NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons Carolina Panthers will still make it
By Kareem Gantt
The Carolina Panthers playoff hopes may seem all but buried, but here are five reasons why we think they can still (somewhat) make it.
The Carolina Panthers playoff hopes are looking really dim.
The defending NFC champions were already facing an uphill battle just to get back into the Wildcard Playoff picture after a bumpy start. Now, after their demoralizing loss to the surging Oakland Raiders, the Panthers’ hopes of defending their NFC crown seem all but over.
And what should make you think any different?
Carolina is now 4-7 and occupies the cellar in the NFC South, a division they won so easily just a year ago. It’s really a shocking fall from grace. Sure, we thought that the Panthers would have a minor slip up this season, given their tougher schedule and the target that they now have on their backs.
But an early injury to Cam Newton and inconsistent play on both sides of the ball have contributed to the Panthers being in danger of not even making it back to the playoffs to defend their conference crown.
So with all that we just laid out, you’re probably thinking why in the world we still think Carolina will make the playoffs?
Trust us, we were scratching our heads too, but in the end, if the stars align in exactly the right order, the Panthers still have a shot at getting into the postseason. We’re not saying they will go all the way, but a chance to defend their NFC crown is not all shot to pieces, and here are five reasons why.