CHARLOTTE — It's such a tricky time to figure out for the Carolina Panthers.

Obviously, Sunday was not what they wanted, needed, or what many people expected.

Just as obviously, things here are better than they've been in years.

When I talk to fans (and these people are my family, my friends, and my neighbors), the reactions to a 17-7 loss to the Saints range from confounded to apoplectic to irrational rage. And it was bad, no one disputes that. But I have tried countering with another set of numbers beyond that score.

2-15

5-12

5-5

Not everyone is ready to hear it.

Some people pause, breathe, and sigh, "I guess you're right," (which is my love language, except for the "I guess" part). Many remain unsatisfied. I suppose that's their right, I will never tell fans how to fan. But get

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