We have reached the end of the NFL regular season. Much has changed since Week 9, back when the Panthers had just blown out the Buccaneers to take a 6-2 record into the second half of the season. It seemed this team was virtually a lock for the NFC Playoffs with a shot to overtake New Orleans for the division crown and the coveted first round bye. At that time, I handed out midseason awards with a smile on my face and visions of another playoff run dancing in my mind.