Do Or Die.

I don’t think it’s an overstatement to call Sunday’s game in Arizona a must win. History shows that falling to 0 to 2 makes the playoffs nearly impossible, and let’s be honest, no one really believes this Panthers team is built for more than 7 wins at best.

The formula has to change. Let Bryce play free, but lean on the run game, even when it is obvious. That is what this offensive line was built for, and the personnel, yes, looking at you Ickey, who should be back this week, are better suited for pounding the ball than sitting back in protection.

On defense, the approach has to be just as bold. Sell out to stop the run, even if it means giving up a couple of big plays through the air. A few slashes hurt less than death by a thousand cuts. Load the box with 7 or 8, and trust Jaycee to take away one side of the field.

It is time to do something different, because when the games have mattered, last year and in Week 1, what they have been doing has not worked.

And one more thing. I have never been a fan of overly emotional coaches, like when Mike Singletary once showed his “coin purse” to call out players. But Dave Canales is drifting closer to that danger zone. Now is the time to show some emotion, not necessarily positive, and hold both players and coaches (EE included) accountable.