Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  As such, we are delighted to present our post-2024 revision of our top 50 Carolina Panthers. 

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Panthers won only five games and were fortunate to achieve that.  Despite the franchise's relative brevity, there were no new entrants and only one change on the list.

As always, we present our top five, which remains unchanged in that ranking.

1. Steve Smith Sr.
2. Cam Newton
3. Luke Kuechly
4. Julius Peppers
5. Ryan Kalil 

You can find the entire list here.

The only change was Offensive Tackle Taylor Moton, who reached #26 from #35.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

 

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 Buffalo Bills.

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Panthers had an abysmal year, winning only two games, but as they are still a relatively young franchise, there was surprising movement in the top 50 with two new entries and two elevations.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:

1. Steve Smith
2. Cam Newton
3. Luke Kuechly
4. Julius Peppers
5. Ryan Kalil

You can find the entire list here.

Two-time Pro Bowl Linebacker Brian Burns rocketed to #25 from #41, but he is now a New York Giant.

Offensive Tackle Taylor Moton shot up to #35 from #45.

The first new entrant is Defensive Tackle Derrick Brown, who is coming off his first Pro Bowl.  He enters at #43.

The second debut is Linebacker/Safety Jeremy Chinn, who comes in at #45.  He is now with the Washington Commanders.

Notably, Nose Tackle Greg Kragen and Cornerback Ken Lucas has been dropped off the list.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

One of the more versatile defensive players in the early 2020s, Jeremy Chinn came to the Carolina Panthers as a Second Round Pick from Southern Illinois.

In the four seasons he played with the Panthers, Chinn lined up as an Inside Linebacker, Safety, and Cornerback. In his first two years with Carolina, he was one of the better tacklers in the National Football League. Chinn was so good as a rookie that he compiled 117 Tackles with two Fumble Recovery Touchdowns and was the runner-up to Chase Young for the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Injuries hampered his effectiveness in 2022 and 2023, specifically a quadricep issue in 2023. As a free agent, he signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2024 Season. Chinn had 324 Tackles for Carolina.

Cam Newton turned his college career around after flaming out at the University of Florida and avoiding expulsion.  Transferring to small Blinn College, Newton started that season (2009) and led the school to a NJCAA National Championship.  Newton then joined Auburn and put forth one of the best seasons in Tigers history.  He dominated as a passer and runner and led Auburn to a BCS Championship and won the Heisman.  NFL teams were gushing over his ability, and the Carolina Panthers, who held the number one pick, grabbed him.

Newton looked like a potential Hall of Fame inductee for the first five years of his career. He swept all the Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards and threw for over 4,000 Yards, which was his career-high.  Though his 21-17 TD-INT ratio was pedestrian, he more than made up for it with 14 TDs on the ground. This was his first Pro Bowl year.

After a solid sophomore season, Newton went to his second Pro Bowl in 2013 and took Carolina to the Playoffs.  He (and the team) struggled in 2014, as Newton battled injuries, but in 2015, Newton had the pro season of his life.  He earned the “Superman” nickname, going 15-1, with 3,837 Passing Yards and a league-leading TD-INT ratio of 7.1 (35-10) and rushed for another 10 Touchdowns.  Newton won the MVP but had the ultimate prize ahead of him; Super Bowl 50.

Newton and the Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos 24-10, and Newton did not have a good game, throwing an Interceptions and fumbling twice.  The second fumble, which was in the fourth quarter, was the second time that Denver’s Von Miller got to him, and these events happen to every great QB.  Newton was destroyed in public perception because of his perceived lack of effort in not diving to recover the ball and how he walked away from the postgame press conference.  Sadly, this is what he is mainly known for.

In the years that followed, Newton’s large frame began to accumulate injuries. After a rotator cuff injury in 2017, it was clear that he was not the same thrower, though his legs were still powerful. Newton’s passing numbers continued to decrease, and his season was shut down after 14 Games due to more shoulder problems in 2018. He only played in two Games in 2019 from a foot injury.  Newton was given permission to seek a trade, but when suitors came, he was released.  He signed with New England for 2020, where he was their starter.  Newton rushed for 12 TDs but only threw for 8.  He was released the following season during training camp and signed again with Carolina but lost all five starts.  That was the end of Cam Newton’s playing career.

Newton compiled overall numbers of 32,382 Yards, and194 Touchdown Passes, with 5,628 Rushing Yards and 75 Touchdowns.  That last number is the key to any Hall of Fame shot, as those TDs on the ground is better than many HOF Running Backs.

