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.”

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