Editing Carolina Panthers (section)

===Jerry Richardson era (1995–2017)===
[[File:Senators Faircloth, Dole, Helms, and Thurmond show their enthusiasm for the Carolinas' new football team -- The Carolina Panthers.jpg|thumb|left|U.S. Senators [[Lauch Faircloth]] (North Carolina), [[Bob Dole]] (Kansas), [[Jesse Helms]] (North Carolina), and [[Strom Thurmond]] (South Carolina) show their enthusiasm for the newly created Carolina Panthers]]
The Panthers first competed in the [[1995 NFL season]]; they were one of two expansion teams to begin playing that year, the other being the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].<ref name="y885">{{cite web | last=Bryan | first=Will | title=Panthers and Jaguars have a long shared history | website=Panthers.com | date=October 3, 2019 | url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-and-jaguars-have-a-long-shared-history | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="t136">{{cite web | last1=Newton | first1=David | last2=DiRocco | first2=Michael | title=25 years after debut, Panthers and Jaguars are back to rebuilding | website=[[ESPN.com]] | date=July 29, 2020 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/jacksonville-jaguars/post/_/id/28356/25-years-after-debut-panthers-and-jaguars-are-back-to-rebuilding | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Carolina's Davis Has His Hands Full Again" /> The Panthers were put in the [[NFC West]] to increase the size of that division to five teams; there were already two other southeastern teams in the division, the [[Atlanta Falcons]] and the [[New Orleans Saints]].<ref name="Nfl ">{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1994-11-03/sports/25869909_1_realignment-issue-realignment-proposals-change-divisions|title=Nfl Owners Decide Against Realignment Complications Carolina Panthers "Slotted" To Nfc West. Jacksonville Jaguars Go To Afc Central.|last=Caldwell|first=Dave|date=November 3, 1994|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|access-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062701/http://articles.philly.com/1994-11-03/sports/25869909_1_realignment-issue-realignment-proposals-change-divisions|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Former [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] defensive coordinator [[Dom Capers]] was named the first head coach.<ref name="v316">{{cite web | title=Panthers hire first coaches | website=GoUpstate | date=January 5, 1995 | url=https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/1995/01/05/panthers-hire-first-coaches/29572245007/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Panthers played their first regular season game in Week 1 of the 1995 season. The team fell to the Atlanta Falcons 23–20 in overtime.<ref name="m532">{{cite web | last=Fowler | first=Scott | title=Panthers head coach Frank Reich is about to mark a huge milestone in Atlanta. Again. | website=Charlotte Observer | date=2023-09-07 | url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article278641609.html | access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> After a 0–5 start, with three close losses, the Panthers won their first game in franchise history, a 26–15 win over the New York Jets.<ref name="a078">{{cite web | last=Gantt | first=Darin | title=Carolina's first franchise win came against the Jets in 1995 | website=Panthers.com | date=2021-09-09 | url=https://www.panthers.com/news/carolina-s-first-franchise-win-came-against-the-jets-in-1995 | access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> The team finished its inaugural season {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}}, the best performance ever from a first-year expansion team.<ref name="Carolina's Davis Has His Hands Full Again">{{cite news |last=Swan |first=Gary |date=September 19, 1996 |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Carolina-s-Davis-Has-His-Hands-Full-Again-2965647.php |title=Carolina's Davis Has His Hands Full Again / Former 49ers corner renews duel with Rice |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |oclc=137344428 |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111061229/http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Carolina-s-Davis-Has-His-Hands-Full-Again-2965647.php |archive-date=January 11, 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref> They performed even better in their second season, finishing with a {{Win–loss record|w=12|l=4}} record and winning the NFC West division, as well as securing a first-round bye.