2019 Carolina Panthers Season Projection

Christian Clark

Jul 30, 201921 min read

Updated: Mar 18, 2020

2019 Carolina Panthers Season Projection

By Christian Clark

To the average NFL fan, the Panthers are seen as a mediocre to an above average team. Coming off a 7-9 season and losing seven straight games in the second half of the season, that’s a fair assessment. However, this team was 6-2 and was rivaling the Rams and Saints for the best team in the NFC until a Week 10 Thursday Night road game against the Steelers sent things spiraling out of control. Cam Newton got injured and the defense was humbled. After that, both the offense and defense continued to regress until the season was lost. Now, the Panthers look for vengeance and prove to the league once again that the record was a product of Newton’s injury and not a sign of things to come.

The skill positions aren’t as well known as the rest of the NFC South squads. Quarterback Cam Newton, running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end Greg Olsen are probably the only known commodities. On defense, every NFL fan has heard the name Luke Kuechly and he should continue to dominate.

The Panthers franchise has traditionally been a ground and pound team on offense by running the football which is complemented with a tenacious, gritty, and hard-nosed defense. This season, Carolina has the players in place to get back to their winning formula and make a run back into the postseason.

Stats Predictions

Offense

The face of the franchise, Cameron Jerrell Newton, is 30 and ready to bounce back after an injury-riddled 2018 campaign. One positive from last year was his completion percentage was around 68%, which is leaps and bounds better than it had ever been. At Panthers minicamp, Newton unveiled a new throwing motion which is supposed to help alleviate some of the pressure off his surgically repaired throwing shoulder. Will he keep his mechanics for a full season? Time will tell.

QB Cam Newton (3,800 yds passing; 24 TDs, 11 INTs; 526 yards rushing; 6 TDs; 15 games)

Leonard Fournette or Christian McCaffrey. It wasn’t long ago that was the hot topic in the draft. Now, I think we have a clear cut answer. McCaffrey can do it all. Run, block, catch...throw. He is Carolina’s most versatile player and his third season looks to be his best one yet! Some even think he may overtake Newton and Kuechly for the most popular player in Charlotte. I’m not sure about all of that but he’s pretty close. If he eclipses the challenging but feasible 1000 rushing -1000 receiving season, McCaffrey could be in the running for Offensive Player of the Year.

RB Christian McCaffrey (1100 yards rushing; 8 TDs; 680 yds receiving; 2 TDs)

Maryland’s own D.J. Moore had a solid rookie season but there is so much more that he can do to become a true number one receiver for this franchise. He did have some trouble holding on to the ball last season as his fumbles cost Carolina against the Redskins in his homecoming game and a MNF game vs the Saints. Negatives aside, he showcased his breakaway potential several times throughout the season, including an 82 yard reception against Detroit last year and a 51 yard TD catch on his first ever NFL reception. With some more seasoning, he can finally take the torch from long-time great Steve Smith and start to pave his own legacy.

WR D.J. Moore (900 yards receiving; 7 TDs)

In my opinion, WR Curtis Samuel is about to break out for real this time. When Ron Rivera finally realized that the best combo on the field was Moore and Samuel, the Panthers offense looked more explosive. The way the Panthers offense operates, I don’t think he will get close to 1000 yards this season but he’s certainly capable. Speed kills and we have seen what happens when Newton has a fast receiver at his disposal. Ted Ginn Jr had his best season of his career in 2015 while with the Panthers and Curtis Samuel is just as fast and has better hands.

WR Curtis Samuel (850 yds receiving, 6 TDs w/ 1 rushing TD)

Chris Hogan and Jarius Wright probably won’t be high volume receivers in this “run-first” are two reliable slot receivers that have the capability of playing the outside (the “X”) as well. Both players know their role and are team first players. In tight games, especially in cold weather, expect these two players to be crucial in third down opportunities and moving the chains in the season’s biggest moments.

