CAROLINA PANTHERS

 

At the opposite end of the history spectrum, founded in 1993 the Panthers are among the newest NFL teams. The shame of not winning is far less for this team, having only been around for 32 years with many fewer chances to win. Looking back through time, everything comes back to the 2015 season. Although Carolina made Super Bowl XXXVIII in ‘04 and narrowly lost to the New England Patriots (32-29 courtesy of Adam Vinitari), the season with the most hope and excitement was, without a doubt, their 15-1 year in 2015. That team was a juggernaut. Cam Newton was the MVP. Greg Olsen was unstoppable. Luke Kuechly was a defensive menace. The Panthers were stomping teams left and right. 44-16 versus Washington, 33-14 versus Dallas, 38-0 versus division rival Atlanta. Newton dueled future Hall of Famer Eli Manning throwing for 5 TDs (38-35 over the Giants). Newton won the MVP with 35 passing TDs and 10 more on the ground, by far his best season in a Panthers jersey. The team breezed to the 1 seed and a first-round bye. Destroying the Cardinals 49-15 in the NFC Championship game, the team and the fans expected Cam to defeat his second Manning of the season. Everything was in place for the Carolina Panthers to take their seat at the table of teams who had “made it”. They were ready to prove that they- the small expansion team out of Charlotte, North Carolina - had a right to be in this league and compete with the legendary franchises that helped build the league and the game of football. 

 

The Panthers have yet to prove that they belong. Losing 24-10 to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, the Panthers are still searching. After getting sacked 7 times and being unable- some say unwilling as well- to lead his team to that Super Bowl victory, Newton never recreated the magic of the 2015 season. Failing to hit on several high draft picks, the Panthers are left trying to salvage what they can from disappointing investments and failed experiments. Heisman winner and former number 1 overall pick Bryce Young showed some promise at the end of year 2, leaving the team with some hope for the Dave Canales (Head Coach) and Bryce Young era. The team is a world away from their 2015 form, with weaknesses on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Less important than hitting on the best talent in the draft, or securing the top free agents to patch up their weaknesses, the Panthers need to establish a culture where winning is expected. They are still a young franchise and have the chance to change the narrative. Looking back on storied NFL franchises,each has its own history and legacy. The Panthers are creating their legacy right now. For their legacy to include a seat at the table, the Carolina Panthers can’t wait for greatness to be given to them; they need to take it.