The root cause behind Rivera's poor decisions

[ShutDwn]

Rivera has played not to lose his entire time here and still had the epiphany that it's the reason they lose.

Nothing illustrates his fear more than punting out of bounds and squibbing all day. Hester hadn't done poo this year. The Panthers special teams is doing alright. He made Hester more of a factor without even letting him touch the ball.

[BountyHunter]

I was thinking the exact same thing as the OP but didn't put it out there.

I'm glad Marguide stated it so well.

[MHS831]

I opened this thread looking for one word:

FEAR.

[Newtcase]

I agree with the OP that coaching in fear is a huge problem. Fox did it and now Rivera's doing it. As long as there's a mathematical possibility of going 8-8 or better the team will be coached in this manner. Once 8-8 is gone or any realistic promise at a playoff birth (think 2010 Seahawks 7-9 record) then the coaching and playing will change. Everyone will flip into high risk high reward mode trying to save or audition for 2013 jobs. For the last few games we will finally see the real potential the team had and everyone will chatter about the season that could have been while becoming optimistic for 2013. Hopefully we can find a coaching staff that will push the pedal to the floor from game 1.