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So I was looking at some stats and some posts on here, and realized that some Panthers have had really good seasons.  In the midst of all this losing, I wanted to take a look at these individual efforts and make some comparisons to other big name players. 

Charles Johnson has 9.5 sacks and about 19 million dollars less than Julius Peppers this season.  Pep has 8 sacks, but he also has 11 PD, 2 INTs and 3 FF, compared to Johnson's 0,0, and 1.  For the price, though, I'd rather have the younger Johnson.  

James Anderson has more tackles than any OLB in the NFL besides Chad Greenway, and also 3.5 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries.  In the last four games, Arian Foster has run for 341 yards and 1 TD on 83 carries, and Beef Stew has 460 yds and 1 TD on 78 carries.  We know teams work harder to defend the pass against Matt Schaub than the Clausen/Pike/BSP combo. 

Brandon LaFell and David Gettis are both in the top 10 among rookies in receptions and yards, and Gettis is tied for 6th in TDs.  At 22.2 yards per kick return, Goodson averaged more yards per return than Josh Cribbs.  Troy Palomalu is the only safety with more INTs than Godfrey (6 vs 5).  Godfrey also has 21 more tackles, 1 more FF, and 1 more INT than Chris Harris.  We are the only team with two players in the top 15 in tackles, Anderson and Beason, despite Beason switching positions in mid-season. 

Okay, so now it's time to make a point.  Take these guys who continue to perform at the highest level regardless of the record, and the guys who are hurt back to the mix for 16 games (Otah, Connor, Davis, Wharton, Brown), and add a dash of Luck, and I think we can win the division next year.  The Dolphins went from 1-15 to a division win, and the Rams are looking like the best team in the NFC West.  We can pull it off.  And we know we're getting the first pick in the draft.