WR Chris Hogan (250 yards receiving; 3 TDs)

WR Jarius Wright (400 yards receiving; 2 TDs)

Many people were pushing tight end Greg Olsen into retirement after another injury shortened his season once again. If he can stay healthy, the Panthers will be that much more dangerous. It wasn’t too long ago that Greg Olsen became the first TE to record 3 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. The last two seasons, he has been injury prone but I have faith he can stay healthy for a full season. Will he be the same? Probably not.

If not, second-year pro Ian Thomas will look to fill the void. It will be interesting to see that even if Olsen stays healthy, how many snaps will Thomas get. He had raw talent and made mistakes but he showed flashes to be an effective playmaker. However, another reliable pass catcher is exactly what Carolina needs to put them in Super Bowl contention.

TE Greg Olsen (600 yards receiving; 5 TDs)

TE Ian Thomas (350 yards receiving; 1 TD)

*30 passing yards miscellaneous for Newton*

Defense

Luke Kuechly is definitely the best player on the Carolina Panthers and when it’s all said and done, he may very well be the best player in franchise history. He is a student of the game and oftentimes knows what the opposing offense is going to do before the ball is even snapped. He’s that amazing. Alongside him is Shaq Thompson, who has been in the shadow of another longtime great Thomas Davis for his entire career. In a contract year, Thompson will look to finally break out as the clear cut starter. Look for both players to perform well this season.

LB Luke Kuechly (125 tackles; 3 INTs; 3 sacks)

LB Shaq Thompson (85 tackles; 3 sacks; 1 INT)

The Panthers weren’t messing around when they said they were looking to acquire more pass rushers. Carolina’s sack totals went down from 50 in 2017 to just 35 in 2018. A lot of it had to do with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks leaving the Panthers to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. New DC Eric Washington’s unit struggled at getting pressure as Mario Addison was the only effective player at acquiring sacks. Now, they get a big upgrade as rookie Brian Burns will be alongside veteran Bruce Irvin who was part of the Super Bowl champion Seahawks a few years ago. Addison and Irvin will most likely start whereas Burns will be a situational pass rusher similar to how Addison was in the early stages of his career. I expect big things out of this unit and I believe they will deliver.

LB/DE Brian Burns (40 tackles; 4 sacks; 1 INT)

LB/DE Bruce Irvin (50 tackles; 5 sacks)

LB/DE Mario Addison (35 tackles; 7 sacks)

When 6x Pro Bowler and 3x First Team All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was cut from division rival Tampa Bay, it left many shocked. Now with Carolina, he looks to elevate this unit back to top status among the best defensive lines in the league. McCoy has been consistently great ever since he entered the league in 2010 and this season could be one of his best yet. He will be surrounded by a pair of Pro Bowlers in Dontari Poe, who will look to bounce back after a disappointing season, and Kawann Short, who has been a stellar player for the Panthers since 2013. This unit could make or break the season for Carolina and they will need to generate pressure to help out the secondary.

DT Kawann Short (40 tackles; 7 sacks)

DT Gerald McCoy (35 tackles; 8 sacks)

DT Dontari Poe (20 tackles; 2 sacks)

If the secondary lives up to its potential, the Panthers will be one of the best teams this year. Second year pro Donte Jackson is the most gifted athlete in the group. His technique will need to improve because even though he led the team in interceptions (4), he would often let his 4.32 speed attempt to make up for deficiencies in that aspect of his game. James Bradberry has quietly been a force and has been a staple on this team since 2016. He won’t grab many interceptions but he is solid in everything he does, is a great tackler, and a solid player overall.

Lastly, is safety Eric Reid. He was out of the NFL due to many avoiding his political statement of kneeling for the national anthem. Off the field aside, Reid is a great player and exactly what Carolina needed to sure up the back end. He’s a powerful hitter and has fantastic ball skills. Their free safety position is still open as guys such as Rashaan Gauldin and Ross Cockrell will attempt to fill the huge void.

