Numbers aren’t everything, but they can help explain part of a story. So if you’re having a hard time understanding how the bulk of a team that went 15-1 last year is now 1-5, some of these stats should shed some light.
Offense
Let’s start with a comparison of the Carolina Panthers’ offense through six games last year vs. this year.
| Through 6 Games | 2015 (Rank/Avg) | 2016 (Rank/Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Pts/Game | 27.0 (6th) | 26.8 (6th) |
| Total Yds | 344.2 (22nd) | 394.3 (4th) |
| Rush Yds | 144.7 (1st) | 121.0 (6th) |
| Pass Yds | 199.5 (29th) | 273.3 (6th) |
| 3rd Down | 36.1% (21st) | 41.0% (12th) |
| Sacks | 11 | 15 |
| T.O.P. | 31:01 | 31:02 |
Except for rushing yards and sacks, the 2016 offense is either on pace with or better than last year’s in most general categories.
But is some of that a byproduct of playing from behind?
Cam Newton
Yeah, that’s a factor, and you can see it in Newton’s stats so far this season. Even though he’s played one fewer game than he did last year at this time, he’s already thrown for more yards — and that’s not a good sign for a run-first offense.
| Through 6 Weeks | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Comp | 101 | 104 |
| Att | 181 | 180 |
| Pct | 55.8 | 57.8 |
| Yds | 1,275 | 1,296 |
| TD | 9 | 8 |
| INT | 7 | 6 |
| Sacks | 11 | 13 |
| Rate | 78.4 | 81.2 |
Remember, Newton essentially won the MVP award in the second half of last season, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that his numbers this year aren’t far off — or even slightly better — than his start to 2015.
Scoring Slumps
Carolina’s offense has struggled to get ahead early, as evidenced by its current scoreless streak of 50:20 in the first quarter. But compared to last year, slow starts after halftime are an even bigger issue.
| Through 6 Games | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 20 | 48 | 52 | 42 | 162 |
| 2016 | 24 | 40 | 35 | 62 | 161 |
Giveaways
But the offense’s biggest problem has been taking care of the ball. Through six games, the Panthers “lead” the NFL with 16 giveaways. 10 of those are interceptions, the second-highest total in the league.
Through six games last year, the Panthers had turned it over eight times.
Take-aways
While the Panthers finished No. 1 in scoring last year, much of that had to do with a defense that led the NFL in take-aways.
Through six weeks, the 2015 defense had forced 12 turnovers, including nine interceptions. This year, the Panthers are tied for 12th in take-aways with eight.
At this time last season, cornerback Josh Norman had four interceptions. His former team has six so far in 2016.
Turnover Differential
Put it all together and what do you get?
The league’s third-worst turnover margin.
| Through 6 Games | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Giveaways | 8 | 16 |
| Takeaways | 12 | 8 |
| Margin | +4 | -8 |
| Panthers' Pts | 51 | 37 |
| Opponents' Pts | 19 | 40 |
| Net | +32 | -3 |
Defense
A decrease in take-aways isn’t the only problem on defense, of course.
Not so BREAKING: The Panthers are struggling to rush the passer and stop the pass.
| Through 6 Games | 2015 (Rank/Avg) | 2016 (Rank/Avg) |
|---|---|---|
| Pts/Game | 18.3 (6th) | 29.3 (t29th) |
| Total Yds | 339.8 (9th) | 371.5 (22nd) |
| Rush Yds | 110.0 (18th) | 89.5 (8th) |
| Pass Yds | 229.8 (8th) | 282.0 (25th) |
| 3rd Down | 37.4% (13th) | 42.0% (23rd) |
| Sacks | 18 | 12 |
Bad Starts and Finishes
But wait, there’s more!
In the first quarter, the Panthers are allowing more than two times the points they gave up a year ago, and in the fourth quarter, it’s three times more.
| Through 6 Games | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 15 | 33 | 40 | 22 | 110 |
| 2016 | 36 | 36 | 37 | 67 | 176 |
From 6-0 to 1-5
So while the offense hasn’t been good, it’s managed to score nearly as many points as last year’s did through six games. The defense, meanwhile, is allowing 11.0 more points per game. That, plus the decrease in take-aways and jump in giveaways equals:
| Through 6 Games | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 5 |