5 worst moments of the Carolina Panthers’ 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers made NFL history for the wrong reasons
One could have been forgiven for getting a bit carried away with a 3-0 start. It’s been a while since Carolina Panthers fans had anything to cheer, so hopes were high they could build on this positive momentum during what appeared to be a pretty favorable schedule for the remainder of the campaign.
What transpired after burst the bubble in a big way. And was the clearest sign yet that things might not be progressing as expected within the organization.
An alarming dip in form saw the Panthers win just two of their next 14 games, finishing the season at 5-12 with another high-end draft pick and far more questions than answers. Not only this, but the addition of an extra game in 2021 saw Carolina make NFL history as the only team to lose 12 games after starting the season at 3-0.
History makers. But for all the wrong reasons.
This was nothing short of infuriating. Especially considering the talent at Matt Rhule’s disposal.
As it turned out, gambling on the quarterback position and relying on a patchwork offensive line wasn’t a recipe for success. Something the head coach freely admitted during his exit interview with the media on Monday.
The heat is on as a result. And considering the Panthers’ schedule in 2022 looks especially daunting, things might get worse before they get better.