From consistently strong contenders, the Carolina Panthers went through a significant decline in the NFL, going from perennial contenders to bottom dwellers. This downward trend started after long-time head coach Ron Rivera was fired and replaced by Matt Rhule, who was also let go shortly after his transition to the professional ranks. Cam Newton, speaking on his 4th and 1 podcast, highlighted the marked contrast between Rivera and Rhule, shedding light on why the Panthers’ performance hasn’t been the same since Rivera’s departure. Newton emphasized that while Rhule was an exceptional individual with whom he had meaningful conversations and exchanges about various aspects of life and the game, the approach was noticeably different from that of Rivera, who had a keen understanding of the player’s perspective and knew how to maximize their potential through tactics tailored to the team’s dynamics and the intensity of practice. Rivera, known for being a player’s coach, had led the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance, with Newton delivering his best performances under Rivera’s guidance. In contrast, the Panthers failed to make the playoffs under Rhule, facing internal conflicts and underperformance on the field, which eventually led to Rhule’s mid-season dismissal in 2022 and the appointment of Steve Wilks. Newton’s insight shed light on the reasons behind the Panthers’ inability to reach their full potential under Rhule.
Panthers great Cam Newton reveals why nothing has been the same since Ron Rivera left
