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{{short description|NFL team season (1st season)}}
{{short description|NFL team season (1st season)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL season
{{Infobox NFL team season
| team = Carolina Panthers
| team = Carolina Panthers
| logo =
| logo =
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| shortnavlink = Panthers seasons
| shortnavlink = Panthers seasons
}}
}}
[[File:Carolina_Panthers_1995_wordmark.png | thumb|right | alt=Blue-outlined gray-filled text in all-caps waves above a zigzagging slash design. | Carolina Panthers 1995 logo]]
The '''1995 Carolina Panthers season''' was [[Carolina Panthers|the franchise's]] inaugural season in the [[National Football League]] and the first under [[List of Carolina Panthers head coaches|head coach]] [[Dom Capers]]. They went 7–9, the best debut year for any expansion franchise since the NFL's inception. The Panthers played their first season's home games at [[Clemson University]] because what would become [[Bank of America Stadium]] was still under construction after a deadline point in 1995 for scheduling Carolina's first set of NFL games.
The '''1995 Carolina Panthers season''' was [[Carolina Panthers|the franchise's]] inaugural season in the [[National Football League]] and the first under [[List of Carolina Panthers head coaches|head coach]] [[Dom Capers]]. They went 7–9, the best debut year for any expansion franchise since the NFL's inception. The Panthers played their first season's home games at [[Clemson University]] because what would become [[Bank of America Stadium|Ericsson Stadium]] was still under construction after a deadline point in 1995 for scheduling Carolina's first set of NFL games.


==Offseason==
==Offseason==
The Panthers were jokingly called "[[Buffalo Bills]] South" because of the large number of former Bills on the roster. Quarterback [[Frank Reich]], wide receiver [[Don Beebe]], tight end [[Pete Metzelaars]] and linebacker [[Carlton Bailey]] had played key roles in the Bills' run of four consecutive [[Super Bowl]]s earlier in the 1990s and were on the Panthers' inaugural roster. Furthermore, the team's general manager was longtime Bills GM and executive [[Bill Polian]]. (See also the [[2001 San Diego Chargers season]], in which a similar situation arose when [[John Butler (American football general manager)|John Butler]] brought several former Bills with him to San Diego after being fired.)
The Panthers were jokingly called "[[Buffalo Bills]] South" because of the large number of former Bills on the roster. Quarterback [[Frank Reich]], wide receiver [[Don Beebe]], tight end [[Pete Metzelaars]] and linebacker [[Carlton Bailey]] had played key roles in the Bills' run of four consecutive [[Super Bowl]]s earlier in the 1990s and were on the Panthers' inaugural roster. Furthermore, the team's general manager was longtime Bills GM and executive [[Bill Polian]]. (See also the [[2001 San Diego Chargers season]], in which a similar situation arose when [[John Butler (American football general manager)|John Butler]] brought several former Bills with him to San Diego after being fired.)

===Expansion draft===
===Expansion draft===
{{main article|1995 NFL expansion draft}}
{{main article|1995 NFL expansion draft}}
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|-
|-
! 14 || 28
! 14 || 28
| [[Bob Christian]]^ || FB || [[1994 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]
| [[Bob Christian (American football)|Bob Christian]]^ || FB || [[1994 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]
|-
|-
! 15 || 30
! 15 || 30
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|-
|-
! 26 || 52
! 26 || 52
| Williams Sims || LB || Minnesota Vikings
| [[William Sims (American football)|Williams Sims]] || LB || Minnesota Vikings
|-
|-
! 27 || 54
! 27 || 54
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| [[Mike Teeter]]^ || DT || [[1994 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]]
| [[Mike Teeter]]^ || DT || [[1994 Houston Oilers season|Houston Oilers]]
|}
|}
^ Made roster. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.courant.com/1995-02-16/features/9502160501_1_db-rb-wr |title=NFL Expansion Draft |newspaper=[[Hartford Courant]] |date=February 16, 1995 |access-date=February 16, 2011}}{{dead link|date=May 2023}}</ref>
^ Made roster.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/1995/02/16/nfl-expansion-draft/ |title=NFL Expansion Draft |newspaper=[[Hartford Courant]] |date=February 16, 1995 |access-date=February 16, 2011 |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716033035/http://articles.courant.com/1995-02-16/features/9502160501_1_db-rb-wr |url-status=live }}</ref>