CB James Bradberry (75 tackles; 2 INTs)

CB Donte Jackson (80 tackles; 4 INTs)

S Eric Reid (70 tackles; 2 INTs)

The Panthers season could be similar to last if they aren’t careful. Starting fast is an absolute MUST! Their last eight games include the Saints (2x), Falcons (2x), at Indianapolis, and against the Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. If not, we could see another mediocre season that ends in disappointment. This season is an important one for Cam Newton, Ron Rivera, and the rest of the team and they will need to capitalize on a forgiving early slate of matchups.

Game by Game Predictions

Week 1 vs Rams

The defending NFC Champions come to town in an exciting NFC clash in Charlotte for the season opener. If there was a time for the Panthers to steal a game, it would be Week 1 where everything is in the air. Cam Newton should be 100% and ready to showcase that he isn’t done quite yet. The Rams were in the Super Bowl for a reason last year and if Carolina isn’t careful, they will find out the hard way. Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp may be the best receiver trio in the league so that means guys such as cornerbacks James Bradberry and Donte Jackson will have their hands full all season long. I expect this game to be closer than some may think but ultimately, McVay’s team will be able to pull through in a hard fought battle.

Rams 24, Panthers 20

Week 2 vs Buccaneers

After a tough loss to LA, the Panthers will be hungry to come out with a win. On a short week in primetime, Carolina will feast. A divisional game almost counts twice and this will also be a revenge game for former Bucs’ DT Gerald McCoy. According to Pro Football Focus, Tampa gave up a league-worst 43 quarterback hits in 2018. That bodes well for a revitalized front-seven that includes veterans Luke Kuechly, Kawann Short, and Bruce Irvin. I’m not expecting this game to be particularly close.

Panthers 31, Buccaneers 14

Week 3 @ Cardinals

Two number one overall picks clash in Arizona in an exciting clash. Kyler Murray is one of my favorite quarterbacks to come out of the collegiate level and I’m interested to see how guys such as Brian Burns and Mario Addison will be able to contain him. The Panthers have struggled against similar quarterbacks in the past such as Russell Wilson so this game won’t be as easy as one may think, especially on the road.

Panthers 27, Cardinals 21

Week 4 @ Texans

This one could go either way for me. The first meeting between Deshaun Watson and Cam Newton should be a dandy. Star pass rushers, explosive receivers, and a pair of teams with playoff aspirations should lead to a great game.

Panthers 14, Texans 13

Week 5 vs Jaguars

The Jaguars won’t be an easy matchup for Carolina. Jalen Ramsey vs the Carolina receivers will be a tough challenge. Jacksonville’s front seven will make it tough for Newton to be effective through the air. Like the previous matchup against an AFC South foe, the offense will sputter. Expect the defense to get a key takeaway off Nick Foles to set up Carolina with good field position and secure the win at home.

Unfortunately, Cam Newton will suffer a minor injury that will scare everyone. Fortunately, it will be a minor injury but Ron Rivera’s medical staff play it safe and keep him out for the London contest and through the bye week to make sure he is 100% before the second half of the season. The Panthers keep pounding to 4-1 on the season.

Panthers 20, Jaguars 12

Week 6 vs Buccaneers in London

In an ideal situation, Will Grier will never take a snap for the Panthers. I mean that in a good way. Cam Newton is 30 but many quarterbacks play until they reach 40 years old so if Cam is replaced for Grier or another quarterback in the next year or two, that would not be a good sign for Cam’s prospects.

It will be a shame for London to not see Cam dance on the international stage but the team doesn’t care about that. Tampa isn’t that great but they will be up for the challenge to avoid being swept by their division foe. Grier won’t play amazing by any stretch but he’ll run the offense well enough to give his team a fighting chance.

QB Will Grier: 250 yards passing; 2 TDs, 2 INTs

Panthers 23, Buccaneers 20 (OT)

Week 7: BYE WEEK

Rest and recover.

