The Carolina Panthers: The First Season of the Most Successful Expansion Team in NFL History

The Carolina Panthers: The First Season of the Most Successful Expansion Team in NFL History

Experience the frustrations, controversies, crises, intrasquad squabbling, and - yes - triumphs that marked the debut season of the Carolina Panthers. Written with the cooperation of the players and the coaches, The Carolina Panthers is a frank, revealing look at how a team of rookies and seasoned veterans was shaped into a cohesive, dynamic, successful franchise. Along the sometimes bumpy but always intriguing ride, you'll encounter the chase for the franchise, including the efforts of owner Jerry Richardson to secure the team for the Carolinas; the challenges of assembling the team, hiring head coach Dom Capers, managing the draft and compiling a strong and financially viable roster; the struggle through a grueling training camp and the preseason contests; the heartbreak of the five losses that commenced the season; and the jubilation of the seven wins that defined the Panthers as the most successful franchise start in NFL history. With preseason allegations of talking with a coach under contract, moans from established NFL teams that the expansion teak received unfair consideration in the draft, a fight for the starting quarterback position, the difficulties of playing in a college stadium and the effects of playing for weeks without a win, the Carolina Panthers faced odds that may have seemed insurmountable. But as this engaging work shows, the Panthers prevailed - winning fans, silencing critics and raising expectations for subsequent seasons.