CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera says coaches and players need to do a better job if they plan to turn things around this season.
Rivera says the coaching staff spent a portion of the bye weekend self-scouting and acknowledged that coaches need to do a better job of "putting players in good position to make plays" and players need to "step up and make plays."
The Panthers (1-4) face an uphill climb the rest of the way after three straight losses.
Players returned to practice after four days off and began preparing for a home game Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys (2-3). Rivera says they practiced with good energy and a sense of purpose.
Defensive end Charles Johnson says "If we want to do something special, we've got to win now."