Week 8 vs 49ers

Carolina traditionally isn’t the strongest team after a bye week ironically enough. In addition, the Panthers always have a game where they should win but eventually fall flat. This will be that game. I expect San Francisco to be playoff caliber but Carolina will be a better team than them this upcoming season. The front seven for the 49ers could prove dangerous against the Panthers offensive line. The team might be a little rusty and the 49ers will need a big win to avoid falling below .500.

49ers 30, Panthers 17

Week 9 vs Titans

There’s always one random game a season that turns into an instant classic. Why will it be this game? Nobody knows. Both teams have good defenses and mobile quarterbacks that make opposing defenses respect all facets of the game. I say in this game, both defenses forget it is gameday. Newton passes for four touchdowns and Titans QB Marcus Mariota adds three to his statline in a surprising shootout. In the fourth quarter, Cam Newton will prove to be too much for the Titans defense as they will pull away late and outduel Tennessee.

Panthers 45, Titans 35

Week 10 vs Packers

Cam Newton has had some memorable performances against the Packers but this will be one of his toughest challenges yet. On the road against a Green Bay team that invested much of their offseason on improving the defense will be very intriguing to watch. The Packers secondary will be one to watch. Kevin King and Jaire Alexander look to break out along with rookie safety Darnell Savage and FA signee Adrian Amos. If this was in Carolina, I’d probably roll with them. Since it’s not, I have a hard time envisioning the Panthers coming into frosty Wisconsin and grabbing the win.

Packers 31, Panthers 27

Week 11 vs Falcons

Carolina hasn’t played too well against Atlanta in the last few years. I have both teams slated at 6-3 coming into this game. Obviously a very pivotal matchup. The last two matchups were both losses for Carolina. The one in Charlotte was with Taylor Heinicke under center and the playoffs out of reach so I’ll give them a pass for that one. The first contest however, Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith helped run for an incredible 170 yards rushing against the Panthers defense. That simply can’t happen. We already know what Atlanta can do in the passing game. If they dominate in the run game, you can forget it. Hopefully, the addition of Gerald McCoy can sure up things to prevent that from happening again. I’ll take the Panthers at home to bounce back from their loss at Green Bay.

Panthers 27, Falcons 23

Week 12 @ Saints

If the Panthers want to make the playoffs, they will need to find a way to split with the Saints. It’s a near impossible task going into the Superdome with the high octane offense of New Orleans and coming out victorious. Kyle Allen made his debut against the undermanned Saints in Week 17 last year and won pretty convincingly. However, the Saints sat Drew Brees so that game hardly counts. Stopping Alvin Kamara is the biggest factor for the Panthers. His game-breaking ability has terrorized opponents ever since he was drafted three years ago out of Tennessee. He will take on a much larger role since Mark Ingram left via free agency to the Ravens. The game will be close but the Saints will be coming off an upset loss against Tampa Bay and will not allow it to be two straight divisional losses. Expect New Orleans to march away with the victory.

Saints 26, Panthers 20

Week 13 vs Redskins

At this point in the season, I fully expect Dwayne Haskins to be under center for the Redskins. This should be a relatively easy game for a Panthers defense that should be settled into its groove by now. Cam Newton has traditionally played well against the Redskins with the exception of last season (4-1 record) and I expect this game to be won comfortably.

Panthers 30, Redskins 14

Week 14 @ Falcons

The Panthers have an opportunity to sweep the Falcons in this situation but I wouldn’t count on that. Even in Carolina’s Super Bowl season, they failed to beat the Falcons on the road. They swept the Falcons just three times in franchise history: 1997, 2005, and most recently in 2013. Considering I have them winning the matchup in Charlotte, I would almost certainly chalk this one up as a loss considering the history.

Falcons 34, Panthers 24

Week 15 vs Seahawks

Seattle has been a thorn in the side of Carolina pretty much since their NFC Championship loss in 2005. They’ve played in multiple pivotal games in both the postseason and regular season. In my projections, I have both the Hawks and Cats sitting at 8-5 going into this matchup with the victor in a much better position for the playoffs than the loser.

In this game, Donte Jackson comes up big, snatching a pick-six to help Carolina notch their second one point win of the season and puts them on the doorstep of a playoff berth.

