2006 Carolina Panthers season
The team tried to improve on their 11–5 record and return to (at least) the NFC Championship Game like they did in 2005, however they failed to do so and ended up going 8–8, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Despite losing many key players such as LB Will Witherspoon, DT Brentson Buckner, CB Ricky Manning Jr., C Jeff Mitchell, and RB Stephen Davis, they made leaps and bounds in the post-season.
During free agency, they acquired WR Keyshawn Johnson from the Dallas Cowboys, C Justin Hartwig from the Tennessee Titans, and DT Maake Kemoeatu from the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite these large profile players, the team's biggest addition was the 27th pick of the 2006 NFL draft, RB DeAngelo Williams of the University of Memphis.
Soon after, Ryan Longwell faked a field goal and threw his first career touchdown pass to tight end Richard Owens, tying the game at 13–13.
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Staying at home, the Panthers played a Week 5 matchup against the visiting Cleveland Browns.
Even though the Browns scored first on a 41-yard field goal by Phil Dawson, the Panthers struck big as rookie CB Richard Marshall took an interception 30 yards for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, Carolina increased its lead, as QB Jake Delhomme threw a 17-yard TD pass to WR Keyshawn Johnson for the only score of the period (and in fact the only offensive touchdown of the game for either team).
The Panthers were shut out in the second half, as Cincinnati got the win with kicker Shayne Graham making a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter, while Palmer threw a 1-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh.
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Bengals, the Panthers returned home for a Sunday night match-up with the Dallas Cowboys.
QB Tony Romo completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten and kicker Mike Vanderjagt made a 38-yard field goal.
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Coming off their Bye Week, the Panthers stayed at home for an NFC South rematch with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Coming off their primetime sweep over the Bucs, the Panthers stayed at home for the Week 11 fight with the St. Louis Rams.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers showed dominance as kicker John Kasay nailed a 40-yard field goal, while QB Jake Delhomme completed a 62-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith.
Finally, in the fourth quarter, DE Mike Rucker helped put the game away as he sacked Rams QB Marc Bulger in St. Louis' endzone for a safety.
In the third quarter, Carolina's lead was gone when QB Jason Campbell completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR Antwaan Randle El for the only score of the period.
In the scrappy first quarter, Carolina struck first with QB Jake Delhomme completing a 9-yard TD pass to WR Steve Smith for the only score of the period.
The Panthers regained the lead before the half with Delhomme completing a 1-yard TD pass to the back corner of the endzone, caught by WR Keyshawn Johnson.
Yet again, Carolina regained the lead with Delhomme completing a 35-yard TD screen pass to rookie RB DeAngelo Williams, who rushed well after a shaky first quarter.
Then, things got grim when Delhomme got intercepted by Free Safety Brian Dawkins under pressure in the pocket, which led to Akers kicking a 25-yard field goal.
Carolina tried to fight back as they marched deep into Philly territory, but came up short when Delhomme got intercepted again by cornerback Lito Sheppard in almost the same spot where Keyshawn Johnson made the earlier TD completion.
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Trying to snap a two-game losing streak and keep any playoff hope alive, the Panthers went home for a Week 14 fight with the New York Giants.
The Panthers got on the board with Weinke completing a 36-yard TD pass to WR Drew Carter, while kicker John Kasay nailed a 37-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Carolina's struggles continued with Feely kicking a 29-yard field goal, while Manning completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR David Tyree.
at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Trying to end their three-game losing skid, the Panthers played their final home game of the year against the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
