There's nothing to explain why this happened. This was the same talented team with Madden 23 coins the same team that was largely unchanged from greatest year in the history of the franchise -- yet they limped into the season in a less than their old selves in utterly unable to display the same confidence that made them a force the year prior.

There was a very real psychological problem with The 2016 Panthers. Their mental health was fragile. The season's opening loss to the Broncos was seen to mimic the Super Bowl itself, and from then on, the team never played like they believed they could prevail. After nearly losing to woeful 49ers (who finished with a 2-14 record that this year) the collapse was underway. The Panthers suffered four consecutive losses, Newton was mistake prone and each week Carolina appeared as if it was trying to escape from an ever deeper hole.

Let's presume for a moment that the issue for the team was psychological. It's unclear what the record could be. Even the Super Bowl win could have brought a hangover however, at a minimum the Panthers could have been more confident in their play. This is essential for the 2017 season and beyond.

Inconsistent consistency has been a motto for the Panthers since the franchise has existed. An endless rubber banding of exhilarating highs and crushing lows, with nothing in between. Being able to win that Super Bowl, finally getting over the hump, could change that.

The general director Dave Gettleman would have stayed with the team during the year 2017. In 2017. the Super Bowl would have assured that, and it would drastically alter the Giants their history. Without Gettleman it's likely that the team will select Saquon Barkley, instead likely going with Sam Darnold -- which keeps the Jets' QB in the same city however in different colors.

After Gettleman's departure , Panthers began to act like a team who was running in the sand. Ron Rivera seat was getting hot, Newton was struggling, not only on the field, but also with injuries. Everyone in the arena was aware of the need to take advantage of wins as soon as they could. Had Carolina had won Super Bowl 50 they would have a huge trophy to hang their heads upon. Newton, as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and Mut 23 coins ex-Super Bowl MVP likely would have rested his mounting injuries, similarly the team wouldn't feel as if they were in a situation to have him return to play as quickly, increasing the severity of the problem.