===NFL Draft===
===NFL Draft===
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{{notelist-ua}}
{{notelist-ua}}


<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.courant.com/1995-04-24/sports/9504240182_1_tennessee-state-fresno-state-db |title=NFL Draft — Team by Team |newspaper=Hartford Courant |date=April 24, 1995 |access-date=February 1, 2014}}{{dead link|date=May 2023}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.courant.com/1995/04/24/nfl-draft-team-by-team-2/ |title=NFL Draft — Team by Team |newspaper=Hartford Courant |date=April 24, 1995 |access-date=February 1, 2014 |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223181600/http://articles.courant.com/1995-04-24/sports/9504240182_1_tennessee-state-fresno-state-db |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
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| active = 53
| active = 53
| inactive = 11
| inactive = 11
| PS = 3
| PS =4


| quarterbacks =
| quarterbacks =
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| running_backs =
| running_backs =
{{NFLplayer|44|Bob Christian|FB}}
{{NFLplayer|44|Bob Christian|d=American football|FB}}
{{NFLplayer|30|Howard Griffith|FB}}
{{NFLplayer|30|Howard Griffith|FB}}
{{NFLplayer|23|Anthony Johnson|d=running back}}
{{NFLplayer|23|Anthony Johnson|d=running back}}
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| offensive_linemen =
| offensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|78|Blake Brockermeyer|rookie=y|T}}
{{NFLplayer|78|Blake Brockermeyer|rookie=y|T}}
{{NFLplayer|74|Mark Dennis|d=American football|T}}
{{NFLplayer|62|Mark Dennis|d=American football|T}}
{{NFLplayer|52|Matt Elliott|d=American football|G}}
{{NFLplayer|52|Matt Elliott|d=American football|G}}
{{NFLplayer|65|Frank Garcia|d=offensive lineman|rookie=y|G}}
{{NFLplayer|65|Frank Garcia|d=offensive lineman|rookie=y|G}}
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{{NFLplayer|79|Sean Love|G}}
{{NFLplayer|79|Sean Love|G}}
{{NFLplayer|60|Andrew Peterson|d=American football|rookie=y|G}}
{{NFLplayer|60|Andrew Peterson|d=American football|rookie=y|G}}
{{NFLplayer|63|Mark Rodenhauser|C}}
{{NFLplayer|63|Mark Rodenhauser|C/LS}}
{{NFLplayer|64|Curtis Whitley|C}}
{{NFLplayer|64|Curtis Whitley|C}}


| defensive_linemen =
| defensive_linemen =
{{NFLplayer|93|Mike Fox|d=American football|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|93|Mike Fox|d=American football|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|96|Shawn King|d=American football|rookie=y|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|96|Shawn King|rookie=y|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|71|Greg Kragen|NT}}
{{NFLplayer|71|Greg Kragen|NT}}
{{NFLplayer|92|Shawn Price|DE}}
{{NFLplayer|92|Shawn Price|DE}}
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| defensive_backs =
| defensive_backs =
{{NFLplayer|33|Butler By'not'e|CB/KR}}
{{NFLplayer|33|Butler B'ynote'|CB/KR}}
{{NFLplayer|37|Chad Cota|rookie=y|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|37|Chad Cota|rookie=y|FS}}
{{NFLplayer|29|Steve Lofton|CB}}
{{NFLplayer|29|Steve Lofton|CB}}
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{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;4|John Kasay|K}}
{{NFLplayer|&nbsp;4|John Kasay|K}}


|Reserve Lists =
| reserve_lists =
{{NFLplayer|26|Dewell Brewer|RB|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|26|Dewell Brewer|RB|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|84|Eric Guliford|WR|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|84|Eric Guliford|WR|IR}}
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{{NFLplayer|32|Nate Turner|FB|IR}}
{{NFLplayer|32|Nate Turner|FB|IR}}


|Practice Squad =
| practice_squad =
<!-- incomplete -->
<!-- incomplete -->
{{NFLplayer|--|Paul Burke|d=American football|rookie=y|TE}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Paul Burke|link=no|rookie=y|TE}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Kevin Farkas|link=no|T}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Kevin Farkas|link=no|T}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Marvin Ham|rookie=y|SS}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Marvin Ham|link=no|rookie=y|S}}
{{NFLplayer|--|Lorenzo Clark|link=no|rookie=y|CB}}

