There was newfound optimism around the Carolina Panthers heading into their Week 4 road game against the New England Patriots. A shutout win over the Atlanta Falcons gave them the confidence needed when all hope seemed lost. What followed was a depressingly familiar feeling for fans.
The Panthers were soundly beaten. They gave up more than 40 points and struggled to generate any offensive production. Their special-teams unit also failed to meet expectations, so it was a dismal day at the office that nobody will remember with any great fondness.