Fans were cautiously optimistic as the Carolina Panthers welcomed the Buffalo Bills to Bank of America Stadium in Week 8.
Dave Canales had led his team to three straight wins and four victories in the last five contests. This was the measuring stick he needed to find out how far his team had come and how much hard work was ahead before they could be classed as a legitimate playoff challenger.
Not having third-year quarterback Bryce Young was a blow. And this quickly became a gut-punching reality check for fans who were dreaming of playoff football this season.