We have reached the end of the NFL regular season. Much

has changed since Week 9 Stitched Marquis Haynes Jersey , back when the Panthers had just blown out the Buccaneers to take a 6-2 record into the second half of the season. It seemed this team was virtually a lock for the NFC Playoffs with a shot to overtake New Orleans for the division crown and the coveted first round bye. At that time, I handed out midseason awards with a smile on my face and visions of another playoff run dancing in my mind. Since you’re here I’m assuming you know what followed, and, like you, I’d prefer not to go back down that road. Regardless of the overwhelming disappointment this season provided, there were some bright spots that are well worth celebrating. Here are my end of season awards for 2018. Offensive MVP: RB Christian McCaffreyMidseason Offensive MVP: QB Cam NewtonI think it’s safe to say that Christian McCaffrey surprised even his most stout supporters this year with his phenomenal play. The unique combination of efficiency and durability for someone his size in the NFL is impressive on its own, but to carry the entire workload of an offense week in and week out is the stuff of legends. McCaffrey nearly doubled his touchdown total from his rookie season Youth Ian Thomas Jersey , hitting the end zone on thirteen occasions (which led the team). The dual threat out of Stanford also broke the NFL season record for receptions by by a running back with 107. This also broke Steve Smith’s franchise season record for receptions. Future hall of famer, Steve Smith. GOAT Carolina Panther, Steve Smith.Many were skeptical when the Panthers decided to take McCaffrey with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft. He can’t run between the tackles. He can’t sustain NFL hits. He can’t handle workhorse volume. Run CMC has done all this and more, and we haven’t even seen his prime yet.Defensive MVP: LB Luke KuechlyMidseason Defensive MVP: CB Donte JacksonIt took Luke a minute to get going this season, something we as a spoiled fanbase aren’t accustomed to. The defensive deficiencies that we saw under Eric Washington didn’t help his cause but, ho hum, just another season with 130 tackles for one of the best to ever play the game. Kuechly finished with a franchise record-breaking 20 tackles for loss Stitched Ian Thomas Jersey , a statistic that is generally unprecedented for an inside linebacker. During the losing streak, Luke was a spark plug for an otherwise sputtering defense. Hell, he almost won the Cleveland game on his own forcing two critical fumbles. This guy doesn’t have an off switch. Something that has flown under the radar as a substantial positive in 2018 was Kuechly’s health. This was his first season in quite a while in which he stayed off the injury report, avoiding that dreaded umpteenth concussion that could be career ending. Luke garnered his sixth straight Pro Bowl and fifth First Team AP All-Pro honors in his seventh season. Team records and scoreboards have never had an affect on his motor, which will eventually propel him into Canton. You gotta love watching Luke Kuechly play on our side every Sunday.Most disappointing player: WR Devin FunchessMidseason most disappointing player: DT Dontari PoeThis was supposed to be the year Devin Funchess proved he was deserving and capable of being a number one receiver on an NFL team. In his contract season, there were high expectations for the former Michigan tight end. Unfortunately, Funchess failed to deliver in 2018 and has most likely played his last game in a Panthers uniform. Let’s take a look at Funchess’ split statistics as the season went on:First eight games36 receptions on 55 targets for 445 receiving yards and three touchdownsLast eight gamesEight receptions on 24 targets for 104 receiving yards and one touchdownFunchess was basically non-existent in the second half of 2018. D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel gradually stole his snaps as the season went on Youth Rashaan Gaulden Jersey , as he continued to let the offense down among mental mistakes and crucial drops. I really think the game in Detroit destroyed Devin’s confidence for the remainder of the season. Numerous drops in his home town that arguably lost the game and catalyzed the downward spiral that would ensue seemed to take a major toll. Maybe his focus shifted with the recent birth of his first child? It’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason, but there is no doubting the significant drop off in his play and demeanor in the final eight weeks.Funchess will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and I would be absolutely shocked to see Carolina bring him back. Not to knock the former second round pick, as I think he has the ability to be a strong number two option for another team. I wish him the best moving forward. Most surprising player: OT Taylor MotonMidseason most surprising player: DT Kyle LoveI know the tweet above is a little out-dated, but Taylor Moton had an incredible year for the Panthers on very short notice. Following multiple injuries to starter Daryl Williams, Moton was thrust into one of the most important roles on the offense with little to no in-game experience. The second-year tackle thrived and will allow the Panthers much needed flexibility in structuring their offensive line moving forward. By the end of the season, Moton established himself as a rival to Trai Turner for best offensive hog molly on the roster, and we should be excited to see his progression into year three.Comeback player of the year: WR Curtis SamuelMidseason comeback player of the year: TE Greg Olsen and WR Curtis SamuelComeback player of the year is all about a guy who bounces back and proves he can play after previous injury and/or underwhelming performance. Samuel did just that in his second season. After posting a 7.7 yards per reception clip in 2017 Stitched Rashaan Gaulden Jersey , the former Buckeye finished this season at 12.7 yards per reception. This is tremendous improvement for a player with a ton of questions marks coming into training camp this year. Samuel also provided some of the most electrifying plays in Panthers recent history, taking three scores in from over 20 yards this season. Here’s an absolute beauty if you’d like to see what Samuel can do when his quarterback is physically able to drive the ball down the field:My one criticism of Curtis is that he tends to depend too much on his body when catching the football. If he can become a more natural hands-catcher, Samuel will turn into a legit weapon for Cam Newton in this offense. Unsung hero: LB Shaq ThompsonMidseason unsung hero: OT Taylor MotonThe former first round pick didn’t have the flashiest year, but it was the most productive he’s been in Carolina. Shaq posted career highs in tackles (79) and sacks (3.5). Thompson will be playing for the bank in 2019 as free agency looms. The Panthers would be wise to work on an extension sooner than later, as Shaq’s value will only increase with Thomas Davis’ inevitable retirement. Agree? Disagree? I want to hear it in the comments below!Ask Twitter: What team/player did you enjoy using the most over the years in Madden? To celebrate the upcoming release of Madden 19, we asked our Twitter followers which teams/players they enjoyed using the most over the years. Below you will find a Twitter moment with their answers. Be sure to stay tuned after reading through their answers as we’ll provide you a space to provide your own.Which team/player did you enjoy using most over the years in Madden?Bradley’s takeI’m gonna take this old school: playing Madden (I can’t remember exactly which year it was, but it was in the late 90s-early 2000s) with my brother. We would always play as the ‘All-Star’ team and wreck the shit out of everyone. My favorite thing to do was blitz the quarterback with Chester McGlockton to try and injure him. (This was back when there was a ‘bones breaking’ sound effect any time someone was injured Youth Donte Jackson Jersey , and Pat Summerall would say “Oh no, there’s a man down!”. It was never not funny.) For the record, Chester McGlockton was a beast at defensive tackle in that game. Brian’s takeMine would be playing with Jimmy Clausen and David Gettis and still winning in Madden 11. Nothing pissed somebody off more than my 2-win Panthers beating their Drew Brees led SaintsWhat about you, CSR? Who have been your favorite players (or teams) to use over the years playing Madden? Who did you dominate with? Which edition of Madden is your favorite? Let’s fight about something fun for a change.Share your thoughts with us!