Kawann Short was drafted in the 2nd round from Purdue in 2013 and played eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He became one of Carolina's top pass rushers, and in 2015, the starting right defensive tackle was selected for his first Pro Bowl. During that season, he reached the quarterback and took him down 11 times. Short was also chosen for a Second Team All-Pro and went to his second Pro Bowl in 2018. However, he was released in 2021 after two injury-plagued seasons. In his time with the Panthers, he had 32.5 sacks.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity. As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022 revision of our top 50 Carolina Panthers.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following:

1. Advanced Statistics.

2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3. Playoff accomplishments.

4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, Carolina had a bad year, though showed promise in the second half of the season. Nevertheless, the we have one new entry and one elevation.

As always, we present our top five, which had no changes.

1. Steve Smith

2. Cam Newton

3. Luke Kuechly

4. Julius Pepper

5. Ryan Kalil

You can find the entire list here.

Brian Burns, who is now a two-time Pro Bowler, enters the list at #41.

Offensive Tackle, Taylor Moton, moves to #45 from #50.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

For Carolina Panthers supporters, the Matt Rhule era was a period of reflection and disappointment. With a paltry 10-23 record over two seasons under Rhule's guidance, the Panthers sought a fresh course, introducing Frank Reich as their newest head coach this past offseason.

A familiar face in both the college and NFL circuits, Reich's induction brings a new wave of hope and anticipation. His extensive knowledge of the game, coupled with his successful stints as a coordinator and head coach, presents a promising vision for the Panthers' future. This article will delve deeper into what Coach Reich has in store for the team and how he aims to augment the Carolina Panthers odds for the 2023 season.

Overview of Coach Frank Reich’s Career

Frank Reich, a seasoned NFL veteran, brings a valuable and diverse experience to the Panthers' organization. Before joining Carolina, Reich held the offensive coordinator role for the Los Angeles (formerly San Diego) Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles. His tenure with the Eagles culminated in a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, a testament to his strategic prowess. He was able to get the best out of quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, leading to a memorable season and head coach interest.

Following his success in Philadelphia, the Indianapolis Colts identified Reich's potential, hiring him as their head coach. He demonstrated his coaching capabilities by securing a winning record and guiding the team to three playoff games. Reich's experience isn't limited to the sidelines, though. His background as an NFL quarterback affords him unique insight into the game's intricacies. This dual perspective will undoubtedly aid his decision-making in his new role.

One of Reich's most memorable feats as a player was his instrumental role in the Bills' dramatic 41-38 playoff victory over the Houston Oilers, despite a 35-3 deficit in the third quarter. His arrival in Carolina heralds a surge of energy and passion. With his impressive history as a quarterback, Reich stands poised to mentor No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young, aiding in his transition to the professional league.

Breakdown of His Offensive Strategy

Reich's offensive strategy is one of his standout strengths. He consistently demonstrates a keen ability to tailor his schemes to his team's strong points while nurturing young players into formidable contributors. Although quarterback Carson Wentz's career has taken a downturn, his shining moments came under Reich's tutelage.

Known for his dynamic and disciplined approach, Reich adeptly balances his run-and-pass game, ensuring unpredictability to keep opposing defenses guessing. His leadership qualities and astute understanding of the game have the Panthers faithful believing he could be the key to a postseason return.

Reasons for Panthers Fans to Be Optimistic

There are ample grounds for Panthers fans to feel excited about Reich's arrival. Reich's successful track record in nurturing young talent is one to note, especially considering the youthful roster of the Panthers. This roster includes a rookie starting quarterback, marking a period of fresh beginnings for the team.

The NFC South landscape is ripe for a power shift, given Tom Brady's retirement and the likely decline of Tampa Bay. The Panthers closed the 2022 season on a high note, with a 4-2 record in their final six games. A heartbreaking loss in Tampa in Week 17 was all that stood between them and a division title. Given these circumstances, many believe the Panthers could be the division favorites in 2023.

Reich has already started reshaping the Panthers' roster, showcasing his commitment to his new role. Not only did he play a key role in drafting Young, but he has also signed proven receivers like D.J. Chark and Adam Thielen to augment the passing game.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post-2021 revision of our top 50 Carolina Panthers.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Panthers again failed to make the playoffs, but there were changes in the top 50, including one new entry and two elevations.

As always, we present our top five:

1. Steve Smith

2. Cam Newton

3. Luke Kuechly

4. Julius Peppers

5. Ryan Kalil

You can find the entire list here.

It is worth noting that Newton, who returned midway through last season to Carolina, did not surpass Smith and remains at #2.

Wide Receiver, D.J. Moore, climbed to #37 from #48.

Linebacker, Shaq Thompson went from #46 to #40.

