The Carolina Panthers ended the season with a 33-14 win to the New Orleans Saints to finish at 7-9. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:
Season grade: Below average -- The Panthers had high expectations for a run at the Super Bowl and appeared to have the talent to do it after a 6-2 start. Everything was clicking. Then it all fell apart. A seven-game losing streak ended all playoff hopes and raised speculation about the future of coach Ron Rivera and general manager Marty Hurney. Owner David Tepper, who has made it no secret his first, second and third priority is to win, has decided to stick with both, multiple sources told ESPN.com on Friday. Rivera said before the finale he was…