<small>53 active, 11 inactive, 4 practice squad</small>

}}
}}


==Schedule==
==Preseason==


===Preseason===
===Preseason===
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|weather=None (played indoors)
|weather=None (played indoors)
|referee=
|referee=
|TV=
|TV=FOX
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVAnnouncers=[[Thom Brennaman]], [[Ron Pitts]]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199509030atl.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199509030atl.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
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|weather={{convert|53|F|C}}
|weather={{convert|53|F|C}}
|referee=
|referee=
|TV=
|TV=FOX
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVAnnouncers=[[Kenny Albert]], [[Anthony Muñoz]]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199509100buf.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199509100buf.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
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|weather={{convert|73|F|C}}
|weather={{convert|73|F|C}}
|referee=
|referee=
|TV=
|TV=FOX
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVAnnouncers=Kenny Albert, Anthony Muñoz
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199509170car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199509170car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*''No scoring plays''
'''Second quarter'''
*STL – [[Jerome Bettis]] 2-yard run ([[Steve McLaughlin]] kick). ''Rams 7–0.''
*STL – [[Jessie Hester]] 23-yard pass from [[Chris Miller (quarterback)|Chris Miller]] (Steve McLaughlin kick). ''Rams 14–0.''
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 45-yard field goal. ''Rams 14–3.''
'''Third quarter'''
*STL – [[Anthony Parker (defensive back, born 1966)|Anthony Parker]] 28-yard fumble return (Steve McLaughlin kick). ''Rams 21–3.''
*STL – Steve McLaughlin 34-yard field goal. ''Rams 24–3.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*STL – [[Torin Dorn]] 24-yard interception return (Steve McLaughlin kick). ''Rams 31–3.''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). ''Rams 31–10.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*STL – [[Chris Miller (quarterback)|Chris Miller]] – 15/26, 225 yards, TD
*CAR – [[Frank Reich]] – 8/19, 68 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*STL – [[Jerome Bettis]] – 19 rushes, 67 yards, TD
*CAR – [[Vince Workman]] – 5 rushes, 48 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*STL – [[Isaac Bruce]] – 5 receptions, 100 yards
*CAR – [[Eric Guliford]] – 4 receptions, 53 yards
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199510010car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199510010car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*TB – [[Errict Rhett]] 1-yard run ([[Michael Husted]] kick). ''Buccaneers 7–0.''
'''Second quarter'''
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] 53-yard run ([[John Kasay]] kick). ''Tied 7–7.''
*TB – Michael Husted 25-yard field goal. ''Buccaneers 10–7.''
*TB – Michael Husted 27-yard field goal. ''Buccaneers 13–7.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CAR – [[Pete Metzelaars]] 4-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (kick failed). ''Tied 13–13.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*TB – [[Casey Weldon]] 1-yard run (Michael Husted kick). ''Buccaneers 20–13.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*TB – [[Casey Weldon]] – 9/20, 156 yards
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 18/32, 234 yards, TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*TB – [[Errict Rhett]] – 22 rushes, 50 yards, TD
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 21 rushes, 123 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*TB – [[Jackie Harris]] – 5 receptions, 108 yards
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] – 5 receptions, 90 yards
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199510080chi.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199510080chi.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*CHI – [[Curtis Conway]] 41-yard pass from [[Erik Kramer]] ([[Kevin Butler (American football)|Kevin Butler]] kick). ''Bears 7–0.''
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 21-yard field goal. ''Bears 7–3.''
'''Second quarter'''
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] 66-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 10–7.''
*CHI – [[Keith Jennings (American football)|Keith Jennings]] 1-yard pass from Erik Kramer (Kevin Butler kick). ''Bears 14–10.''
*CAR – John Kasay 49-yard field goal. ''Bears 14–13.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CHI – Kevin Butler 23-yard field goal. ''Bears 17–13.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*CAR – [[Greg Kragen]] 1-yard fumble return (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 20–17.''
*CHI – [[Ryan Wetnight]] 1-yard pass from Erik Kramer (Kevin Butler kick). ''Bears 24–20.''
*CAR – [[Eric Guliford]] 62-yard punt return (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 27–24.''
*CHI – [[Robert Green (American football)|Robert Green]] 1-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). ''Bears 31–27.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 14/28, 228 yards, TD, INT
*CHI – [[Erik Kramer]] – 23/41, 259 yards, 3 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 15 rushes, 47 yards
*CHI – [[Rashaan Salaam]] – 28 rushes, 105 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] – 4 receptions, 114 yards, TD
*CHI – [[Curtis Conway]] – 4 receptions, 77 yards, TD
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199510220car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199510220car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*''No scoring plays''
'''Second quarter'''
*NO – [[Chip Lohmiller]] 29-yard field goal. ''Saints 3–0.''
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 45-yard field goal. ''Tied 3–3.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CAR – [[Howard Griffith]] 2-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 10–3.''
*CAR – Howard Griffith 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 17–3.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*CAR – John Kasay 37-yard field goal. ''Panthers 20–3.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*NO – [[Jim Everett]] – 27/48, 241 yards, 4 INT
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 8/21, 48 yards, TD
'''Top rushers'''
*NO – [[Mario Bates]] – 17 rushes, 43 yards
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 21 rushes, 88 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*NO – [[Wesley Walls]] – 4 receptions, 56 yards
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] – 2 receptions, 18 yards
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199511120ram.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199511120ram.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*''No scoring plays''
'''Second quarter'''
*STL – [[Jerome Bettis]] 1-yard run ([[Dean Biasucci]] kick). ''Rams 7–0.''
*STL – [[Isaac Bruce]] 12-yard pass from [[Chris Miller (quarterback)|Chris Miller]] (Dean Biasucci kick). ''Rams 14–0.''
*CAR – [[Don Beebe]] 21-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] ([[John Kasay]] kick). ''Rams 14–7.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CAR – John Kasay 23-yard field goal. ''Rams 14–10.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*STL – [[Troy Drayton]] 2-yard pass from Chris Miller (Dean Biasucci kick). ''Rams 21–10.''
