2018 Carolina Panthers season | |
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Owner | David Tepper |
General manager | Marty Hurney |
Head coach | Ron Rivera |
Home field | Bank of America Stadium |
Results | |
Record | 7–9 |
Division place | 3rd NFC South |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Pro Bowlers | MLB Luke Kuechly G Trai Turner DT Kawann Short |
Team MVP | Christian McCaffrey |
Team ROY | D. J. Moore |
Uniform | |
The 2018 season was the Carolina Panthers' 24th in the National Football League (NFL) and their eighth under head coach Ron Rivera. It was the team's first season without former assistant head coach/defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who became head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason and former offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who became the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator of the New York Giants. [1]
The Panthers entered the season hoping to improve or match their 11–5 record from last year. After starting 6–2, the Panthers suffered a late-season collapse, going on a 7-game losing streak, failing to improve or match their previous season's record, and were eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. Although they went a dismal 1–7 in the second half of the season, the Panthers managed to end on a high note by defeating their division rival New Orleans Saints, 33–14. From 2018 onwards, the Panthers have failed to make the postseason or have a winning season.
Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Notes |
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1 | 24 | D. J. Moore | WR | Maryland | |
2 | 55 | Donte Jackson | CB | LSU | |
3 | 85 | Rashaan Gaulden | CB | Tennessee | From Buffalo |
4 | 101 | Ian Thomas | TE | Indiana | From Green Bay |
4 | 136 | Marquis Haynes | DE | Ole Miss | |
5 | 161 | Jermaine Carter | LB | Maryland | |
7 | 234 | Andre Smith | LB | North Carolina | From L.A. Chargers via Buffalo |
242 | Kendrick Norton | DT | Miami |
Draft trades
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
| Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
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Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
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1 | August 9 | at Buffalo Bills | W 28–23 | 1–0 | New Era Field | Recap |
2 | August 17 | Miami Dolphins | W 27–20 | 2–0 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
3 | August 24 | New England Patriots | W 25–14 | 3–0 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
4 | August 30 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 24–39 | 3–1 | Heinz Field | Recap |
Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
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1 | September 9 | Dallas Cowboys | W 16–8 | 1–0 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
2 | September 16 | at Atlanta Falcons | L 24–31 | 1–1 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Recap |
3 | September 23 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 31–21 | 2–1 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
4 | Bye | |||||
5 | October 7 | New York Giants | W 33–31 | 3–1 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
6 | October 14 | at Washington Redskins | L 17–23 | 3–2 | FedEx Field | Recap |
7 | October 21 | at Philadelphia Eagles | W 21–17 | 4–2 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
8 | October 28 | Baltimore Ravens | W 36–21 | 5–2 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
9 | November 4 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 42–28 | 6–2 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
10 | November 8 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 21–52 | 6–3 | Heinz Field | Recap |
11 | November 18 | at Detroit Lions | L 19–20 | 6–4 | Ford Field | Recap |
12 | November 25 | Seattle Seahawks | L 27–30 | 6–5 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
13 | December 2 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | L 17–24 | 6–6 | Raymond James Stadium | Recap |
14 | December 9 | at Cleveland Browns | L 20–26 | 6–7 | First Energy Stadium | Recap |
15 | December 17 | New Orleans Saints | L 9–12 | 6–8 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
16 | December 23 | Atlanta Falcons | L 10–24 | 6–9 | Bank of America Stadium | Recap |
17 | December 30 | at New Orleans Saints | W 33–14 | 7–9 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | Recap |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
Panthers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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In the Panthers' home opener both teams were scoreless in the first quarter. In the second, Cam Newton rushed for a touchdown to score the game's first points. Graham Gano later kicked a field goal to further the Panthers' lead to 10–0. Both teams were again scoreless in the third quarter. Alexander Armah scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the extra point attempt was no good when the ball slipped out of Michael Palardy's hands. The Cowboys later put points on the board with an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run followed by a two-point conversion by quarterback Dak Prescott, decreasing the Panthers' lead to eight points. The Panthers managed to hold off the Cowboys by forcing a fumble off Prescott in the Cowboys' last offensive drive, winning 16–8.