<ref name="Panthers let Capers go after dismal 4-12 season">{{Cite magazine |date=December 28, 1998 |title=Panthers let Capers go after dismal 4–12 season |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1998/12/28/capers_fired/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103210505/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/1998/12/28/capers_fired/ |archive-date=January 3, 2014 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |magazine=Sports Illustrated|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/1996.htm |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Panthers beat the defending Super Bowl champions [[Dallas Cowboys]] in the divisional round 26–17 <ref name="Panthers Push Out Cowboys">{{Cite news |last=Pierson |first=Don |date=January 6, 1997 |title=Panthers Push Out Cowboys |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/01/06/panthers-push-out-cowboys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728230213/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-01-06/sports/9701060097_1_cowboys-carolina-panthers-panthers-coach-dom-capers |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |issn=1085-6706}}</ref> before losing the [[NFC Championship Game]] to the eventual [[Super Bowl]] champions, the [[1996 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] 30–13.<ref name="1996 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players">{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1996.htm|title=1996 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]|access-date=May 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504140048/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/1996.htm|archive-date=May 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The team managed only a {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}} finish in [[1997 Carolina Panthers season|1997]] and slipped to {{Win–loss record|w=4|l=12}} in [[1998 Carolina Panthers season|1998]], leading to Capers' dismissal as head coach.<ref name="Panthers let Capers go after dismal 4-12 season" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/1997.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/1998.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

The Panthers hired former [[San Francisco 49ers]] head coach [[George Seifert]] to replace Capers, and he led the team to an {{Win–loss record|w=8|l=8}} record in [[1999 Carolina Panthers season|1999]].<ref name="a808">{{cite web | title=Seifert hired to lead Panthers | website=Pocono Record | date=January 5, 1999 | url=https://www.poconorecord.com/story/sports/pro/1999/01/05/seifert-hired-to-lead-panthers/51101751007/ | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/1999.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team finished {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}} in [[2000 Carolina Panthers season|2000]] and fell to {{Win–loss record|w=1|l=15}} in [[2001 Carolina Panthers season|2001]], winning their first game but losing their last 15.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2000.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2001.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> This performance tied the NFL record for most losses in a single season, and it broke the record held by the winless [[1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1976 Buccaneers]] for most consecutive losses in a single season (both records have since been broken by the [[2008 Detroit Lions season|2008 Lions]]), leading the Panthers to fire Seifert.<ref name="Panthers fire head coach Seifert after 1-15 season">{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/01/07/seifert_ap/|title=Panthers fire head coach Seifert after 1–15 season|date=January 2, 2002|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203022729/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/01/07/seifert_ap/|archive-date=February 3, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> One highlight from the loss-ridden 2001 season was the drafting of future franchise wide receiver [[Steve Smith Sr.|Steve Smith]]. He was a third-round selection in the 2001 NFL draft by the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Carolina Panthers Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2001_draft.htm |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== John Fox years (2002–2010) ====
[[File:Jake Delhomme in 2006.jpg|thumb|[[Jake Delhomme]] with the Panthers in 2006. Delhomme led the Panthers to three postseason appearances and an appearance in [[Super Bowl XXXVIII]].]]
[[File:Panthers WR Steve Smith sits.jpg|thumb|[[Steve Smith Sr.|Steve Smith]] played [[wide receiver]] for the Panthers from 2001 to 2013. In 2005, Smith led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.]]
[[File:Pro Football Hall of Fame (37923671265).jpg|thumb|[[Julius Peppers]] #90 jersey in the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]. Peppers played [[defensive end]] for the Panthers from 2002 to 2009 and later again from 2017 to 2018.]]