The lone debut is Offensive Lineman, Taylor Moton comes in at #50.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

As of this writing, Western Michigan’s Taylor Moton is entering his seventh year in the National Football League, all of which have been spent with the Carolina Panthers.

Moton was a backup as a rookie and became a starter at Right Tackle in his second year, quietly doing a good job and providing stability at his position.  It is possible that there is a Pro Bowl in his future, but if not, his consistent play has been a high watermark for what has been a troubled time during his tenure.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our pre-2021 revision of our top 50 Carolina Panthers of all-time.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the NFL. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

This our first revision in two years, with one significant jump and two new entries.

1. Steve Smith

2. Cam Newton

3. Luke Kuechly

4. Julius Peppers

5. Ryan Kalil

You can find the entire list here.

Running Back, Christian McCaffrey rockets up to #22, seventeen spots higher.

Linebacker, Shaq Thompson debuts at #46, and Wide Receiver, D.J. Moore enters at #48.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

The Panthers grabbed D.J. Moore with their 2018 First Round Pick (24th Overall) and the former Maryland Terrapin would have a nice half-decade run in Carolina.  The Wide Receiverhad 788 Yards as a rookie, and from 2019 to 2021, accumulated more than 1,100 Yards annually.  In his last season with Carolina, Moore did not break 1,000 Yards (888), but had 7 Touchdowns, one third of his over total with the team.  He left the Panthers when he was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2022.

Shaq Thompson has played eight years to date for the Carolina Panthers and the former First Rounder from Washington would become a starter during his rookie season.

Playing at Left Linebacker, Thompson became a tackling monster in 2019, where he had his first three-digit tackling year.  Thompson hit that mark again in 2020 (114) Combined Tackles.  "Big NIckel" produced his third straight 100-plus Tackle year in 2021, and he had his best tackling numbers to date with 135 in 2022.

At present, Thompson is entering 2023 with 709 career Tackles, 12.0 Sacks and the best momentum of his life.

Josh Norman's first three seasons were reasonably non-descript, but in his fourth year he broke out with the best season he ever had.  Norman had four Interceptions, and opposing Quarterbacks avoided him more and more as the season went on and he would hold QBs to the lowest passer rating when targeting him.  The Cornerback would be named to the Pro Bowl and was a First Team All-Pro in 2015, but failed contract negotiations would see him land with the Washington Redskins the following year.

From Troy University, Mario Addison bounced around with Chicago, Indianapolis, and Washington before finding a home with the Carolina Panthers late in the 2012 season.  From 2013 to 2016, Addison would only start three games but we would be used as a pass rush specialist and would record 9.5 Quarterback Sacks in 2016.  Following that year, he would become a permanent starter and had an 11 Sack season in 2017.  Addison had at least nine Sacks in 2018 and 2019, but his run as a Panther ended, as he took his pass-rushing skills to Buffalo as a free agent.  He would have 55 Sacks and 49 Tackles for Loss for Carolina.

Undrafted in 2011 from New Mexico, Byron Bell was an excellent pickup for the Carolina Panthers.  Bell would become the starting Right Tackle for the team early in his rookie season, and he would hold that spot for three seasons before switching to Left Tackle in his fourth year, which would be his last in Carolina as he would sign with the Tennessee Titans for the 2015 season.  Bell played 62 Games for Carolina.

Selected eighth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Stanford, Christian McCaffrey arrived in Charlotte as a hyper-versatile offensive engine. It didn't take long for "CMC" to prove that his elite college production translated seamlessly to the pros, quickly establishing himself as the ultimate dual-threat weapon in modern football.

McCaffrey revolutionized positional versatility in the contemporary era. By integrating exceptional vision and swift change-of-direction agility with a comprehensive route tree typical of wide receivers, he demonstrated equal proficiency lining up on the perimeter or in the slot, as well as executing handoffs from the backfield. McCaffrey exhibited superior contact balance and elusive dead-leg jukes, enabling him to evade defenders in confined spaces, thereby presenting a significant challenge for opposing linebackers assigned to cover him in open areas.

McCaffrey commenced his professional career in 2017 with noteworthy achievements, establishing a franchise rookie record of 80 receptions while accumulating 1,086 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns. His performance improved significantly in 2018, rushing for 1,098 yards and securing 107 receptions for an additional 867 yards through passing. His total of 1,965 yards from scrimmage merited him the Second-Team All-Pro designation, as he ranked highly in league-wide production.

That 2018 campaign was merely the appetizer for one of the greatest individual seasons by a running back in NFL history. In 2019, McCaffrey essentially was the Panthers' entire offense, operating at a level of dual-threat efficiency rarely seen in the league.

