Carolina Panthers: Who was the decade’s biggest scapegoat?

Who could be considered as the biggest scapegoat of the decade for the Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers have had their fair share of scapegoats since their inception. But could there be one player that sticks out more than most?

It wouldn’t be easy either way to pick just one from the list of possible contenders for the honor. The Carolina Panthers might have had two near misses in their pursuit of an elusive first Super Bowl. But there have been plenty of other campaigns where the team has failed miserably despite having high expectations.

In a recent feature published by Kristopher Knox of The Bleacher Report listing the biggest scapegoat for every NFL franchise over the last decade. And right tackle Mike Remmers was picked for the Panthers.

This is down in no small part to his dismal outing in Super Bowl 50, which saw Carolina crushed by the Denver Broncos defense that included the likes of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware.

Writing on his decision regarding Remmers, Knox had this to say.

"“The Carolina Panthers didn’t just lose Super Bowl 50; they were obliterated. The Denver Broncos defense ran roughshod for four quarters, producing a 24-10 final score and the enduring image of Cam Newton’s failure to recover a fumble. Fans can’t be too harsh on Newton, though. The regular-season MVP was shocked by DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and Co. While the offensive line deserves some blame for that, starting right tackle Mike Remmers was the biggest transgressor.“According to Pro Football Focus (h/t ESPN’s David Newton), Remmers was responsible for seven quarterback hurries and three sacks. One of those sacks resulted in a fumble that was recovered for a Broncos touchdown. Though Remmers lasted another season in Carolina and has undoubtedly moved on from his mistake-filled evening at Levi’s Stadium, fans likely still point to his performance as one of the key reasons Carolina didn’t lift the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the 2015 season.”"

Was Mike Remmers right to take so much of the blame for the Carolina Panthers?

While nobody exactly covered themselves in glory during their Super Bowl loss to the Broncos. Remmers’ performance was right up there with one of the worst. He looked overawed against a ferocious pass-rush, which left Cam Newton running for his life for the majority of the contest.

The player was never the same after his Super Bowl outing. He was moved on after the 2016 campaign and enjoyed two years with the Minnesota Vikings before ending his career with the Buffalo Bills.

Remmers had a tremendous 2015 season overall, where the Panthers finished 15-1 and saw Newton pick up the NFL MVP Award. However, he wilted when it matters most and fairly or unfairly, this is something the offensive lineman will always be remembered for.

With the organization still searching for their first Vince Lombardi Trophy. Remmers’ influence in their 2015 defeat will continue to live long in the memory until the Panthers win it all.