Tight end Greg Olsen and offensive tackle Daryl Williams left the game early due to injuries.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 3 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
Falcons | 3 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Game information | ||
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The Falcons proved too much for the Panthers. With the 24–31 loss, the Panthers fell to 1–1.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Bengals | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
Panthers | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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The Bengals were the first to score in the game but the Panthers answered back with a Cam Newton touchdown. Late in the first quarter Andy Dalton threw a pass intended for John Ross but it was intercepted by Donte Jackson. Early in the second Devin Funchess scored a touchdown with a Graham Gano field goal, and Carolina took the lead. Dalton was sacked by Efe Obada and fumbled the ball. Carolina recovered but the call was reversed and the Bengals soon tied the game at 14. Carolina took back the lead with a C. J. Anderson touchdown. In the third Dalton was picked off again, this time by Obada. Cincinnati soon followed a Newton TD with a touchdown of their own, moving to within seven. With less than four minutes to go, Jackson intercepted a Dalton pass intended for Ross. Gano then kicked a field goal making the score 31–21. Dalton's Hail Mary attempt, intended for Tyler Eifert, was picked off by Luke Kuechly. The Panthers won and improved to 2–1.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Giants | 3 | 10 | 3 | 15 | 31 |
Panthers | 7 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 33 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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The Panthers came back after their bye week and took on the New York Giants at home. Carolina went into the third quarter with a 20–13 lead. New York scored a field goal in the third quarter, decreasing the Panthers' lead to four. In the fourth quarter, the Giants scored a touchdown with a two point conversion, followed by a Carolina field goal. With 1:15 to go in the game, the Giants scored on a Saquon Barkley touchdown catch, giving New York their first lead since the first quarter. The Panthers, down 31-30, only had a little more than a minute to try to win. They were able to get in field goal position. With six seconds to go, Graham Gano's 63 yard field goal was good. It was the longest successful field goal in franchise history and Gano became one of only six players to make a kick from 63 yards or longer. The Panthers won 33–31, improving to 3–1.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 0 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 17 |
Redskins | 14 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 23 |
at FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Game information | ||
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Things didn't start off well for the Panthers. Rookie D. J. Moore fumbled on a punt return and Washington recovered. This put the Redskins at a perfect spot to score and they did so. The Panthers had multiple turnovers in the first quarter, giving the Redskins a 14–0 lead by the end of one. The Panthers were able to catch up to the Redskins and had a chance to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, on fourth down and 5 at the Redskins 16, Cam Newton's pass for Jarius Wright fell incomplete. With the close loss of 17–23, the Panthers fell to 3–2.
This game saw the return of both Greg Olsen, who had been out with a foot injury since week one, and Thomas Davis, who was suspended for the first four games of the season.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 21 |
Eagles | 0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Game information | ||
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The Panthers were down 17-0 going into the fourth quarter with a seemingly lifeless offense. However, the team scored 21 points in the 4th quarter and beat the shell-shocked Eagles 21–17, improving to 4–2. They sealed the victory after preventing a 4th down conversion by the Eagles in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter. It was the largest 4th quarter comeback win in team history, and the largest comeback in franchise history. [2]
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Ravens | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
Panthers | 7 | 17 | 3 | 9 | 36 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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Carolina and Baltimore went into the second quarter tied at seven. In the beginning of the second, Kyle Love tipped the ball out of QB Joe Flacco's hands, and the ball was recovered by Luke Kuechly. Greg Olsen scored a touchdown for the Panthers. Towards the end of the second, Cam Newton threw the ball into the end zone. Baltimore tipped it but Christian McCaffrey was able to catch it and score. With two seconds to go in the half, Graham Gano kicked a field goal, giving Carolina a 24–7 lead. In the third, Gano kicked another field goal. Alex Collins scored a touchdown for the Ravens making it a 27–14 Panthers lead. Newton scored a touchdown in the fourth but a two point conversion attempt was no good. Gano later made another field goal. The Panthers won 36–21 and improved to 5–2.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Buccaneers | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
Panthers | 14 | 21 | 0 | 7 | 42 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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The Panthers went into half time up 35–14. In the third quarter Tampa Bay scored a touchdown making the score 35–21. Carolina and Tampa Bay both scored a touchdown in the fourth. The Panthers won 42–28, and improved to 6–2.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
Steelers | 21 | 10 | 14 | 7 | 52 |
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Game information | ||
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In this Thursday night game, the Steelers were too much for the Panthers, as the Steelers' defense sacked Cam Newton five times and returned an interception for a touchdown, while their offense scored on seven of their eight drives under Ben Roethlisberger, who threw for five touchdowns and recorded a perfect passer rating, culminating in a 21–52 loss.