After the NFL's expansion to 32 teams in 2002, the Panthers were relocated from the NFC West to the newly created NFC South division.<ref name="Seattle moved to NFC in approved realignment plan">{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2001/05/22/banks_realign/|title=Seattle moved to NFC in approved realignment plan|last=Banks|first=Don|date=May 22, 2001|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010608113824/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2001/05/22/banks_realign|archive-date=June 8, 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Panthers' rivalries with the Falcons and Saints were maintained, and they would be joined by the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref name="u551">{{cite web  | title=When the NFL added two divisions -- and weakened the AFC West | website=NBC Sports | date=May 22, 2014 | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/when-the-nfl-added-two-divisions-and-weakened-the-afc-west | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The Panthers had the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. The team selected future Hall of Fame defensive end Julius Peppers out of North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Carolina Panthers Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2002_draft.htm |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> [[New York Giants]] defensive coordinator [[John Fox (American football)|John Fox]] was hired to replace Seifert<ref name="Carolina hires Fox as new head coach">{{cite web|url=http://onlineathens.com/stories/012602/spo_0126020027.shtml|title=Carolina hires Fox as new head coach|last=Fryer|first=Jenna|date=January 26, 2002|work=[[Athens Banner-Herald]]|access-date=January 29, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730042229/http://onlineathens.com/stories/012602/spo_0126020027.shtml|archive-date=July 30, 2013}}</ref> and led the team to a {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}} finish in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2002.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Although the team's defense gave up very few yards, ranking the second-best in the NFL in yards conceded, they were hindered by an offense that ranked as the second-worst in the league in yards gained.<ref name="Carolina Panthers">{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1029603/index.htm|title=Carolina Panthers|last=Chadiha|first=Jeffri|date=September 1, 2003|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327234952/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1029603/index.htm|archive-date=March 27, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Prior to the 2003 season, the team signed quarterback Jake Delhomme.<ref name="j781">{{cite web | last=Fryer | first=Jenna | title=Panthers sign QB Delhomme | website=Chicago Tribune | date=2003-03-05 | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2003/03/05/panthers-sign-qb-delhomme/ | access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> The Panthers improved to {{Win–loss record|w=11|l=5}} in the [[2003 Carolina Panthers season|2003 regular season]], winning the NFC South.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gastongazette.com/sports/20160906/carolina-panthers-year-by-year-history-of-franchises-21-years-in-charlotte |title=Carolina Panthers year-by-year: A history of the franchise's 21 years in Charlotte |last=Walker |first=Richard |date=September 6, 2016 |newspaper=[[The Gaston Gazette]] |access-date=December 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210063318/https://www.gastongazette.com/sports/20160906/carolina-panthers-year-by-year-history-of-franchises-21-years-in-charlotte |archive-date=December 10, 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The Panthers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 29–10 in the Wild Card Round, the St. Louis Rams 29–23 in the Divisional Round, and the Philadelphia Eagles 14–3 in the NFC Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers - January 3rd, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401030car.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams - January 10th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401100ram.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles - January 18th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200401180phi.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They advanced to [[Super Bowl XXXVIII]] before losing to the [[New England Patriots]], 32–29.<ref name="g914">{{cite web | last=Farmer | first=Sam | title=He's Leader of the Pats | website=Los Angeles Times | date=August 22, 2004 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-22-sp-brady22-story.html | access-date=August 4, 2024}}</ref> The game was immediately hailed by sportswriter [[Peter King (sportswriter)|Peter King]] as the "Greatest Super Bowl of all time". King felt the game "was a wonderful championship battle, full of everything that makes football dramatic, draining, enervating, maddening, fantastic, exciting" and praised, among other things, the unpredictability, coaching, and conclusion.<ref name="What more could you want?">{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/peter_king/02/02/mmqb/|title=What more could you want?