Panthers show progress, but again fail to finish

[Sir Purr]

As linebacker Shaq Thompson pointed out, the Panthers have been right there in most of their losses. That's especially true in their current four-game losing streak. Right now, it's a matter of figuring out how to get over the hump.


"We've just got to keep going," Thompson said.


That starts with taking accountability, and the Panthers have done that. Kicker Joey Slye said he had to do a better job on his last-second, 67-yard field goal attempt even though it would have set an NFL record for the longest made field goal, and he was kicking in a swirling wind.


Undrafted rookie safety Sam Franklin, starting just his third game, took responsibility for Hill running wide open in the end zone on his 28-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.


Those are positive signs as the Panthers move forward. But in learning how to win, they also have to stop committing self-inflicted wounds. Carolina was called for 12 penalties for 82 yards. Three of the fouls resulted in Kansas City first downs.


"I mean, that's what's killing us. Everybody knows (in) football, you can't win with penalties," Thompson said. "We gave them plays that they shouldn't have got."


Anderson had a similar prescription for the offense.


"I think it's evident that we're close, but close isn't good enough because we're not getting those victories," Anderson said. "I just think it trickles down to us not beating ourselves and allowing those mistakes, and eliminating that stuff so we can have a cleaner game and a better opportunity to win."


So as the Panthers get back to work in preparation for a rematch with Tampa Bay next week, this loss may contain lessons. But it's also a bitter pill to swallow after another performance that came up just short.


"A game like today, it pisses you off, especially when you play a team as good as the Chiefs are," Bridgewater said. "We don't want it to be the common theme of being right there.


"Obviously, you lose a game, sometimes you are able to learn from it and quickly put it behind. This is one of those games that pisses you off a little bit, at least it should piss you off. We will come in tomorrow, thick skin, watch the tape, be judgmental of each other, and be honest with each other."