Panthers 17, Seahawks 16

Week 16 vs Colts

Like the Panthers, the Colts will be in a battle for division supremacy. Cam Newton and Andrew Luck have played against each other only once which was an overtime classic in 2015. The sequel has potential to be even better. Devin Funchess will get a crack at his former team and will definitely want to put on a show. In this late season clash, the Colts should be motivated to take down Carolina with a potential top two seed on the line.

Colts 26, Panthers 21

Week 17 vs Saints

9-6 with a chance to get to the playoffs with a win. I’m projecting this game to be a classic “win or go home” game for the Panthers. A win clinches them the fifth seed outright and a loss knocks them out at 9-7 with the tiebreakers not falling in their favor. With the Saints already sitting at 11 wins, this game won’t mean too much for them besides playing the role of spoiler. Christian McCaffrey will have a LEGENDARY performance as he will have 100 yards rushing and receiving along with a pair of TDs (One rush, one receiving) to give Carolina a date with San Francisco in the Wild Card Round.

Panthers 34, Saints 24

Playoffs

Cam Newton has a lot of memories against San Francisco. Colin Kaepernick and Co came into Charlotte in Newton’s very first playoff game and handed it to the home team. Now, Newton has an opportunity at redemption as the more seasoned Panthers team takes on an upstart Niners team.

This will be Christian McCaffrey’s third game in San Fran, not too far from where he played college ball at Stanford. I’m sure he will have to be a big factor if the Panthers want to walk away with the win. I believe the Panthers will shut down the run but give up a couple of big plays to George Kittle and Dante Pettis to make this game closer than it needs to be. Ultimately though, Newton’s legs will be the difference as Carolina edges Jimmy Garoppolo and the upset minded 49ers.

Panthers 26, 49ers 20 (OT)

The Panthers will have played terrible all game with the score sitting at 16-6 going into the 4th quarter. Kicker Graham Gano will hit a long field goal in the elements to get the Panthers within 7. With the game still in the balance, CB Donte Jackson will intercept a tipped pass and get the ball inside the five yard line, setting up a short field for the offense. That will set up FB Alex Armah, who will catch a pass out of the flats to tie the game at 16 with seven minutes to go.

That will be the last time the Panthers score in the 2019 campaign. The Bears will regain the lead at 19-16 with Cam and Co given a chance for a game-winning drive. The number one seed in the NFC will flex their muscle as Khalil Mack will recover a fumble off a failed end-around to take a double digit lead and effectively ending the game and the Panthers season.

Bears 26, Panthers 16

As a fan of this franchise, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in Miami for Super Bowl 54. I also wouldn’t be surprised if they finished 6-10 or 7-9 and fell straight on their faces. That being said, with a healthy Cam Newton, anything is possible. New owner David Tepper wants to win and this will be a very telling season for the Queen City. If Carolina can’t at least manage a winning record and/or playoff berth, there is a good chance that this franchise may be seeing some mass changes.

The bottom line was that this Panthers team was 6-2 before the Pittsburgh game put the dagger in Carolina’s spirits and Newton’s shoulder. Since 2013, the Panthers have been on a “good year, bad year” roller coaster ride. If history repeats itself, expect the Cats’ to be back into the playoffs once again.

Floor: 6-10; last in the NFC South; HC Ron Rivera is fired, Cam Newton doesn’t get back to Pro Bowl form/injured again, McCaffrey regresses

Ceiling: NFC Championship game appearance; win NFC South; Cam Newton is in the MVP conversation; Top 10 offense and defense in the league

Prediction: 10-6 record; second in the NFC South; Divisional Round loss

Bonus

5 Best Carolina Panthers Games of All-Time

#1. Panthers vs Cardinals 2015 NFC Championship

No doubt this game would be number one. With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the Panthers made sure they would have no doubters in their complete domination of the Cardinals. Corey “Philly” Brown made a huge 86 yard touchdown grab to make the score 17-0 and start the celebration early. Later, in the second half, Newton ran for his league-leading twelvth rushing TD for a quarterback and somersaulted over a Cardinal to go up 34-7.