|author=[[Peter King (sportswriter)|King, Peter]]|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405000120/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writers/peter_king/02/02/mmqb/|archive-date=April 5, 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game is still viewed as one of the best Super Bowls of all time,<ref name="Top Ten Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXVIII">{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-top-ten/09000d5d81def26e/Top-Ten-Super-Bowls-Super-Bowl-XXXVIII|title=Top Ten Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXVIII|date=January 27, 2011|work=[[National Football League|NFL.com]]|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703044700/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-top-ten/09000d5d81def26e/Top-Ten-Super-Bowls-Super-Bowl-XXXVIII|archive-date=July 3, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Top 10 best Super Bowl games">{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/lists/Top_10_Best_Super_Bowl_games#photo-title=Super+Bowl+XXXVIII+-+Patriots+32%252C+Panthers+29&photo=22596290|title=Top 10 best Super Bowl games|date=January 22, 2012|publisher=[[Foxsports.com#MSN|Fox Sports on MSN]]|access-date=August 28, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911095124/http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/lists/Top_10_Best_Super_Bowl_games#photo-title=Super+Bowl+XXXVIII+-+Patriots+32%252C+Panthers+29&photo=22596290|archive-date=September 11, 2013}}</ref><ref name="What Was The Best Super Bowl Ever? Ranking All 47 Games According To Watchability">{{cite web|url=http://deadspin.com/5981692/what-was-the-best-super-bowl-ever-ranking-all-47-games-according-to-watchability|title=What Was The Best Super Bowl Ever? Ranking All 47 Games According To Watchability|last=Fischer-Baum|first=Reuben|date=February 6, 2013|publisher=[[Deadspin]]|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901210710/http://deadspin.com/5981692/what-was-the-best-super-bowl-ever-ranking-all-47-games-according-to-watchability|archive-date=September 1, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Grading all 45 Super Bowls">{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/richard_rothschild/01/30/grading.past.super.bowls/index.html|title=Grading all 45 Super Bowls|last=Rothschild|first=Richard|date=January 30, 2012|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204180132/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/richard_rothschild/01/30/grading.past.super.bowls/index.html|archive-date=December 4, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in the opinion of Charlotte-based [[NPR]] reporter Scott Jagow, the Panthers' Super Bowl appearance represented the arrival of Charlotte onto the national scene.<ref name="Carolina Panther's 'Wine and Cheese' Fans">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1624211|title=Carolina Panther's &#91;sic&#93; 'Wine and Cheese' Fans|date=January 29, 2004|publisher=[[NPR]]|access-date=January 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328041205/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1624211|archive-date=March 28, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following a {{Win–loss record|w=1|l=7}} start in 2004, the Panthers rebounded to win six of their last seven games despite losing 14 players for the season due to injury.<ref name="u924">{{cite news | last=Fryer | first=Jenna | title=Panthers Remain on the Prowl | newspaper=Washington Post | date=2004-12-13 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2004/12/13/panthers-remain-on-the-prowl/f2e7c2e7-a944-4a73-bd58-1131ab23587d/ | access-date=2024-09-01}}</ref> They lost their last game to [[New Orleans Saints|New Orleans]], finishing the [[2004 Carolina Panthers season|2004 season]] at {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2004.htm |access-date=August 4, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Had they won the game, the Panthers would have made the playoffs.<ref name="New Orleans and Carolina Battle as if There's No Tomorrow">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C05E0DE1239F930A35752C0A9639C8B63|title=Pro Football; New Orleans and Carolina Battle as if There's No Tomorrow, and There Isn't|last=Bernstein|first=Viv|date=January 3, 2005|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219135024/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C05E0DE1239F930A35752C0A9639C8B63|archive-date=February 19, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The team improved to {{Win–loss record|w=11|l=5}} in [[2005 Carolina Panthers season|2005]], finishing second in the division behind Tampa Bay and clinching a playoff berth as a [[Wild card (sports)|wild card]].<ref name="Panthers clinch berth, expend little effort vs. Falcons">{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2006 |title=Panthers clinch berth, expend little effort vs. Falcons |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260101001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023142223/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260101001 |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the first round of the playoffs, the Panthers went on the road to face the New York Giants, beating them 23–0 for the NFL's first playoff [[shutout]] against a home team since 1980.<ref name="Wanna go for a [wild] ride?">{{Cite web |last=Bayless |first=Skip |author-link=Skip Bayless |title=Wanna go for a [wild] ride? |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless/060109 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728234151/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless%2F060109 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> The following week, they beat [[Chicago Bears|Chicago]] 29–21 on the road, but lost key players [[Julius Peppers]], a [[defensive end]], and [[DeShaun Foster]], a [[running back]], who were both injured during the game.<ref name="The Seahawks are far from super">{{Cite web |last=Bayless |first=Skip |author-link=Skip Bayless |title=The Seahawks are far from super |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless/060120 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728053033/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless%2F060120 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> The Panthers were then defeated 34–14 by the [[Seattle Seahawks]] in the NFC Championship Game, ending their season.