The Buffalo Bills, at 0-8, are the only winless team in the National Football League. But after watching the 1-7 Panthers lose Sunday to the New Orleans Saints, it is clear that winless does not equate to the title “Worst Team in the NFL.”

That dubious honor belongs to the Carolina Panthers.

Immediately after the game, a friend asked if I thought the Panthers could beat the Bills. Without hesitation, I responded “NO.“

Sure, every team has an occasional bad day. But for this year’s Panthers, a bad day is the norm and a good day is a rare occurrence -- like Halley’s Comet. Were it not for an injury to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith in week seven, the Panthers could well be on their way to a 0-16 season.

It’s a waste of time to debate who should be the Panthers’ starting quarterback. With the current offensive line, the outcome is inevitable.

On Sunday the Panthers used three quarterbacks and three running backs, yet the offense remained stifled and out of the end zone. Prior to being injured, starting quarterback Matt Moore threw for only 13 yards. His replacements, Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike, threw for a total of 47 yards each.

The offensive line gave up four sacks Sunday. Their season total is 25 sacks, plus 50 quarterback knockdowns. Before Sunday’s game, the Panthers’ offensive line was ranked 24th overall, but that number is sure to drop by week’s end.

The entire offense is atrocious -- ranked 32nd in scoring, 31st in passing and 32nd in total offense. Numbers don’t lie. The Panthers had 195 yards of total offense against the Saints – not a team known for shutting down offenses.

On the bright side, the Panthers have the NFL’s 4th-ranked defense, but their play is nullified by the constant three-and-out performance of the offense. Sooner or later, if left on the field too long, even the best defense is sure to wear down.

So, could the Carolina Panthers beat the Buffalo Bills?

Unlikely.

At this point, our local team is a sure bet to finish 1-15 this season, with the only hope of a win coming against the Arizona Cardinals on December 19.

Despite all this, I remain bullish on my Carolina Panthers. Remember, they followed their last 1-15 season with a Super bowl appearance two seasons latter.

I can hardly wait for 2013.
 

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