When the dust settled in the NFC Championship, Carolina forced an incredible seven turnovers with six off Cardinals QB Carson Palmer. All the pain of the 2008 NFC Divisional loss to Arizona was soon forgotten as the Panthers blitzed their way to Super Bowl 50.

Carolina Panthers 49, Arizona Cardinals 15

#2. Panthers vs Rams 2003 Divisional Round

X-Clown. Need I say more. Where as the #1 ranked game on this list was never in doubt, this one might’ve made fans shake in their boots. The momentum changes were extremely nerve wracking and even knowing the outcome, it is still crazy to see how the Panthers were able to pull off the upset.

Starting in the second quarter, RB Stephen Davis’ big 64 yard run helped the Panthers set up shop inside the thirty yard line. A few minutes later, QB Jake Delhomme fumbled a shuffle pass intended for Deshaun Foster which seemingly deflected off every player on the field before rolling into the endzone. Somehow, some way, receiver Mushin Muhammad dived on the ball, giving Carolina a one point lead at 7-6.

The second half seemed to be a breakaway for the Cats. Brad Hoover’s 7 yard TD run and Deon Grant’s INT less than a minute later off Marc Bulger (3 INTs) had things looking bright for John Fox. However, after a long John Kasay missed field goal, the Rams showed why they were to be feared.

Following a Marshall Faulk 1 yard TD run, St. Louis recovered an onside kick at the Panthers 40 yard line with two minutes left and quickly marched down the field. Shockingly, with all the momentum, Rams HC Mike Martz decided to play it conservatively and settle for a field goal to send the game to overtime.

In the drama that was overtime, Delhomme drove it down the field to set up another Kasay field goal. Kasay drilled the kick but the team was called for delay of game, moving the ball five yards back. Re-dos never end up well as kickers usually over-correct. Predictably, Kasay’s second kick sailed wide right giving the Rams hope at stealing the win.

The next drive, Rams kicker Jeff Wilkins decided this game wasn’t dramatic enough as he missed a 53 yarder as it fell inches short of going through. The game was favoring the Rams until late in the first overtime, cornerback Ricky Manning wrestled away a pass from Torry Holt to force Bulger’s third interception of the game.

The second overtime lasted only one play but it will go down in Panthers lore forever. On a 3rd and 14, Delhomme dropped back and pump faked one time before firing the ball over the middle to Steve Smith for the first down. Smith wasn’t thinking just picking up the first, he was going for the dub. Smith raced all the way to the endzone for 69 yards and sending the Panthers to the NFC Championship game in dramatic fashion.

No one thought the Panthers had much of a prayer to knock off “The Greatest Show on Turf.” The contest was definitely crazy. Between both teams, there were 18 penalties, 11 attempted field goals, four interceptions, and two dramatic overtime periods. What. A. Game.

Carolina Panthers 29, St. Louis Rams 23

Full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pe_O8eNn5A

#3. Panthers vs Cowboys 1996 Divisional Round

I wasn’t born when this game occurred and I'm not going to act like I was. I wanted to call myself an educated fan and not just remember the present day games or "be a prisoner of the moment" so I watched this classic on YouTube. This game will be remembered for being Carolina’s first playoff win in franchise history in only their second year as an expansion team.

After Kerry Collins threw a pick on the first drive of the game, Sam Mills made a key stop on third down to force a Dallas field goal. Cowboys HOF receiver Michael Irvin made a 22 yard reception on the drive only to be driven to the ground. Injured on the play, he would not return which would cause trouble for Troy Aikman and the Boys’ offense.

The next two offensive possessions for Carolina would lead to touchdowns, one to tight end Wesley Walls and another to receiver Willie Green. After this, the Panthers would get a bit sloppy. They would give up a touchdown with four minutes left in the first half and then a safety off a bad snap on special teams. However, Chad Cota would stop the Cowboys momentum, picking off Aikman following the two minute warning to set up a Kasay field goal before the half.

