Took some time off after this weekend to think about this team and what's going on.
I think it all boils down to an organization in complete disarray. It goes beyond just the coaching or the players on the field. To build a truly successful franchise, three things have to align: organizational vision, coaching, and talent. For the Panthers, this might as well be a square, a circle, and a triangle.
Gettleman appears to have a vision (or at least we're left to hope he does). He double dipped on the d-line in the past draft, and apparently hit on both picks. The defense has an identity now. You have to hope there's a plan on offense as well, but Gettleman is taking the long-term approach.
Rivera has zero plan. Shula is even worse. Rivera's fate was sealed the day he promoted Shula.
All that said, Gettleman will get his guy next year, and hopefully that begins to align to the on-field talent. Firing RR now does no good - there's no one on the staff that can do a better job, and the team's headed toward a complete train wreck if that happens. Plus, while I'd prefer a Zimmer, Roman, or Kyle Shanahan coaching in 2014, an interim coach doing a halfway decent job puts pressure on G-man to keep him. No thanks. Run a full search. Get the right guy.
At this point, as much as I hate to say it, I'm hoping for the first pick in 2014, which at least brings options. If Cam's not the fit for the organizational vision, deal him and take Bridgewater. If he is, use the pick on Clowney, or trade the pick for a bevy of future picks and drop down, build the lines, etc.
I've grown numb to this season, but I'll be pissed if it's the usual 1-7 start with a 5-3 finish ending up 6-10 all over again.