A fast start for the Carolina Panthers in 2018 allowed them to remain mathematically eligible for the playoffs despite a current six game losing streak. Quarterback Cam Newton has been hampered by a sore shoulder and defensive miscues led to a second half collapse but if three games fall their way in Week 16, hope remains entering the final weekend of play.
After returning to the playoffs in 2017 and good start to this season, stomaching the recent downfall has been a hard pill to swallow. The trend of following up good years with disappointing seasons appeared to be in jeopardy early, but the inability to win last week guaranteed the franchise history of non-consecutive winning seasons remains intact.