With the crushing loss, the Panthers' three game winning streak was snapped, and they fell to 6–3.
Cam Newton went 23 for 29, throwing for 193 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, giving him a passer rating of 103 in spite of the Steelers bending over the Panthers.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 19 |
Lions | 7 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Game information | ||
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Carolina had a chance to win at the end of the game with a two-point conversion attempt. However, Newton's pass intended for Wright fell incomplete. With the loss, the Panthers fall to 6-4.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Seahawks | 0 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 30 |
Panthers | 3 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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In a tight contest the Panthers were unable to put away the Seahawks, and lost 27–30. They fell to 6–5.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 7 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 17 |
Buccaneers | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Game information | ||
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The Panthers, thanks in part to Newton's four interceptions, fell to 6-6. The day after the game, the Panthers announced defensive line coach Brady Hoke and assistant secondary/cornerbacks coach Jeff Imamura had been fired. Ron Rivera would also take over defensive play calling duties, although Washington would retain the title of defensive coordinator. [3]
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 7 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
Browns | 7 | 10 | 0 | 9 | 26 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Game information | ||
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With the loss, Carolina fell to 6-7.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Saints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
Panthers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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The Panthers came into Monday night facing the NFC South champion and playoff-bound Saints. Carolina's defense stifled Drew Brees and the Saints offense for most of the game, forcing three turnovers. Cornerback Donte Jackson had a pick-two on a two-point conversion attempt and fellow corner James Bradberry had an interception. However, the Panthers offense stalled on several drives, including their final one. With the loss, the team's record fell to 6-8.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Falcons | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
Panthers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Game information | ||
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During the week, the Panthers decided to give backup QB Taylor Heinicke his first NFL start due to Newton's injured shoulder. [4] The Panthers lost 24-10, extending their losing streak to 7 games. Their record stood at 6-9.
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
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Panthers | 13 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 33 |
Saints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
Game information | ||
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This was the Panthers' only game outside of the Eastern Time Zone during the 2018 season. Kyle Allen made his first start at QB due to injuries. Behind Allen, the Panthers won 33-14. With the win, the Panthers finished the season 7-9 and snapped their 7 game losing streak.
