With a victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers would have had an opportunity to clinch their first NFC South title since 2015 in their next game. But the Panthers lost to the Saints 20-17 and will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday with the teams tied for the division lead.

I don’t want to get into the specifics of the breakdowns, of all that, but these are base calls that we have to be more connected on.”

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales called the rule concerning hitting a sliding quarterback a "difficult challenge" for defensive players, after an unnecessary roughness penalty on Lathan Ransom set up the New Orleans Saints' game-winning field goal in Sunday's 20-17 loss.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi as Jalen Coker makes bold claim about the Carolina Panthers and their identity. If the Carolina Panthers can win their next two games, they'll win the NFC South and go to the playoffs.

Sports books have Tetairoa McMillan with the third-best odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Who should be above him? From zero to 100 percent, how confident are you that the Panthers will win the NFC South?

The Carolina Panthers are still learning how to handle success. While the Panthers have thrived in the underdog role this season with wins over Green Bay and the Los Angeles Rams, they continue to struggle winning the games they’re supposed to win.

Good news: at least to begin this stretch one analyst sees McMillan as a strong play. The Big Lead has McMillan ranked among the NFL's top 15 wide receivers for Week 15.