PLAYERS PRESSING

While no one was absolving quarterback Teddy Bridgewater for Saturday’s fumble at the goal line — since Rhule has told players not to reach over the line unless it’s fourth down — he did offer a note of grace for Bridgewater and a number of players.

In a situation like the Panthers are in (having lost eight of their last nine games), he said the tendency to press is natural because players want to change the results.

“Yesterday, (Bridgewater) got in a game, tried to make a play, and it hurt us,” Rhule said. “But it’s the same thing as a DB looking in the backfield instead of looking at his man. It happens all the time in football.

“I know where Teddy’s heart is. I know he’s trying to do the right thing. I know he’s trying to