After 11 games last season, the Panthers were 8-3 and on a seven-game win streak. After 11 games this season, they’re 3-7-1 and on a five-game losing streak.Obviously, the good feelings from 2013’s playoff run dissipated long ago, yet in some ways, it’s still hard to believe the dropoff has been so dramatic.While this year’s offense has been bad, it’s not like last season’s was all that great. The huge discrepancy is with the defense, which has gone from one of the league’s best to one of its worst.Here’s a look at how each unit compares from last year at this time to where the Panthers currently stand in a handful of vital categories.
| OFFENSE: Through 11 Games | 2013 (Avg/NFL Rank) | 2014 (Avg/NFL Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 318.8 (26th) | 327.2 (23rd) |
| Rushing Yards | 126.3 (9th) | 96.4 (23rd) |
| Passing Yards | 192.5 (30th) | 230.8 (18th) |
| Sacks | 30 | 33 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 46.9% (2nd) | 40.0% (t20th) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 66.7% (2nd) | 46.7% (t28th) |
| Total Points | 23.5 (17th) | 19.5 (24th) |
- Somewhat surprisingly, the Panthers are averaging more total and passing yards per game, but that’s likely a product of playing from behind.
- The offensive line has ‘only’ given up three more sacks this year, so Cam Newton hasn’t had great protection either season.
- The offense was able to sustain long drives and finish them off last year. This season, not so much.
| DEFENSE: Through 11 Games | 2013 (Avg/NFL Rank) | 2014 (Avg/NFL Rank) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 297.5 (3rd) | 374.0 (23rd) |
| Rushing Yards | 81.5 (3rd) | 119.1 (23rd) |
| Passing Yards | 215.9 (7th) | 254.9 (23rd) |
| Sacks | 34 | 23 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 34.0% (t4th) | 45.0% (27th) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 34.6% (2nd) | 66.7% (t28th) |
| Takeaways | 24 (2nd) | 17 (t10th) |
| Total Points | 13.7 (1st) | 27.3 (29th) |
- Where do you even begin?
- At least the Panthers are consistent. They’re ranked 23rd in total, rushing and passing yards allowed per game.
- 11 fewer sacks through 11 games. The Greg Hardy Effect. Perhaps all the defensive numbers are a result of that, too.
- The defense got off the field or held opponents to field goals last year. This season, not so much.