Carolina Panthers suffering Super Bowl hangover
Wednesday 11 January 2017 10:50, UK
After reaching Super Bowl 50, the Carolina Panthers have struggled to repeat the performances that got them there.
Sky Sports NFL expert Neil Reynolds believes that it's a combination of personnel and simple errors that have left the Panthers with 1-4 record to start the 2016 season.
"We've talked about (Cam Newton's) protection issues and the inflexibility of their offence, but I think it's just mistakes. Derek Anderson was turning the ball over at key times, there were penalties at key times, it's a general sloppiness in their play."
Reynolds also highlighted the difficulty of returning to the Super Bowl after having come so close just a year before. The Panthers finished the regular season 15-1 before losing to the Denver Broncos 24-10.
"I think it's hard to get back when you've gone through that long season, you get there and you're the favourites, you blow the game, and now there's a genuine Super Bowl hangover for this team."
Last season's MVP quarterback Newton missed their week five Monday night defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a concussion sustained in the previous week. His return should boost the team for week six as they take on another divisional rival, the New Orleans Saints, who have also struggled so far.
As well as the rest of the NFL action in week six, starting with Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskinson Sunday at SIx you can watch Liverpool v Man Utd, plus England's tour of Bangladesh and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price!