NFC South | |||||||||
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W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
(1) New Orleans Saints | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 4–2 | 9–3 | 504 | 353 | L1 |
Atlanta Falcons | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 7–5 | 414 | 423 | W3 |
Carolina Panthers | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | 376 | 382 | W1 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 2–4 | 4–8 | 396 | 464 | L4 |
# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
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Division leaders | |||||||||||
1 [a] | New Orleans Saints | South | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 4–2 | 9–3 | .482 | .488 | L1 |
2 [a] | Los Angeles Rams | West | 13 | 3 | 0 | .813 | 6–0 | 9–3 | .480 | .428 | W2 |
3 | Chicago Bears | North | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 5–1 | 10–2 | .430 | .419 | W4 |
4 | Dallas Cowboys | East | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 5–1 | 9–3 | .488 | .444 | W2 |
Wild Cards | |||||||||||
5 | Seattle Seahawks | West | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .484 | .400 | W2 |
6 | Philadelphia Eagles | East | 9 | 7 | 0 | .563 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .518 | .486 | W3 |
Did not qualify for the postseason | |||||||||||
7 | Minnesota Vikings | North | 8 | 7 | 1 | .531 | 3–2–1 | 6–5–1 | .504 | .355 | L1 |
8 [b] | Atlanta Falcons | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .482 | .348 | W3 |
9 [b] | Washington Redskins | East | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 6–6 | .486 | .371 | L2 |
10 [b] | Carolina Panthers | South | 7 | 9 | 0 | .438 | 2–4 | 5–7 | .508 | .518 | W1 |
11 | Green Bay Packers | North | 6 | 9 | 1 | .406 | 1–4–1 | 3–8–1 | .488 | .417 | L1 |
12 | Detroit Lions | North | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .504 | .427 | W1 |
13 [c] | New York Giants | East | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 1–5 | 4–8 | .527 | .487 | L3 |
14 [c] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | South | 5 | 11 | 0 | .313 | 2–4 | 4–8 | .523 | .506 | L4 |
15 | San Francisco 49ers | West | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 1–5 | 2–10 | .504 | .406 | L2 |
16 | Arizona Cardinals | West | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 | 2–4 | 3–9 | .527 | .302 | L4 |
Tiebreakers [d] | |||||||||||
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The 2012 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 47th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fifth under head coach Mike Smith. Atlanta started the season 8–0, a franchise best for a start to a season. By beating the Detroit Lions during Week 16, the Falcons clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs in the NFC for the second time in three years, and made it to the NFC Championship for the first time since 2004, where they lost 28–24 against the San Francisco 49ers. It was the third straight year in which they didn't lose two consecutive regular season games.
The 2013 season was the Carolina Panthers' 19th in the National Football League (NFL) and their third under head coach Ron Rivera. NFL.com ranked the Panthers' schedule as the strongest in the league, with opponents having a combined 2012 record of 138–116–2 and a winning percentage of .543.
The 2014 New York Giants season was the franchise's 90th season in the National Football League (NFL), the fifth playing their home games at MetLife Stadium and the eleventh under head coach Tom Coughlin. The team failed to improve on their 7–9 mark from 2013, finishing 6–10.
The 2014 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Chip Kelly. The Eagles led the NFC East for most of the year, but when the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Indianapolis Colts in week 16, they were eliminated from playoff contention.
The 2014 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 49th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the seventh and final under head coach Mike Smith. The Falcons were defeated by the Carolina Panthers in week 17, officially eliminating them from postseason contention for the second straight year. As a result, Smith was fired after his seventh year as head coach, after two straight years with a losing record.
The 2014 season was the Carolina Panthers' 20th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Ron Rivera.
The 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 39th season in the National Football League (NFL). It was also the first season under head coach Lovie Smith, replacing Greg Schiano, who was fired at the end of the 2013 season. It was also the first season under general manager Jason Licht, following the departure of Mark Dominik, after a disappointing 2013 season. It also marked the first season under new ownership since 1994, after longtime owner Malcolm Glazer died on May 28, 2014. Glazer's sons took over team operations.
The 2015 season was the Carolina Panthers' 21st in the National Football League (NFL) and their fifth under head coach Ron Rivera. This season marked the first time in team history they played on Thanksgiving. The Panthers had their best single-season turnaround in team history, going from 7–8–1 to 15–1.
The 2015 season was the New Orleans Saints' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 40th playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their ninth under head coach Sean Payton. On November 16, 2015, the Saints hired Dennis Allen to replace fired defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. However, the Saints still missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Saints set a new league record for the most passing touchdowns allowed with 45.
