Panthers: What a Difference a Year Makes

Comparing last year’s undefeated Carolina Panthers to the 1-4 group from this season through five games …

The Carolina Panthers are off to a disappointing 1-4 start just a season removed from a Super Bowl appearance. Fans and critics alike are in search of reasons for the sudden turnaround by a team loaded with potential and promise entering the year.

A young secondary, due in part, to the departure of All-Pro Josh Norman. Lack of a defensive pass rush. Offensive line injuries. Quarterback woes. Turnovers. All of these are likely a cause but can any one be pinpointed to be the reason? Perhaps the downturn is a combination of any or all of the above.

To begin, let’s compare some statistics from the 5-0 group with this year’s Carolina Panthers entering Week Six:

2015 TOTAL OFFENSE – 334.2 yards per game
2016 TOTAL OFFENSE – 392.0 yards per game

2015 TOTAL DEFENSE – 338.0 yards per game
2016 TOTAL DEFENSE – 341.2 yards per game

2015 TURNOVERS – 5
2016 TURNOVERS – 14

2015 TIME of POSSESSION – 30:10
2016 TIME of POSSESSION – 31:00

Obviously the biggest difference between the two seasons has been turnovers. The 1-4 Carolina Panthers have turned the ball over 14 times through five games compared to only five giveaways last season. These 14 miscues have proven to be extremely costly for the Panthers. Opponents have scored 135 points against Carolina through five games and 40 have come as a result of possessions earned via a fumble or interception.

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston (92) recovers a fumble by Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-14 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Denver scored the eventual game winning touchdown following an interception. Twenty of San Francisco’s 27 points were the result of Panther miscues. Minnesota extended a close game to two possessions with a field goal following an interception. Despite being beaten repeatedly by Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons, Derek Anderson had pulled the Panthers within eight, but an interception returned for a touchdown, with 1:14 remaining ended any chance of a comeback.

Finally, Carolina stayed in the game on Monday night thanks to two missed field goals by the Buccaneers following turnovers. Tampa Bay would eventually win by three, having turned one of the four forced turnovers into a field goal earlier in the game.

All other statistics remain relatively close from a season ago. Yards earned, allowed, and time of possession are surprisingly close for two different years. Turnovers have been the culprit. Also, opponents last season were 7-19 through five games for Carolina versus this year’s opponent record of 16-9. Carolina has played stiffer competition highlighting even more an inability to protect the football.