Remember the past, but don’t forget to enjoy the present

When the Carolina Panthers go marching into the Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, it will mark the official start to yet another season of Panthers football after a string of soul-crushing iterations.

The latest team was arguably the worst the franchise has ever seen, mounting loses and a head coach fired after one of the shortest tenures in NFL history had media and fans alike calling for more heads to roll. This wish was granted, and thus began the reset the franchise has needed for a half-decade, maybe more.

This time, though, is it different? I mean, is it really different? Did they finally get it right this time? Is it okay to have hope, again?

In just a word - yes.…