<ref name="Seahawks smash Panthers, clinch first Super Bowl in team history">{{cite web|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260122026|title=Seahawks smash Panthers, clinch first Super Bowl in team history|date=January 22, 2006|work=ESPN.com|access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115102920/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=260122026|archive-date=January 15, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although the Panthers went into the [[2006 Carolina Panthers season|2006 season]] as favorites to win the NFC South and the free agent signing of [[Keyshawn Johnson]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2382797|title=Keyshawn signs four-year deal with Panthers|date=March 24, 2006|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=October 26, 2022}}</ref> they finished with a disappointing {{Win–loss record|w=8|l=8}} record.<ref name="Playoff-bound Saints rest key starters in loss to Panthers">{{Cite web |title=Playoff-bound Saints rest key starters in loss to Panthers |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261231018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911035218/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261231018 |archive-date=September 11, 2012 |access-date=January 29, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The team finished the [[2007 Carolina Panthers season|2007 season]] with a {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}} record after losing [[quarterback]] [[Jake Delhomme]] early in the season due to an elbow injury.<ref name="Delhomme sees silver lining in long rehab from elbow injury">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=yasinskas_pat&id=3240463|title=Delhomme sees silver lining in long rehab from elbow injury|last=Yasinskas|first=Pat|work=ESPN.com|date=February 11, 2008 |access-date=January 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728234727/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=yasinskas_pat&id=3240463|archive-date=July 28, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[2008 Carolina Panthers season|2008]], the Panthers rebounded with a {{Win–loss record|w=12|l=4}} regular season record, winning the NFC South and securing a first round [[Bye (sports)|bye]]. They were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs, losing 33–13 to the [[Super Bowl XLIII|eventual NFC Champion]] [[2008 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]] after Delhomme [[Turnover (gridiron football)|turned the ball over]] six times.<ref name="Soaring Cardinals one game away from first Super Bowl berth">{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2009 |title=Soaring Cardinals one game away from first Super Bowl berth |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290110029 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126132849/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290110029 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Delhomme's struggles carried over into the [[2009 Carolina Panthers season|2009 season]], where he threw 18 interceptions in the first 11 games before breaking a finger in his throwing hand.<ref name="Report: Panthers won't fire coach, GM">{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2009 |title=Report: Panthers won't fire coach, GM |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4776316 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728234619/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4776316 |archive-date=July 28, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The Panthers were at a {{Win–loss record|w=4|l=7}} record before Delhomme's season-ending injury,<ref name="i233">{{cite web | title=In brief: Delhomme out for remainder of season | website=Spokesman.com | date=2009-12-25 | url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/25/in-brief-delhomme-out-for-remainder-of-season/ | access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> and his backup, [[Matt Moore (American football)|Matt Moore]], led the team to a {{Win–loss record|w=4|l=1}} finish to the season for an {{Win–loss record|w=8|l=8}} overall record.<ref name="New York Jets in playoffs = conspiracy">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/100105&sportCat=nfl|title=New York Jets in playoffs = conspiracy|author=[[Gregg Easterbrook|Easterbrook, Gregg]]|date=January 5, 2010|work=ESPN.com|access-date=January 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401055516/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook%2F100105&sportCat=nfl|archive-date=April 1, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2010 Carolina Panthers season|2010]], after releasing Delhomme in the offseason, the Panthers finished with a league-worst ({{Win–loss record|w=2|l=14}}) record; their offense was the worst in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-03-05 |title=Panthers cut Delhomme, signal switch to Moore |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4967109 |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> John Fox's contract expired after the season ended, and the team did not retain him or his staff.<ref name="Falcons beat Panthers 31-10, win home-field edge">{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20110102001|title=Falcons beat Panthers 31–10, win home-field edge|last=Odum|first=Charles|date=January 3, 2011|work=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|access-date=January 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204055854/http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20110102001|archive-date=December 4, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Ron Rivera years (2011–2019) ====
[[File:Ron Rivera (cropped).jpg|alt=Sitting at a table, a man wearing a white Panthers shirt and glasses is signing an autograph.|thumb|Former coach [[Ron Rivera]] in 2011.|247x247px]]
[[File:Cam Newton 2014.jpg|thumb|2015 NFL MVP [[Cam Newton]]. Newton would lead the Panthers to a 15–1 record in 2015 and an appearance in [[Super Bowl 50]].|268x268px]]
