What is the most disappointing season in Panthers’ history?

What is the most disappointing season in the sort history of the Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers have had their fair share of troubling seasons during their short time in the NFL. But which one sticks out as the most disappointing?

One could argue there are too many to choose from, especially in the early stages of their formation. However, the one selected by ESPN beat writer David Newton ended up having hugely positive ramifications on the franchise.

In a feature outlining the worst season against the spread for every NFL franchise. The Carolina Panthers’ disastrous campaign of 2010 was chosen by Newton, and with good reason.

All signs pointed to struggle after the organization opted to part ways with some veteran players who were on more money that their talent no longer warranted. A new CBA agreement and subsequent lockout also played a big role in this. And then-owner Jerry Richardson gambled on “tanking” with the players at his disposal. So in this sense, it was successful.

It allowed the Panthers to pick No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft after going 4-12. This saw the team take Auburn signal-caller Cam Newton after the player contributed to 51 combined touchdowns during BCS Championship triumph with the Tigers.

The rest, as they say, is history. Newton went on to become one of the team’s greatest ever players on his way to an NFL MVP Award in 2015.

ESPN writer Newton had this to say on the Panthers’ 2010 season.

"If ever there was a tank season in the NFL, this was it. The Panthers actually had a reported $112 million in profit the two years leading up to the lockout. Richardson also made John Fox a lame-duck coach in 2010.The Panthers’ 2-14 record overall — the second-worst in franchise history — was worse than the team’s 4-12 record against the spread. It was also no surprise. It set the stage for Carolina to select quarterback Cam Newton with the top pick of the 2011 draft and three years later be a team that would make the playoffs for three straight years — including a trip to Super Bowl 50 with a league-best 15-1 record in 2015."

Why were the Carolina Panthers so bad in 2010?

Despite having a strong-looking roster heading into the season. To say the Carolina Panthers did not meet expectations is something of an understatement.

They did have two Pro Bowlers on their offensive line in Ryan Kalil and Jordan Gross. But rookie Jimmy Clausen was supremely inconsistent and did not make the most out of his chance to become a prolonged starter.

Steve Smith was restricted to just 46 catches for 554 yards and two touchdowns due to a series of niggling problems. Their defense was another area of the field where the Panthers underachieved.

The team got 11.5 sacks from pass-rushing defensive end Charles Johnson. And their third Pro Bowler of the campaign came in the form of outside linebacker Jon Beason.

Safety Charles Godfrey’s five interceptions were the undoubted highlight of an otherwise dismal secondary. But this poor campaign was definitely softened by the potential of drafting a franchise-changing player such as Newton.

The Panthers might be in a similar situation in 2021 if things turn sour with their young roster next season. They have committed significant financial resources on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. But a poor record following the next campaign could have them in line to take Clemson signal-caller Trevor Lawrence of Ohio State standout Justin Fields.

This would be a temptation too great to resist. So it will be up to the current group in Carolina to make sure this eventuality doesn’t come to light.