*STL – [[Torin Dorn]] 26-yard fumble return (Dean Biasucci kick). ''Rams 28–10.''
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] 17-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). ''Rams 28–17.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 16/35, 228 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
*STL – [[Chris Miller (quarterback)|Chris Miller]] – 19/32, 216 yards, 2 TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*CAR – [[Howard Griffith]] – 13 rushes, 46 yards
*STL – [[Jerome Bettis]] – 26 rushes, 91 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] – 6 receptions, 157 yards, TD
*STL – [[Isaac Bruce]] – 9 receptions, 110 yards, TD
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199511190car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199511190car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*''No scoring plays''
'''Second quarter'''
*CAR – [[Pete Metzelaars]] 7-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] ([[John Kasay]] kick). ''Panthers 7–0.''
*CAR – [[Bob Christian (American football)|Bob Christian]] 2-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 14–0.''
*ARI – [[Aeneas Williams]] 72-yard blocked field goal return ([[Greg Davis (placekicker)|Greg Davis]] kick). ''Panthers 14–7.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CAR – John Kasay 42-yard field goal. ''Panthers 17–7.''
*CAR – John Kasay 30-yard field goal. ''Panthers 20–7.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*CAR – [[Anthony Johnson (running back)|Anthony Johnson]] 23-yard run (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 27–7.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*ARI – [[Dave Krieg]] – 14/25, 106 yards
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 15/23, 201 yards, 2 TD
'''Top rushers'''
*ARI – [[Garrison Hearst]] – 9 rushes, 32 yards
*CAR – [[Howard Griffith]] – 25 rushes, 88 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*ARI – [[Frank Sanders (American football)|Frank Sanders]] – 3 receptions, 37 yards
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] – 5 receptions, 90 yards
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199511260nor.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199511260nor.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 22-yard field goal. ''Panthers 3–0.''
*NO – [[Mario Bates]] 4-yard run ([[Doug Brien]] kick). ''Saints 7–3.''
'''Second quarter'''
*NO – [[Quinn Early]] 27-yard pass from [[Jim Everett]] (Duog Brien kick). ''Saints 14–3.''
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] 60-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (Kerry Collins pass to [[Walter Rasby]]). ''Saints 14–11.''
*NO – Doug Brien 45-yard field goal. ''Saints 17–11.''
'''Third quarter'''
*NO – Doug Brien 39-yard field goal. ''Saints 20–11.''
*NO – Mario Bates 6-yard run (Doug Brien kick). ''Saints 27–11.''
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] 3-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Kerry Collins pass to [[Bob Christian (American football)|Bob Christian]]). ''Saints 27–19.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*NO – [[Derek Brown (running back)|Derek Brown]] 35-yard run (Doug Brien kick). ''Saints 34–19.''
*CAR – Mark Carrier 60-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). ''Saints 34–26.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 17/46, 335 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT
*NO – [[Jim Everett]] – 15/29, 195 yards, TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*CAR – [[Bob Christian (American football)|Bob Christian]] – 6 rushes, 39 yards
*NO – [[Mario Bates]] – 19 rushes, 71 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] – 6 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD
*NO – [[Quinn Early]] – 3 receptions, 60 yards, TD
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512030car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512030car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*IND – [[Sean Dawkins]] 31-yard pass from [[Jim Harbaugh]] ([[Cary Blanchard]] kick). ''Colts 7–0.''
*IND – Cary Blanchard 47-yard field goal. ''Colts 10–0.''
'''Second quarter'''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] 2-yard run ([[John Kasay]] kick). ''Colts 10–7.''
*CAR – John Kasay 34-yard field goal. ''Tied 10–10.''
'''Third quarter'''
*''No scoring plays''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*CAR – John Kasay 38-yard field goal. ''Panthers 13–10.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*IND – [[Jim Harbaugh]] – 7/12, 102 yards, TD, INT
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 14/34, 170 yards
'''Top rushers'''
*IND – [[Marshall Faulk]] – 20 rushes, 53 yards
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 19 rushes, 58 yards
'''Top receivers'''
*IND – [[Sean Dawkins]] – 6 receptions, 81 yards
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] – 1 reception, 33 yards
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512100car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512100car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*SF – [[Derek Loville]] 4-yard pass from [[Steve Young (American football)|Steve Young]] ([[Jeff Wilkins]] kick). ''49ers 7–0.''
'''Second quarter'''
*SF – Derek Loville 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick). ''49ers 14–0.''
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 43-yard field goal. ''49ers 14–3.''
*SF – [[J. J. Stokes]] 20-yard pass from Steve Young (Jeff Wilkins kick). ''49ers 21–3.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] 2-yard run (John Kasay kick). ''49ers 21–10.''
*SF – Steve Young 1-yard run (Jeff Wilkins kick). ''49ers 28–10.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*SF – Jeff Wilkins 20-yard field goal. ''49ers 31–10.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*SF – [[Steve Young (American football)|Steve Young]] – 31/45, 336 yards, 2 TD, INT
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 12/29, 127 yards, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*SF – [[Derek Loville]] – 16 rushes, 34 yards, TD
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 9 rushes, 28 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*SF – [[Jerry Rice]] – 6 receptions, 121 yards
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] – 3 receptions, 46 yards
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512170car.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512170car.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*ATL – [[Eric Metcalf]] 15-yard pass from [[Jeff George]] ([[Morten Andersen]] kick). ''Falcons 7–0.''
*ATL – [[Craig Heyward]] 5-yard pass from Jeff George (Morten Andersen kick). ''Falcons 14–0.''
'''Second quarter'''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] 1-yard run ([[John Kasay]] kick). ''Falcons 14–7.''
*ATL – Morten Andersen 34-yard field goal. ''Falcons 17–7.''
'''Third quarter'''
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). ''Falcons 17–14.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] 89-yard pass from Kerry Collins (John Kasay kick). ''Panthers 21–17.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*ATL – [[Jeff George]] – 29/53, 310 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 18/28, 283 yards, TD, INT
'''Top rushers'''
*ATL – [[Craig Heyward]] – 16 rushes, 81 yards
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 10 rushes, 31 yards, TD
'''Top receivers'''
*ATL – [[Terance Mathis]] – 8 receptions, 102 yards
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] – 4 receptions, 147 yards, TD
}}
}}


