So the Panthers were the 3rd best team in the league this year

[Sam Mills Fan]

And it looks like the top 4 teams in the league all played in the NFC.

 

A defense just as strong or stronger than the other two. A quarterback a bit better than the other two. Improve the offense in the offseason and the Panthers should start off the 2014 polls in about 3rd place.

[KJ89]

yup.

[0115]

Cant wait for the combine!

[Cary Kollins]

Several starters on defense are currently free agents. Need to get those guys back and then some.

[jasonluckydog]

Trade our 1st round pick for Sherman .

[PanthersClinic]

Not sure what logic makes them the 3rd best team in the league.

 

This completely throws out matchups. Also not sure what puts us ahead of the Cardinals using your logic. Cardinals beat the Panthers, Seahawks and Colts (three  of the top up and up teams if you will).

 

Being 3rd best in the league doesn't mean much if it means being 3rd best in your conference anyway. Though it's not bad as being third best in the league and third best in your division.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Not one person outside of Arizona thinks the Cardinals were better than the Panthers this year.

 

1. Seattle

2. San Francisco

3. Carolina

4. New Orleans

5. ...Denver? Maybe?

[t96]

Cards should be ahead of New Orleans. Defense > Offense, didn't you just watch the Super Bowl?

[PanthersClinic]

Not one person outside of Arizona thinks the Cardinals were better than the Panthers this year.

 

1. Seattle

2. San Francisco

3. Carolina

4. New Orleans

5. ...Denver? Maybe?

 

One bad game by one team does not define the AFC. You are presenting this as though it's the Western Conference in the NBA after Jordan retired.

 

The Ravens won the Super Bowl last year. The Colts improved a lot. The Patriots would never lose like that in a SB.

 

The NFC has won 4 of the last 5 super bowls, but the Giants missed the playoffs this year, Packers barely were in, Saints missed it two years ago.

 

The league isn't as simple as you're making it. Would be nice if it were. Also the Seahawks became the best after three or so years. The 49ers the same. So next year a team in the AFC or NFC could come out of nowhere ( like the rams in the late 90s).

 

And as I said before, even if we're second best in the NFC, it doesn't count for much. The Broncos got to go to the big dance while we didn't even get a playoff win.

 

IF it makes you feel good go ahead and give them the bronze medal before free agency or the draft.

[Sam Mills Fan]

You're stealing my old gimmick, stop.

[hepcat]

It's just obvious that whoever came out of the NFC was probably going to win the Superbowl.  But honestly, Seattle is a very good team and they were definitely the best team in the NFL.  They beat all the contenders.  

[PanthersClinic]

It's just obvious that whoever came out of the NFC was probably going to win the Superbowl.  But honestly, Seattle is a very good team and they were definitely the best team in the NFL.  They beat all the contenders.  

 

Obvious to you. 49ers and Panthers are not Seattle. Their Qbs aren't as good nor are their defenses.

[El Chingon]

indeed.

[BANE]

Obvious to you. 49ers and Panthers are not Seattle. Their Qbs aren't as good nor are their defenses.

Cam is better than both Wilson and Kaepernick. Wilson is a close as hell second, but Cam is still much much much more of a threat. Carolina's front 7 is also better than the Seahawks front 7. Its Seattle's secondary that sets them above the rest of the leagues best defenses.