By: Chandler Whicker
.JPG) |
| Aerial view of Bank of America Stadium from the Duke Energy Center. |
Rough History
The Carolina Panthers have struggled to find a steady rhythm; most significantly in the past five years.
The team was founded in 1995 and in 1996, the Panthers made
the playoffs. However, the team did not make it into another playoff until 2003.
2003 proved to be a successful year as the team traveled to the Super Bowl but lost. Since 2003, the team has fought to develop a winning game strategy.
In 2010, the team’s record was 2-10; the worst record in the Panther’s
history.
.JPG) |
| The Duke Energy Center lit in Carolina Panther colors in honor of recent victories. |
Making Changes
After a rocky season in 2010, the team made drastic changes.
Former Panther’s quarterback Jake Delhomme was released and former head coach
John Fox was dismissed.
Ron Rivera was hired as head coach and quarterback Cam
Newton was drafted and joined the team.
In 2011, the team finished with a 6-10
record and in 2012 their record improved slightly to 7-9.
In the 2013 season,
the team has seen significant improvement with a current record of 9-3.
Key
players such as Steve Smith, Cam Newton, and Luke Kuechly have played vigorous
roles in leading the team to a winning season.
According to Carolina Panther's employee Glenn Putnam, this winning streak is due to the combination of many factors including building around the defense, confidence in Rivera, and the maturing of Cam Newton.
"Overall the team has begun to click and many times when you are in that rhythm things just come naturally" says Putnam.
The improvements made to the team and it's strategy are vital for wins.
According to Carolina Panther's employee Glenn Putnam, this winning streak is due to the combination of many factors including building around the defense, confidence in Rivera, and the maturing of Cam Newton.
"Overall the team has begun to click and many times when you are in that rhythm things just come naturally" says Putnam.
The improvements made to the team and it's strategy are vital for wins.
Panther Pride
.PNG) |
.PNG) |
While players play the dominant role in the game, a different group plays just as vital of a role; however, they play off the field.
Fans have continued to show support for their team even during the rough years.
The fans had complete confidence that their team would endure and believed a huge comeback should be expected.
Nothing compares to the experience of football and for former TopCat January Fitzgerald, these were the best and most memorable experiences of her life. Fitzgerald cheered with the team from 2002-2005 and was awarded the opportunity to travel with the team to the Superbowl in 2004.
"The atmosphere is thrilling!" says Fitzgerald.
Due to the current winning streak, fans have shown their overwhelming support for their team.
Fans hope that the team's turnaround means the team has finally found it's rhythm.
Continued team effort of players and strategic game plans from coaches puts the Panthers officially back in business.
For tickets to a upcoming game, please visit the Carolina Panthers website.
For more NFL statistics, visit the ESPN website.