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|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512240was.htm Box score]
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199512240was.htm Box score]
|scoring=
|scoring=
'''First quarter'''
*CAR – [[John Kasay]] 42-yard field goal. ''Panthers 3–0.''
*WAS – [[Terry Allen (running back)|Terry Allen]] 1-yard run ([[Eddie Murray (American football)|Eddie Murray]] kick). ''Redskins 7–3.''
'''Second quarter'''
*WAS – Eddie Murray 29-yard field goal. ''Redskins 10–3.''
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] 1-yard run (John Kasay kick). ''Tied 10–10.''
'''Third quarter'''
*WAS – Terry Allen 1-yard run (Eddie Murray kick). ''Redskins 17–10.''
'''Fourth quarter'''
*WAS – Eddie Murray 32-yard field goal. ''Redskins 20–10.''
*CAR – [[Willie Green (American football)|Willie Green]] 2-yard pass from [[Kerry Collins]] (John Kasay kick). ''Redskins 20–17.''
|stats=
|stats=
'''Top passers'''
*CAR – [[Kerry Collins]] – 19/43, 201 yards, TD, 2 INT
*WAS – [[Gus Frerotte]] – 10/24, 185 yards
'''Top rushers'''
*CAR – [[Derrick Moore]] – 14 rushes, 47 yards, TD
*WAS – [[Terry Allen (running back)|Terry Allen]] – 28 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TD
'''Top receivers'''
*CAR – [[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]] – 7 receptions, 101 yards
*WAS – [[Henry Ellard]] – 3 receptions, 98 yards
}}
}}


