A team that was widely derided last year after making the playoffs with a 7-8-1 record from the terrible N.F.C. South is one game away from matching that win total already. Yet despite the first 6-0 record in franchise history, the Panthers feel far from perfect.
Cam Newton was a tepid 14 for 24 for 197 yards Sunday night in a 27-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and threw three interceptions. That performance was not out of character for him this season. Of the 43 quarterbacks who have started a game this season, Newton ranks just 31st in adjusted yards per pass attempt.