2017 was the last [insert positive statement here] for the Carolina Panthers. Winning season. Playoff appearance. NFC South title. We all tried to cling to hope at varying times since then. After the wildcard loss to the New Orleans Saints that season, for example, we all knew that the talent was there, even if Ron Rivera’s stale coaching and staff were, perhaps, holding the team back.
We told ourselves the same story in 2018 and 2019, as well. It got old, but we knew the beats and change wasn’t a hallmark of this franchise at that time.