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==Records==
==Records==
* Most victories by an expansion team (7)<ref name="Fact Book p. 92">NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York,NY, {{ISBN|0-7611-2480-2}}, p. 92</ref>
* Most victories by an expansion team (7)<ref name="Fact Book p. 92">NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, {{ISBN|0-7611-2480-2}}, p. 92</ref>
* First expansion team to have a winning record at home (5–3)<ref name="Fact Book p. 92"/>
* First expansion team to have a winning record at home (5–3)<ref name="Fact Book p. 92"/>
* First expansion team to have a four-game winning streak (weeks 7–10)<ref name="Fact Book p. 92"/>
* First expansion team to have a four-game winning streak (weeks 7–10)<ref name="Fact Book p. 92"/>
Line 1,079: Line 1,310:
[[Category:1995 National Football League season by team|Carolina Panthers Season, 1995]]
[[Category:1995 National Football League season by team|Carolina Panthers Season, 1995]]
[[Category:1995 in sports in North Carolina|Carolina]]
[[Category:1995 in sports in North Carolina|Carolina]]
[[Category:1990s in Charlotte, North Carolina]]

Latest revision as of 20:47, 13 November 2024

1995 Carolina Panthers season
OwnerJerry Richardson
General managerBill Polian
Head coachDom Capers
Home fieldMemorial Stadium
(Clemson, South Carolina)
Results
Record7–9
Division place4th NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersNone
Blue-outlined gray-filled text in all-caps waves above a zigzagging slash design.
Carolina Panthers 1995 logo

The 1995 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's inaugural season in the National Football League and the first under head coach Dom Capers. They went 7–9, the best debut year for any expansion franchise since the NFL's inception. The Panthers played their first season's home games at Clemson University because what would become Ericsson Stadium was still under construction after a deadline point in 1995 for scheduling Carolina's first set of NFL games.

