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.

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.

Luke Kuechly was the best Linebacker in the NCAA in 2011, where the Boston College player would win the ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and Lott Trophy. He was drafted Ninth Overall in that year's draft by the Carolina Panthers, and he would immediately establish himself as one of the best interior linemen in the pro ranks.

Kuechly started originally but was playing at the exterior until Jon Beason was injured, and Kuechly would take over at his natural Middle Linebacker position.  He would win the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and astounding as that was, this was arguably the weakest of his career.

From 2013 to 2019, he would be named to the Pro Bowl, with five of those seasons, seeing Kuechly be named First Team All-Pro.  In the two that he didn't win that honor, he was a Second Team All-Pro.  Kuechly would win the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2013.  Except for this rookie season, he had an Approximate Value of at least 10, and he was a two-time leader in Tackles.

On the field, Kuechly was a master of all trades.  He excelled as a pass rusher, a run stopper, and a versatile defender who could drop back with ease.  His exemplary tackling skills and natural instincts made him the undisputed leader of the Panther's defence from the moment he joined. Under his leadership, the Panthers thrived, culminating in their appearance in Super Bowl 50.

If Kuechly had a calling card, it was his high football IQ.  The definition of a defensive captain, few could read an offence as he could.  Adaptable to any defensive scheme, Kuechly was a linebacking masterpiece.

He retired with 18 Interceptions and 1,092 Tackles, the latter being the most by any Linebacker since 2012.  Kuechly has become another player in recent years to retire at the height of their game.

2023 Pre-Season Rank #113, 2022 Pre-Season Rank #116, 2021 Pre-Season Rank #124, 2020 Pre-Season Rank #137.  Peak Period: 2016-18/2020-21

If there were ever a WR2 Hall of Fame, would Adam Thielen make the first ballot?

Of course, there isn’t one, but you must be impressed with how Thielen keeps chugging along.  His last Pro Bowl was in 2018, a year that he had over 100 Receptions (113) and 1,000 Yards (1,373).  He never had a three-digit Reception/four-digit Receiving Yards year again until last season (103 Rec/1,014 Yards) last year in his first season in Carolina, where he was one of the few weapons they had. 

Thielen might not do that again, but this is a high-character player who would look good in the 10,000-Yard club (he currently has 7,696).

Christian McCaffrey was with the Carolina Panthers for the first six-and-a-half years of his career, where he quickly became be the top offensive weapon for the squad.  McCaffrey was a dynamo at Stanford, and as a rookie, he would accumulate 1,086 Yards from Scrimmage.  In his second year, he matched that in just Rushing Yards with 1,098 and had another 867 from the air showing off his dual-threat skills.  McCaffrey would be named a Second Team All-Pro and would finish third in both Yards From Scrimmage and All-Purpose Yards.  That season was good, but he was just warming up.

In 2019, McCaffrey joined the elite club of players who had at least 1,000 Rushing Yards and 1,000 Receiving Yards, and led the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage (2,392) and Touchdowns (19).and he was a First Team All-Pro,  Injuries held him to only 10 Games in 2020 and 2021, but he was healthy and a Pro Bowler again in 2022.  That is the good news.  The bad news, was that the Panthers were struggling and elected to the dual threat Brunning Back to the San Francisco 49ers.  McCaffrey left behind as a Panther with 50 Touchdowns and 7.272 YFS.

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.

Kevin Greene was only a Carolina Panther for three seasons, but one could argue it was the accomplishments that he accumulated there that would put him over the tipping point to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Sam Mills signed with the expansion Carolina Panthers after spending his first nine seasons with the New Orleans Saints.  Mills was one of the best defensive players ever for the Saints, but his reputation has been appropriated by Carolina, where he was instantly their defensive leader.  He played for the Panthers for three seasons where he started all 48 of his games, making him the only Panther to start every game in the first three seasons of Carolina’s existence.  Mills would have a career renaissance in 1996 where he would go to his 5^th Pro Bowl and would be chosen for his first and only First Team All-Pro.  He would have seven Interceptions and 10 Quarterback Sacks as a Panther.

DeAngelo Williams arrived in Carolina as a late 1^st Round Pick in 2006 where he would play at Running Back for nine seasons.  Williams started well, and in his third season (2008) he would set a career-high in Rushing Yards with 1,515 and a league-leading 18 Rushing Touchdowns.  He was left off of the Pro Bowl roster but would be named a Second Team All-Pro.  He would rush for over 1,100 Yards the next year and would get that Pro Bowl Selection.  Williams would share the load with Jonathan Stewart, and while he never had another 1,000 Yard season again, he would finish his career in Carolina (before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015) with 8,467 Yards from Scrimmage and 53 Touchdowns.