Facing an immense workload, McCaffrey accumulated 1,387 rushing yards accompanied by 15 rushing touchdowns, as well as 116 receptions totaling 1,005 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In doing so, he inscribed his name into professional football history. He became merely the third player in NFL history to attain 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards within a single season, joining Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig. His 116 receptions surpassed his own NFL single-season record for receptions by a running back. Additionally, his 2,392 scrimmage yards led the entire NFL and represented the third-highest single-season total in league history, surpassed only by Chris Johnson and Marshall Faulk, while his 19 total touchdowns were the highest in professional football that year.

His dominance was so complete that Associated Press voters made history: McCaffrey became the first player ever selected as a First-Team All-Pro at two positions in the same year, earning the honor at both Running Back and Flex.

Over the next two years, injuries to his ankle, shoulder, and hamstring limited him to just ten games in 2020 and 2021. McCaffrey regained full health in 2022, showcasing his usual game-changing skills during the first six weeks. But as Carolina decided to reset their roster, the team traded their star running back to the San Francisco 49ers in October 2022 for a substantial draft pick haul. He earned a Pro Bowl selection that season and continued to perform at a high level with the 49ers.

In his time as a Panther, McCaffrey appeared in 64 regular-season games, amassing 3,980 rushing yards, 3,292 receiving yards (390 receptions), and 50 total touchdowns. His 7,272 scrimmage yards and 113.6 scrimmage yards per game stand as the gold standard for versatility in franchise history.

After starring for three seasons in the USFL and spending nine elite years in New Orleans as the engine of the "Dome Patrol," Sam Mills signed with the expansion Carolina Panthers in 1995. Though he arrived at 36, the middle linebacker immediately established himself as the tactical brain, emotional compass, and undeniable leader of the budding franchise.

Standing 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 229 pounds, Mills was often labeled as "too short" for the NFL. However, he overcame any physical doubts through exceptional instincts, leverage, and tackling skills. Known as "Field Mouse," Mills had an impressive football IQ, often predicting opposing plays before the snap, using his low center of gravity to shed interior guards, and accurately reading running lanes to make powerful tackles.

Mills made an immediate impact in Carolina's 1995 inaugural season, playing all 16 games, recording 110 tackles, intercepting five passes, and returning a memorable 36-yard interception for a touchdown against his former Saints team.

His crowning on-field campaign came in 1996. Anchoring a defense that shocked the football world by leading a second-year expansion team to the NFC Championship Game, Mills recorded 122 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His dominance earned him his fifth career Pro Bowl selection and his lone Consensus First-Team All-Pro honor at age 37.

After retiring following the 1997 season, Mills became the first inductee into the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor in 1998, and his No. 51 jersey was officially retired by the team. 

He quickly moved into coaching as the team's linebackers coach. In August 2003, Mills received a diagnosis of terminal intestinal cancer and was told he had only months to live. Despite this, he refused to step back, coaching through painful treatments. Before Carolina's 2003 playoff game against Dallas, Mills gave an emotional speech encouraging the team to "Keep Pounding"—a rallying cry that inspired their journey to Super Bowl XXXVIII and became the franchise’s official motto. Mills was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Kawann Short played eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers after being drafted in the 2^nd Round from Purdue in 2013.  The former Boilermaker would become one of Carolina's top pass rushers, and in 2015 the starting Right Defensive Tackle would go to his first Pro Bowl where he reached the Quarterback and took him down 11 times.  Short, who also was chosen for a Second Team All-Pro would go to his second Pro Bowl in 2018.  He was released in 2021 after two injury-plagued seasons and would have 32.5 Sacks for the team.

As of this writing, Mike Rucker is only one of three Carolina Panthers to record over 50 Quarterback Sacks for the team, which he accomplished over an eight-year career, which was all with the Panthers.  The Defensive End was a 1999 2^nd Round Pick from the University of Nebraska and would become a starter in his third season.  Rucker would have two straight two-digit Sack seasons (2002 & 2003), with the latter seeing named to the Pro Bowl.  He would also be named the NFL Alumni Defensive LIneman of the Year that season.

After four seasons with the Chicago Bears, Greg Olsen was traded to the Carolina Panthers where he had by far his greatest success.  The Tight End would go to three Pro Bowls, and in all of those years seeing him accrue over 1,000 Receiving Yards.  Olsen would be a Second Team All-Pro in two of those years (2015 & 2016) and he accumulated 6,463 Receiving Yards and 39 TDs.  The former 7^th Floor Crew member was a large part of the Panthers making it to Super Bowl 50.