Offseason

[edit]

The Panthers were jokingly called "Buffalo Bills South" because of the large number of former Bills on the roster. Quarterback Frank Reich, wide receiver Don Beebe, tight end Pete Metzelaars and linebacker Carlton Bailey had played key roles in the Bills' run of four consecutive Super Bowls earlier in the 1990s and were on the Panthers' inaugural roster. Furthermore, the team's general manager was longtime Bills GM and executive Bill Polian. (See also the 2001 San Diego Chargers season, in which a similar situation arose when John Butler brought several former Bills with him to San Diego after being fired.)

Expansion draft

[edit]
1995 Carolina Panthers expansion draft
Round Selection Player Position Drafted from
1 2 Rod Smith^ CB New England Patriots
2 4 Harry Boatswain OT San Francisco 49ers
3 6 Kurt Haws TE Washington Redskins
4 8 Tyrone Rodgers DE Seattle Seahawks
5 10 Mark Thomas^ DE San Francisco 49ers
6 12 Tim McKyer^ CB Pittsburgh Steelers
7 14 Curtis Whitley^ C San Diego Chargers
8 16 Howard Griffith^ FB Los Angeles Rams
9 18 Greg Kragen^ NT Kansas City Chiefs
10 20 Cary Brabham S Los Angeles Raiders
11 22 Dave Garnett LB Minnesota Vikings
12 24 Andre Powell LB New York Giants
13 26 Dewell Brewer^ RB Indianapolis Colts
14 28 Bob Christian^ FB Chicago Bears
15 30 Fred Foggie S Pittsburgh Steelers
16 32 Mark Carrier^ WR Cleveland Browns
17 34 Mark Rodenhauser^ C Detroit Lions
18 36 Steve Hawkins WR New England Patriots
19 38 Brian O'Neal RB Philadelphia Eagles
20 40 Derrick Lassic RB Dallas Cowboys
21 42 Richard Buchanan WR Los Angeles Rams
22 44 Doug Pederson QB Miami Dolphins
23 46 Vince Marrow TE Buffalo Bills
24 48 Larry Ryans WR Detroit Lions
25 50 Baron Rollins G New Orleans Saints
26 52 Williams Sims LB Minnesota Vikings
27 54 Paul Butcher^ LB Indianapolis Colts
28 56 Jack Trudeau^ QB New York Jets
29 58 Charles Swann WR Denver Broncos
30 60 David Mims WR Atlanta Falcons
31 62 Shawn Price^ DE Tampa Bay Buccaneers
32 63 Eric Guliford^ WR Minnesota Vikings
33 64 Bill Goldberg DT Atlanta Falcons
34 65 Eric Ball RB Cincinnati Bengals
35 66 Mike Teeter^ DT Houston Oilers

^ Made roster.[1]

NFL Draft

[edit]
1995 Carolina Panthers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 5 Kerry Collins *  QB Penn State from Cincinnati[A]
1 22 Tyrone Poole  CB Fort Valley State from Green Bay[B]
1 29 Blake Brockermeyer  OT Texas from San Diego[C]
2 36 Shawn King  DE Louisiana–Monroe from Cincinnati[A]
4 132 Frank Garcia  C Washington
5 135 Michael Senters  WR Northwestern
5 171 Andrew Peterson  OT Washington
6 188 Steve Strahan  DT Baylor
6 191 Jerry Colquitt  QB Tennessee from Kansas City[D]
7 209 Chad Cota  SS Oregon
7 249 Michael Reed  SS Boston College
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Draft trades

  1. ^ a b The Panthers traded a first-round selection (1st overall) to Cincinnati in exchange for first- and second-round selections (5th and 36th overall).
  2. ^ The Panthers traded first-, third-, and sixth-round selections (32nd, 65th, and 173rd overall) to Green Bay in exchange for first- and sixth-round selections (22nd and 191st overall).
  3. ^ The Panthers traded second-, third-, and fourth-round selections (34th, 98th, and 100th overall) to San Diego in exchange for a first-round selection (29th overall).
  4. ^ The Panthers traded a 1996 sixth-round selection to Kansas City in exchange for a sixth-round selection (191st overall).

