5 NFL teams with most to prove this season

4. Carolina Panthers

Even during the 2015-2016 season that ultimately led to a Super Bowl appearance, the Carolina Panthers had much to prove. As the Panthers continued to win game after game, there were still many doubters questioning the team’s

The Panthers lost Super Bowl 50.  Fans hoping for vindication in 2016-2017 were sorely disappointed with their team’s dismal performance. Head coach Ron Rivera blamed his team’s 6-10 record on a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Denver Broncos in the season opener, according to ESPN.

Clearly, though, there were other factors beyond a disappointing season opener. Quarterback Cam Newton had a subpar year with 19 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns, down from 35 passing and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2015. Defensive End Kony Ealy was listed as one of the top ten disappointing players of 2016 on FoxSports, which claimed he was “part of the reason for Carolina’s struggles defensively.” Beyond individual disappointments, the team as whole underperformed, losing four winnable games by three points or less.

The Panthers could quickly become a “remember when they were good?” team if they don’t bounce back in 2017. Cam Newton has struggled with his perception in the media since his college days needs a distraction-free year marked by excellence on the field. He can’t do it alone, though. The team as a whole needs to show that they were not a flash-in-the-plan fluke.