The team hired [[Ron Rivera]] to replace Fox as head coach<ref name="Ron Rivera knows he has to win">{{Cite web |date=January 29, 2013 |title=Ron Rivera knows he has to win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8894403/ron-rivera-carolina-panthers-knows-win-2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201045013/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8894403/ron-rivera-carolina-panthers-knows-win-2013 |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |access-date=January 30, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> and drafted [[Auburn University|Auburn]]'s [[Heisman Trophy]]-winning quarterback [[Cam Newton]] with the first overall pick in the [[2011 NFL draft]].<ref name="Carolina Panthers select Cam Newton with No.&nbsp;1 pick in NFL draft">{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/04/carolina-panthers-select-cam-newton-with-no-1-pick-in-nfl-draft/1|title=Carolina Panthers select Cam Newton with No. 1 pick in NFL draft|last=Leahy|first=Sean|date=April 28, 2011|work=[[USA Today]]|access-date=January 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024205305/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/04/carolina-panthers-select-cam-newton-with-no-1-pick-in-nfl-draft/1|archive-date=October 24, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The Panthers opened the [[2011 Carolina Panthers season|2011 season]] {{Win–loss record|w=2|l=6}}, but finished with a {{Win–loss record|w=6|l=10}} record,<ref name="Ron Rivera knows he has to win" /> and Newton was awarded the [[AP Offensive Rookie of the Year#Offensive ROTY Winners (1967–present)|AP Offensive Rookie of the Year]] award after setting the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns from a quarterback (14) in a single season and becoming the first rookie NFL quarterback to throw for over 4,000&nbsp;yards in a single season, thus setting the NFL rookie record.<ref name="i020">{{cite web | last=Crumpler | first=John | title=Former OROY Cam Newton says C.J. Stroud had greatest rookie season ever | website=Texans Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2024-02-14 | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2024/02/14/former-oroy-cam-newton-says-c-j-stroud-had-greatest-rookie-season-ever/ | access-date=2024-09-01}}</ref><ref name="k040">{{cite web | last=Goldberg | first=Charles | title=Cam Newton breaks Peyton Manning's rookie record for passing, scores another rushing TD, too | website=AL.com| date=2011-12-25 | url=https://www.al.com/sports/2011/12/cam_newton_breaks_peyton_manni.html | access-date=2024-09-01}}</ref> He also was the first rookie quarterback to rush for over 500&nbsp;yards in a single season.<ref name="Cam Newton Wins 2012 Offensive Rookie Of Year ">{{cite news | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-newton-voted-ap-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-09000d5d8269d38a | title=Panthers' Newton voted AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | publisher=[[National Football League]] | date=February 4, 2012 | access-date=April 26, 2020 | archive-date=April 12, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412055505/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8269d38a/article/panthers-newton-voted-ap-offensive-rookie-of-the-year | url-status=live }}</ref> 
After strengthening the defense with future all-pro [[Luke Kuechly]] in the first round of the 2012 draft,<ref name="w859">{{cite web | last=Person | first=Joseph | title= How the Panthers were sold Luke Kuechly was their guy in 2012 | website=The New York Times| date=2022-04-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3239143/2022/04/12/panthers-nfl-draft-luke-kuechly/ | access-date=2024-09-02}}</ref> the Panthers again opened the [[2012 Carolina Panthers season|2012 season]] poorly, losing five out of their first six games, leading longtime general manager [[Marty Hurney]] to be fired in response.<ref name="j019">{{cite web | last=Yasinskas | first=Pat | title=Panthers GM Hurney fired as team starts 1-5 | website=ESPN.com | date=2012-10-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8536687/marty-hurney-carolina-panthers-gm-fired-team-starts-1-5 | access-date=2024-09-01}}</ref> The team slid to a {{Win–loss record|w=2|l=8}} record before winning five of their last six games, resulting in a {{Win–loss record|w=7|l=9}} record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2012.htm |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> This strong finish helped save Rivera's job.<ref name="Ron Rivera knows he has to win" /> 
The Panthers had a winning season the following year, finishing with a {{Win–loss record|w=12|l=4}} record and winning their third NFC South title and another playoff bye,<ref name="Cam Newton, Greg Hardy help Panthers clinch NFC South title">{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2013 |title=Cam Newton, Greg Hardy help Panthers clinch NFC South title |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=331229001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230073102/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=331229001 |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2013 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> but they were beaten by the 49ers in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers - January 12th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201401120car.htm |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2014, the Panthers opened the season with two wins, but after 12 games, sat at {{win-loss record|w=3|l=8|d=1}} due in part to a seven-game winless streak. A four-game winning streak to end the season secured the team their second consecutive NFC South championship and a playoff berth, despite a losing record of {{win-loss record|w=7|l=8|d=1}}.