There is no question the Carolina Panthers performance suffered due to injuries last season. Not just to quarterback Cam Newton but the entire offensive line, tight end Greg Olsen and others throughout the year. Losing nine games, Carolina was only more than two scores away from winning one contest.
In five, there was less than a single touchdown and extra point difference, including three over a seven game losing streak decided by a field goal or less. Despite the depleted roster, the Panthers were obviously still competitive attributing signs of a close-knit locker room and also faith in the man responsible for leading it.