- 2018 Carolina Panthers
Photo Cred: PPF
After an impressive 2017 season that saw the Panthers make the playoffs, many expected Carolina to reestablish themselves as a contender in the NFC. Cam Newton had once again proved his status as an elite quarterback, and running back Christian McCaffery looked ready to break out in his sophomore season. The Panthers rode a revamped secondary and healthy offense to a 6-2 start. Despite the success, Carolina’s road woes got exposed, going 1-2 away from Bank of America Stadium, the single win being a fourth quarter comeback against the Eagles. Cam Newton’s shoulder injury in a 30 point week ten loss marked a turn in the season. The Panthers would lose their next six games, falling to 6-9 by week 17. Newton’s shoulder significantly limited the offense, removing the deep ball and allowing defenses to stack the box against McCaffery. They had a compromised passing game, and an inability to generate turnovers on defense killed any playoff hopes. Carolina limped into the offseason, finishing with a 7-9 record after starting 6-2.
- 2023 Jacksonville Jaguars
Photo Cred: USA Today
The 2023 Jaguars looked primed to build upon an impressive 2022 campaign, which saw them overcome a 27 point deficit in the first round of the playoffs against the Chargers. With the return of Calvin Ridley and expected development from Trevor Lawerence and Travis Etienne, fans had much to be excited about. Through 11 games, the Jaguars jumped to 8-3, a record tying them for first overall seed in the AFC. Jacksonville then lost five out of their next six games, and watched their playoff hopes slowly slip away. Trevor Lawerence’s injuries were a factor in the Jaguar’s struggles. Lawrence initially dealt with a high ankle sprain before suffering from the shoulder injury that kept him out of week 17. Even when Lawerence was on the field, he was far from the healthy quarterback that fans saw early in the season. The single win came from a matchup against the Panthers and backup QB C.J. Beathard. The season ended with a 28-20 loss to the Titans. The Jaguars couldn’t overcome Lawerence’s two interceptions and Derrick Henry’s 153 rushing yards. From 8-3 to 9-8, Jacksonville has earned its spot on this list.
- 2012 Chicago Bears
Photo Cred: NBC Sports
Jay Cutler commanded the offense with help from Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall. The defense boasted three pro bowlers in Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, and Charles Tillman. Julius Peppers was also named an alternate and had 11.5 sacks on the year. The Bears began the season 7-1 behind the backfield duo of Matt Forte and Michael Bush. They were proven correct when Chicago followed the hot start with a 1-5 skid through their next six games. They finished the season just 2-6 against teams with a winning record, a stark contrast from their 8-0 record against losing teams. It seemed Jay Cutler was good enough to keep the Bears alive but was ultimately unable to get them over the hump. His stats were mediocre at best, finishing with 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. The Bears finished 10-6 following their 7-1 start, and missed out on the playoffs in a tough NFC.
- 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers
Photo Cred: Fansided
The 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers started 11-0 behind performances from Ben Rothelisberger, James Conner, and breakout rookie Chase Claypoole. While their record was that of a super bowl contender, close games had fans convinced otherwise. The 2020 Steelers were also widely disliked for their off the field antics, with Chase Claypoole and Juju Smith-Schuster the main offenders. The duo dubbed the “TikTok boys” by some, were known to post obnoxious dancing videos online, some of which on opposing teams’ logos. The move not only angered fans, but gave opponents an extra edge. Most viewers were elated to see the Steelers go 1-4 to end the season, culminating in a home playoff loss to the Browns, where Bayker Mayfield led his team to 47 points. The Steelers had numerous injuries to their starting center Maurkice Pouncey. That saw their offensive production fall off a cliff. Claypool and Conner experienced a massive regression from hot starts to the season, and the stout defense couldn’t generate stops.
- 2023 Philadelphia Eagles
Photo Cred: Pro Football Network
At 10-1, the Eagles looked like the juggernaut of the NFC, having established a commanding two game lead in the conference. The offseason addition of Jalen Carter only strengthened an already dominant run defense. When the Eagles squared off against the 49ers in Philadelphia, most expected a close battle. Instead, the 49ers embarrassed the Eagles on their turf, led by Brock Purdy’s four passing touchdowns. Philadelphia imploded over the remainder of the season. The Eagles averaged just under 19 PPG in their final seven contests, only winning one of those games. They lost to the Giants and Cardinals at home, surrendering not only the one seed, but their own division. Jalen Hurts threw only six touchdowns over the final seven weeks. When (tush)push came to shove in the playoffs, the Eagles couldn’t sustain drives and get stops on defense. The collapse tops spot among recent memory.
