The first round of the NFL Playoffs has concluded, and the reigning champions, the Eagles, have officially been eliminated. In this edition, we reflect on the seasons of the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and the Eagles.
Carolina Panthers Season Reflection
The Panthers finished the regular season with a record of 8-10, showcasing an inconsistent performance throughout. They often struggled, suffering six losses by ten points or more, yet occasionally displayed promise by defeating teams like the Rams and Packers. Their playoff exit came with a loss to the Rams in the Wild Card Round, which encapsulated their season”s ups and downs.
During that game, the Panthers made numerous critical mistakes, including a halted route by wide receiver Jalen Coker that led to an interception, and a failed connection on a potential big gain to Chuba Hubbard. Additionally, a mishap on a punt return resulted in a turnover, and with a four-point lead, they allowed the Rams to score the game-winning touchdown by playing a defensive scheme that had not been effective all game. Quarterback Bryce Young also missed a crucial opportunity to connect with an open Jimmy Horn on the final play.
Despite these blunders, the Panthers demonstrated flashes of talent, such as a stunning touchdown pass from Young to Coker that briefly gave them the lead. If they had been in a different division, their season would have ended much earlier. However, their place in the struggling NFC South allowed them to play one last game, which, although a loss, provided a glimpse of competitiveness. While they remain far from Super Bowl contention, this season was a step forward based on their usual standards.
Green Bay Packers” Disappointing Finish
The Packers ended their season with a record of 9-8-1 after a painful defeat to the Bears in the Wild Card Round. Prior to this loss, there were discussions about a potential contract extension for head coach Matt LaFleur, which now seems ludicrous given the team”s performance.
LaFleur”s early success in Green Bay saw him compile a 39-10 regular-season record from 2019 to 2021, but he only secured two playoff victories and never reached a Super Bowl. After missing the playoffs in 2022, they scraped into the postseason as the seventh seed in three consecutive years. Had the NFL not expanded the playoff format in 2020, the Packers would have faced four straight seasons without playoff appearances.
Following a high-profile trade for Micah Parsons, expectations were high entering the 2025 season. However, injuries plagued their campaign, and they succumbed to a five-game losing streak, culminating in a disastrous collapse against their rivals. Their attempts to influence rule changes regarding the “Tush Push” backfired, leading to a fittingly disappointing end to their season.
Eagles” Offensive Struggles
The Eagles entered the postseason with significant accolades among their offensive players, including quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley. Despite these individual honors, the Eagles” offense underperformed in 2025, failing to meet expectations given their talent.
This season revealed a coaching staff that could not capitalize on the immense potential of its players. The offense, which could have thrived, instead became predictable and unexciting, resulting in a lackluster performance throughout the year. With such a talented roster, failing to produce at least an average offensive output was a missed opportunity for a team that could have been a perennial contender for the championship.
As the Eagles exit the playoffs, fans across the league can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won”t have to endure any more of their games this season. A significant overhaul may be necessary for the coaching staff to reclaim the team”s competitive edge.
Final NFC Hierarchy
The playoff picture showcases the 49ers, Bears, Rams, and Seahawks stepping into the next phase. The 49ers managed to overcome injuries and adversity, defeating the Eagles despite missing key players. The Bears, led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, displayed resilience, pulling off several dramatic comebacks throughout the season. The Rams, with Matthew Stafford recovering from a hand injury, continue to navigate a challenging path to the Super Bowl, while the Seahawks appear poised for a strong postseason run after securing the number one seed.
