Carolina Panthers Loss To Miami Dolphins More Than Just Another Loss

The Carolina Panthers came into the season with a lot of expectations. After coming off a 12-4 season and losing to Arizona in the playoffs, everyone thought Carolina would look to rebound and have a strong season.

With one of the best two-back running systems in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and a dangerous receiver in Steve Smith, this offense hardly looked like it could be stopped. 

They proved us wrong.

For the Panthers, this season has been nothing short of disappointing. After starting the season 0-3, Carolina won the next four out of six before losing last night to Miami 24-17. The Panthers record now stands at 4-6.

But, I'll cut them some slack. They do have the second hardest schedule this season, and have top players to injuries like Pro Bowl left tackle Jordan Gross and linebacker Thomas Davis, who was having a Pro Bowl type season. Not to mention Jake Delhomme's 14 interceptions. 

After their loss last night to Miami, Carolina's playoff hopes have taken a big hit, and its getting more and more doubtful that they will get a Wild Card spot. 

Miami on the other hand got their much needed win, putting their record at 5-5, standing right at .500. The difference between 4-6 and 5-5 is huge. Teams that lose six games have a fewer chance to make the playoffs compared to a team that loses five games.

For Carolina, if the the Panthers want to get a Wild Card spot, they're going to have to win the rest of their games. The chances of that happening are very slim.

Carolina's schedule for the rest of the schedule is vs. the Jets, Buccaneers, Patriots, Vikings, Giants and Saints. The hardest schedule for the second half of the season.