After an inspiring start to the season, winning six of their first eight games, the Carolina Panthers appeared poised to be battling with their NFC counterparts for a playoff position and potential return to the Super Bowl. However, a dismal second half ended the Panthers season early and any trophy hoisting aspirations after Carolina lost seven of their final eight.
An aggravated shoulder injury to quarterback Cam Newton received much of the blame but the truth is general manager Marty Hurney and coach Ron Rivera have other areas on the roster to be concerned about.