The 2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 40th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second and final under head coach Lovie Smith. The offseason was marked by the draft selection of All-American Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston first overall in the 2015 NFL draft. The team wore a patch to commemorate the club's 40th season.
The 2016 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Dan Quinn. It also marked the team's 25th and final season playing their home games at the Georgia Dome, as the Falcons moved into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons won the NFC South for the first time since 2012 and improved on their 8–8 record from 2015, going 11–5 and earning the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matt Ryan was named the 2016 NFL MVP. The Falcons scored 540 points, the most in the NFL for 2016 and 8th all-time. The team scored fewer than 23 points only once all season: a 24–15 loss to the Eagles.
The 2016 season was the Carolina Panthers' 22nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their sixth under head coach Ron Rivera. It was also the team's 20th season at Bank of America Stadium. The previous year, the Panthers achieved their highest win total in franchise history with a 15–1 record, but lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. They entered the 2016 season as the defending NFC champions and NFC South champions and hope to repeat as NFC champions.
The 2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League (NFL) and the first under head coach Dirk Koetter. In week 13, the club won their seventh game, eclipsing their win total from 2015.
The 2017 season was the Carolina Panthers' 23rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their seventh under head coach Ron Rivera. During the offseason, the team's notable free agent signings included Matt Kalil, Captain Munnerlyn and veteran Julius Peppers. Peppers previously spent his first eight seasons with the Panthers, appearing in Super Bowl XXXVIII with them. On July 17, 2017, the team announced Dave Gettleman had been relieved as general manager. His predecessor, Marty Hurney, was hired as interim general manager a day later. For the first time since 2011, the Panthers did not play the Seattle Seahawks during the regular season. The Panthers rebounded after a disappointing 2016 campaign, where they were the defending NFC champions but finished 6–10 and last in the NFC South. 2017 saw the Panthers qualify for the playoffs with an 11–5 record. However, they lost to the Saints 31–26 in the Wild Card round.
The 2017 season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL), their fourth under the leadership of general manager Jason Licht, the 20th playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium and the second under head coach Dirk Koetter.
The 2018 season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth under the leadership of general manager Jason Licht, their 21st playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium and their third and final under head coach Dirk Koetter.
The 2019 season was the Carolina Panthers' 25th in the National Football League (NFL), and their ninth and last under head coach Ron Rivera. The Panthers played in London as part of the NFL International Series for the first time in franchise history. This for first time since 2004 Thomas Davis was not on the opening day roster and for first time since 2006 Ryan Kalil was not on the opening roster.
The 2020 season was the Carolina Panthers' 26th in the National Football League (NFL) and their first under head coach Matt Rhule. The offseason saw several notable departures; quarterback Cam Newton was released after the Panthers were unable to find a team willing to trade for him, while linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement on January 14, 2020. On December 21, 2020 the Panthers parted ways with general manager Marty Hurney after a total of 19 seasons with the organization.
The 2022 season was the Carolina Panthers' 28th in the National Football League (NFL) and their third and final season under head coach Matt Rhule. They attempted to improve on their 5–12 record from last season and return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. After a 1–4 start from the team, the Panthers fired head coach Matt Rhule, along with defensive coordinator Phil Snow. Rhule was replaced with defensive passing game coordinator Steve Wilks, who served as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. After a Week 16 win against the Detroit Lions, they improved on their 5 win total from the previous 3 years. However, they were eliminated from playoff contention for the fifth straight year when they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following week.
The 2023 season was the Carolina Panthers' 29th in the National Football League (NFL), their third and final under the leadership of general manager Scott Fitterer and their only under head coach Frank Reich. The Panthers started 0–6 for the first time since 1998. Following the team's Week 12 loss to the Tennessee Titans, not only did the Panthers fail to improve upon their 7–10 record from 2022, but they also fired Reich and named Chris Tabor as interim head coach. Reich's firing marks the third firing of a head coach in five years and the second firing in two years for the franchise. Following a Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers were eliminated from playoff contention for the sixth consecutive season.