing a team that starts 6-2 to fall to 7-9, regardless of the circumstances. Rivera is a good coach, and a better person, but there is no good spin that can be put on such a downward spiral.

Cam's shoulder injury may not have been avoidable, but the lapses in coaching on the defensive side of the ball were glaring and unacceptable for a defensive guy like Rivera.  Rivera has taken full ownership of the defense, and it will be on him if that unit fails.

I personally believe the Panthers have to make the playoffs for Rivera to keep his job.  This is Rivera's 9th season as the Panthers head coach, which means he will match John Fox's tenure as the longest-running head coach.  9 years is an eternity in the NFL.  I don't think Rivera is done coaching in the NFL regardless of what happens this season, but I do think he is done in Carolina should they not make the playoffs.

What do you guys think?

[LinvilleGorge]

It should be playoffs or bust for both Ron and Marty.

[Tbe]

Agree. Playoffs. At the very least, the defense HAS to be great. Top 10 minimum. Otherwise, what purpose is Ron serving?

[KillerKat]

Win a playoff game or get fired.

[manu4t]

Playoffs or adios

[Snake]

Why is super bowl not a option.

[musicman]

If Cam's shoulder doesn't respond, if CMC gets hurt, if Luke goes down and the team fights like hell but only goes 8-8 and doesn't make the playoffs, is that worth firing him? I say no. He's a damn good coach and what someone said above, when he faces adversity, he responds well. He's won Coach of the Year twice. 2X. Are we gonna get another coach like that? Realize what we have. I like his demeanor and believe in him. Tepper, RR and Hurney 2.0 can and will produce a championship team. Hope it's this year but it will be soon.

[07579394]

I really want a NFC south champion titile first,we lost it 3 years.

[TheRed]

1 hour ago, musicman said:

If Cam's shoulder doesn't respond, if CMC gets hurt, if Luke goes down and the team fights like hell but only goes 8-8 and doesn't make the playoffs, is that worth firing him? I say no. He's a damn good coach and what someone said above, when he faces adversity, he responds well. He's won Coach of the Year twice. 2X. Are we gonna get another coach like that? Realize what we have. I like his demeanor and believe in him. Tepper, RR and Hurney 2.0 can and will produce a championship team. Hope it's this year but it will be soon.

Still no consecutive winning seasons.

The Panthers are the only team in NFL history to nearly go undefeated and not even sniff the postseason the following year. I'm sorry if coach of the year doesn't fluff that up.

The talent isn't an issue. The ability isn't the issue. It's the consistency in putting away games. We're eight years in. He shouldn't still be standing on the sideline watching his team losing games the same way by trying not to lose. If there is still a lingering question, that is absolutely it, and he must show he has learned from losing in the past.

The injury excuse will not fly for 2019.

[pantherclaw]

No more pressure than usual. 

Always gotta win. 

[Moo Daeng]

27 psi

[rayzor]

NFCCG at the minimum followed by a return to the playoffs the next year. Anything short of this and he's gone. No excuses.

[Dex]

2 minutes ago, rayzor said:

NFCCG at the minimum

[kungfoodude]

If we stay healthy, playoffs at the minimum. If we are beset by injuries, again, I think a pass could be issued. Especially if it is Cam again. 

TBH, we all know we are fuged if Cam is out. If that happens, I think we get a look at our backup QB's and evaluate our future at QB. That likely means rebuilding.

But, that would probably be the only realistic scenario where Ron gets a pass. The excuses are going to be limited. Especially if defensive struggles happen.