After starting the season with six wins in eight games, the Carolina Panthers appeared poised for a return to the playoffs. Unfortunately, seven straight losses capsized the season and ultimately the team elected to shut down quarterback Cam Newton and focus on the future of the franchise.
That future was on display over the final two games as Carolina used three different quarterbacks and nearly 2017 first-round selection, Christian McCaffrey, to finish the season under center. If anything, the sheer durability of Newton was highlighted as he had to be forced from the playing field despite battling shoulder soreness for much of the year.