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/playoff-clinching-carolina-panthers-lock-up-nfc-south-0ap3000000450787 | title=Playoff clinching: Carolina Panthers lock up NFC South | work=NFL.com | date=December 28, 2014 | access-date=December 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229044406/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000450787/article/playoff-clinching-carolina-panthers-lock-up-nfc-south | archive-date=December 29, 2014 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The Panthers defeated the [[Arizona Cardinals]], 27–16, in the [[2014–15 NFL playoffs|wild card round]] to advance to the divisional playoffs,<ref name="2015wc">{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2015 |title=Panthers bury Cardinals behind Cam Newton, historic effort on defense |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400749512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107114735/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400749512 |archive-date=January 7, 2015 |access-date=January 7, 2015 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> where they lost to eventual NFC champion Seattle, 31–17. The 2015 season saw the Panthers start the season {{Win–loss record|w=14|l=0}} and finish the season {{Win–loss record|w=15|l=1}}, which tied for the best regular-season record in NFC history. The team had the league's top-scoring offense.<ref name="m555">{{cite web | last=Reimer | first=Alex | title=This is how Carolina built its top scoring offense | website=SBNation.com | date=2016-01-23 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/1/23/10803714/panthers-offense-stats-2015-cam-newton-ted-ginn-greg-olsen | access-date=2024-09-01}}</ref> During the same season, [[Cam Newton]] was named [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL MVP]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.panthers.com/news/cam-newton-named-nfl-mvp-16796069|title=Cam Newton Named NFL MVP|date=February 6, 2016|website=Carolina Panthers|access-date=October 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article58938873.html|title=Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is Named NFL MVP; he thanks the doubters|last=Jones|first=Jonathan|date=February 7, 2016|website=[[The Charlotte Observer]]|access-date=October 29, 2022}}</ref> The Panthers also secured their third consecutive NFC South championship, as well as their first overall top-seeded playoff berth.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|title=Panthers clinch home-field advantage in playoffs|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-clinch-home-field-advantage-in-playoffs-0ap3000000614846|publisher=National Football League|date=January 3, 2016|access-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125162427/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000614846/article/panthers-clinch-homefield-advantage-in-playoffs|archive-date=January 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2015–16 NFL playoffs|2015–16 playoffs]], the Panthers defeated the [[2015 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in the NFC Divisional playoffs, 31–24, after shutting them out in the first half, 31–0,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400820435|title=Panthers hold off Seahawks, advance to NFC title game|agency=[[Associated Press]]|work=ESPN.com|date=January 18, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210015904/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400820435|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]], 49–15, in the [[NFC Championship Game]] to advance to [[Super Bowl 50]], their first Super Bowl appearance since the [[2003 Carolina Panthers season|2003 season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400820437|title=Cam Newton, Panthers smother Cards to reach Super Bowl 50|agency=[[Associated Press]]|work=ESPN.com|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210063228/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400820437|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Panthers lost a defensive struggle to the AFC champion [[Denver Broncos]], 24–10.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/08/broncos-defense-panthers-cam-newton-peyton-manning|title=Super Bowl 50 was billed as Newton v Manning – but the defenses tore up the script|last=Felt|first=Hunter|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210064804/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/08/broncos-defense-panthers-cam-newton-peyton-manning|archive-date=December 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/02/07/von-miller-defense-carry-broncos-to-super-bowl-50-victory/|title=Von Miller, defense carry Broncos to Super Bowl victory|last=Renck|first=Troy E.|newspaper=[[The Denver Post]]|date=February 7, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175409/https://www.denverpost.com/2016/02/07/von-miller-defense-carry-broncos-to-super-bowl-50-victory/|archive-date=August 29, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2016 Carolina Panthers season|2016 season]], the Panthers regressed on their 15–1 record from 2015, posting a 6–10 record and a last-place finish in the NFC South, missing the playoffs for the first time since [[2012 Carolina Panthers season|2012]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Carolina Panthers Franchise Encyclopedia|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/index.htm|access-date=April 17, 2022}}</ref> and losing the division title to the second-seeded [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]],<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 NFL Standings & Team Stats|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/|access-date=August 14, 2022}}</ref> who went on to represent the NFC in [[Super Bowl LI]]. In [[2017 Carolina Panthers season|2017]], the Panthers finished with an 11–5 record and a #5 seed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Carolina Panthers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/2017.htm |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> However, they lost to the [[New Orleans Saints]] 31–26 in the Wild Card Round, their first loss in that round in franchise history.<ref name="x057">{{cite web | last=Martel | first=Brett | title=Brees, defensive stand, help Saints survive Panthers, 31-26 | website=AP News | date=January 8, 2018 | url=https://apnews.com/general-news-76dec3d1ab0843fda130caefaee258c0 | access-date=July 30, 2024}}</ref>