Offensively, the second half was pretty rough for Carolina. It was the John Kasay show as he drilled four field goals to keep the Panthers afloat. The Cowboys did have a chance to steal this game though with 3:44 left and the score at 23-17, Aikman and Co would have to go 99 yards to get into the endzone and grab the win. However, the Cardiac Cats would intercept Aikman twice in the final 2:30 to grab their first playoff win in franchise history and go to their first NFC Championship game.

Carolina Panthers 26, Dallas Cowboys 17

Full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4IRl-LCyO0

Panthers WR Ted Ginn Jr races in to give Carolina the lead for good

#4. Panthers vs Patriots Week 11, 2013 MNF

In my opinion, this game put Carolina on the map once again. The Panthers were in the midst of a revitalized season and needed a signature win to solidify themselves as a legit contender. When Tom Brady and the New England Patriots come to town on a Monday Night, the lights couldn’t shine much brighter. This team was close in many games but couldn’t win the close games.

It was a back and forth game with the defenses owning the show in the first half. In the second half, the Panthers saw their small lead turn into a three-point deficit with 6:26 left in the game. Newton’s final drive was the best at the time of his young career. He was unfazed and made every play count. He capped it off with a 25 yard touchdown throw to Ted Ginn, his first reception of the game, with under a minute left.

With New England down by four and needed to reach paydirt, Tom Brady underthrew a pass in the endzone which was intercepted by safety Robert Lester. Subsequently, a flag was thrown for a potential pass interference on Luke Kuechly as he “hugged” Rob Gronkowski. After the refs conferred for about thirty seconds, they ruled there was no flag on the play and Carolina wins. Looking back, there was definitely contact but I guess the refs believed there was almost no chance the ball could’ve been caught.

Either way, it was an important win for the Panthers that catapulted them into the #2 seed in the NFC that year and their first playoff appearance since 2008. To Panthers fans, this game will be remembered for a big statement win and the battle between Steve Smith and Patriots CB Aqib Talib. To non-Panthers fans, this game will be remembered for the “no-call” on the game’s final snap.

Ice up son!

Carolina Panthers 24, New England Patriots 20

Full game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ghJwOZSbIw&t=

#5. Super Bowl 38- Panthers vs Patriots

I debated putting this game on the list since the Panthers fell just short of the Lombardi Trophy. However, Carolina was doubted all season long and their valiant effort should never be forgotten in one of the best Super Bowls of all time.

The game started out very slow as the score was 0-0 until 3:05 left in the first half as Tom Brady delivered a strike to Deion Branch to open up the scoring. On the ensuing drive, Delhomme threw a beautiful touchdown strike to Steve Smith to tie the game at seven a piece. By the end of the first half, the score was an incredible 14-10 after a flurry of points set the groundwork for a fantastic game.

Fast forward to the fourth quarter and the Patriots were up 21-10 until Deshaun Foster’s legendary dive into the endzone helped keep the game within reach. Brady threw a terrible pass in the endzone that was intercepted and gave Carolina a chance to take the lead. They took advantage as on a 3rd and 10 situation from the 14 yard line turned into an 86 yard touchdown grab by Mushin Muhammad, a record that still stands today as the longest TD grab in Super Bowl history.

The next two drives were fast paced both Brady and Delhomme engineered another touchdown drive to notch this game at 29-29. What happened after this is unbearable for Panthers fans to relive. With 1:08 left in the game, John Kasay inexplicably kicked the ball out of bounds on the kickoff, moving it to the 40 yard line. When you give the best quarterback of all-time a short field in the Super Bowl, it only spells doom for the opposing defense.

Brady easily drove his team into field goal range where Adam Vinateri would drill a field goal with four seconds remaining and the rest is history. It wasn’t the desired outcome for Carolina but their Super Bowl run and performance in the big game will never be forgotten.

Highlights here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK_2j0CDNFo

Honorable mentions: