Optimism disintegrated around the Carolina Panthers almost as quickly as it arrived. Their humiliating Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars exposed some ongoing defensive flaws, head coach Dave Canales and his staff were outcoached, and they didn't look ready to play.
It was a harsh reality check for fans who were hoping for a potential NFC South title push. There is a long road ahead before the Panthers are ready for that, although it's also worth remembering that it's just one game and there is still plenty of time to turn things around.