But in the losses to the Raiders and Buccaneers in Weeks 1 and 2, Bridgewater was sacked a combined six times, and the Panthers allowed 15 pressures. In the current three-game losing streak, the Panthers have allowed eight sacks and 23 pressures.

“When we protect the quarterback, we’ve been really good. When the quarterback’s been under duress, we haven’t been the offense that we want to be,” head coach Matt Rhule said. “It’s not one of those things that I can say it’s improved or it’s not improved. It’s just been up by game.”

There are myriad factors in this, starting with the offensive line. The unit isn’t the only one involved in pass protection, but it clearly has a significant effect. Carolina has started four different offensive line combinations in eight games, including a different group of five in each of the last three