The last time the Carolina Panthers breathed life into a dying season, they did it in New Orleans.
After floundering through two winless months, the 2014 Panthers snapped a six-game losing streak in style at the Superdome. That 41-10 rout sparked a four-game win streak and an NFC South title.
Two seasons and a Super Bowl appearance later, the Panthers again head to Louisiana hoping to cure a surprising slump.
“I think we still haven't found our rhythm yet,” center Ryan Kalil said Wednesday.
“Last year we were in a lot of close games that we were able to finish and we haven't done that this year. I know the record says differently, but we're a team that has a lot of talent and we've just got to put it together.”
Rhythm is the most important word for an offense that’s been part of a sputtering 1-4 start. The Panthers rank third in total yards, but they’re ninth in time of possession, a category in which they finished inside the top-5 during each of their three straight trips to the playoffs.
Rhythm is what the Panthers found while scoring on their first three possessions in New Orleans a couple of seasons ago. It’s what they had during last year’s magical 15-1 run. It’s what’s been missing since the Super Bowl. But it’s something they could rediscover as soon as this weekend, as long as quarterback Cam Newton returns.
After watching Monday night’s loss to the Bucs from his Uptown apartment, the reigning MVP was back at practice Wednesday. Because he’s still in the concussion protocol, Newton was limited, but the sense is he’ll be cleared in time to face the Saints' 31st-ranked defense.
“You could see guys gravitating and getting excited,” coach Ron Rivera said. “He brings energy to what you do. He's trying to keep himself in check, obviously because of the whole protocol and everything, but you can see him enjoying it.”
In the Panthers’ current three-game win streak against the Saints, Newton’s thrown for 872 yards while accounting for 12 touchdowns and just one interception. But he’s had some help in the backfield. The past three times he’s played New Orleans, running back Jonathan Stewart has averaged 5.9 yards per carry while totaling 320 yards and two touchdowns.
“When he's rolling, he's as good as there is,” said tight end Greg Olsen, who’s racked up 27 receptions for 335 yards and three scores in his past three against the Saints.
“When you watch that second New Orleans game from last year, he was a man on a mission there. They could barely tackle him at moments.”
Stewart, who’s been out since he sprained his hamstring in Week Two, was also limited Wednesday. But his expected return Sunday should help the Panthers in their search for that ‘r’ word.
“He's a rhythm player,” Rivera said. “It’s different when you have that constant threat in there. I think that Stew is a little bit more of a physical player. He sets the tone.”
While many outside the building are already burying the defending NFC champs, a win this weekend could keep their 2016 hopes alive. That would put them at 2-3 heading into the bye — still a disappointing record, but a hole they’ve dug out of in previous seasons.
First, though, they need to locate that missing rhythm.
“We've got to get a win, regardless of who plays,” Olsen said. “Whether you're going into a bye or not, whoever you have.
"We've got to get a win.”