Frustrations Pile Up for Snake-bit Panthers
Panthers' wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin threw somewhat of a tantrum on the sidelines in the second half of the team's loss against the Raiders, flinging his helmet to the ground and yelling at coaches after being taken out of the game. Benjamin had injured his shoulder earlier in the half, and, up until that point, had been completely shut down by the Raiders' defense, registering no catches.
He eventually recovered to haul in a long touchdown pass from Newton to extend the lead that they would eventually give up, but that image perfectly encapsulates the emotion surrounding the team this entire season: frustration.
Emotions also boiled over earlier in the game when reserve QB Derek Anderson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after yelling at the ref from the bench, angry about what he thought was a missed pass interference call. The penalty forced the Panthers to punt from their end zone, and though the Raiders punted on the ensuing possession, could have been very costly.
It's been a rough season for this year's team- a plethora of injuries has negatively affected them and things haven't always gone their way, and now it's starting to show. But maybe this is a good thing. At least we know that these players care enough to show some passion. Let's hope that this passion can translate into big plays on the football field in the coming weeks as the Panthers will do everything in their power to clinch a wild card spot.
