"What the Carolina Panthers lacked in wins during the first year of the Cam Newton era, they made up for in hope. The Panthers finished what was officially their 2011 season on the first day of 2012 on Sunday, getting blasted 45-17 by New Orleans to finish 6-10. For the third straight season, the Panthers didn't make the playoffs. They looked thoroughly overmatched Sunday against a Saints team that might win another Super Bowl. And yet there's a far different vibe surrounding the Panthers than there was exactly a year ago. Then, the Panthers finished 2-14. Their coach was leaving. Their quarterback was overwhelmed. Their offense was literally the worst in the NFL. It's much different now. The Panthers tripled their wins from 2010 to 2011 and will have a realistic shot at the playoffs in 2012, assuming they upgrade a defense that was mediocre at best and terrible too often (including Sunday). Yet Carolina has succeeded in one key area essential to any successful sports team: They have given their fans a reason to hope again. Panther games once again became fun to go to this season for those who can and turned back into appointment television for those who can't, in contrast to the "Do-I-really-have-to-watch-this" shambles of a team the Panthers fielded for fans in 2010."