[2]

Personnel

[edit]

Staff

[edit]
1995 Carolina Panthers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Chip Morton


[3]

Roster

[edit]
1995 Carolina Panthers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad
  • -- Paul Burke TE
  • -- Kevin Farkas T
  • -- Marvin Ham S
  • -- Lorenzo Clark CB


53 active, 11 inactive, 4 practice squad Reserve

  • 67 Brandon Hayes G (IR)
  • 47 Mike Senters CB (IR)
Rookies in italics
, 4 practice squad

Preseason

[edit]

Preseason

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
HOF July 29 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 20–14 1–0 Fawcett Stadium 24,625
1 August 4 at Chicago Bears L 15–18 1–1 Soldier Field 50,300
2 August 12 Denver Broncos W 19–10 2–1 Memorial Stadium 57,017
3 August 19 at San Francisco 49ers L 10–17 2–2 3Com Park 51,185
4 August 26 New York Giants W 6–3 3–2 Memorial Stadium 49,114

Regular season

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 3 at Atlanta Falcons L 20–23 (OT) 0–1 Georgia Dome Recap
2 September 10 at Buffalo Bills L 9–31 0–2 Rich Stadium Recap
3 September 17 St. Louis Rams L 10–31 0–3 Memorial Stadium Recap
4 Bye
5 October 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 13–20 0–4 Memorial Stadium Recap
6 October 8 at Chicago Bears L 27–31 0–5 Soldier Field Recap
7 October 15 New York Jets W 26–15 1–5 Memorial Stadium Recap
8 October 22 New Orleans Saints W 20–3 2–5 Memorial Stadium Recap
9 October 29 at New England Patriots W 20–17 (OT) 3–5 Foxboro Stadium Recap
10 November 5 at San Francisco 49ers W 13–7 4–5 Candlestick Park Recap
11 November 12 at St. Louis Rams L 17–28 4–6 Trans World Dome Recap
12 November 19 Arizona Cardinals W 27–7 5–6 Memorial Stadium Recap
13 November 26 at New Orleans Saints L 26–34 5–7 Louisiana Superdome Recap
14 December 3 Indianapolis Colts W 13–10 6–7 Memorial Stadium Recap
15 December 10 San Francisco 49ers L 10–31 6–8 Memorial Stadium Recap
16 December 17 Atlanta Falcons W 21–17 7–8 Memorial Stadium Recap
17 December 24 at Washington Redskins L 17–20 7–9 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Season summary

[edit]

Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons

[edit]
Week One: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Panthers 13 0 07020
Falcons 3 10 70323

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

[edit]
Week Two: Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 6 309
Bills 0 0 28331

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

Week 3: vs. St. Louis Rams

[edit]
Week Three: St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 14 10731
Panthers 0 3 0710

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: September 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,060
  • TV announcers (FOX): Kenny Albert, Anthony Muñoz
  • Box score
Game information

Week 5: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]
Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 7 6 0720
Panthers 0 7 6013

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: October 1
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,076
  • Box score
Game information

Week 6: at Chicago Bears

[edit]
Week Six: Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 10 01427
Bears 7 7 31431

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: October 8
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 59,668
  • Box score
Game information

Week 7: vs New York Jets

[edit]
Week Seven: New York Jets at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 12 0315
Panthers 3 10 7626

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: October 15
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 52,613
  • Referee: Mike Carey
  • TV: NBC
  • Box score
Game information

Players dumped Gatorade on Dom Capers after the win.[4]

Week 8: vs. New Orleans Saints

[edit]
Week Eight: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 3 003
Panthers 0 3 14320

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,484
  • Box score
Game information

Week 9: at New England Patriots

[edit]
Week Nine: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Panthers 0 0 170320
Patriots 0 3 014017

at Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 60,064
  • Box score
Game information

Week 10: at San Francisco 49ers

[edit]
Week Ten: Carolina Panthers at San Francisco 49ers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 10 3 0013
49ers 0 0 077

at 3Com Park, San Francisco, California

  • Date: November 5
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST/1:00 PST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 61,722
  • Box score
Game information

Week 11: at St. Louis Rams

[edit]
Week Eleven: Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 7 3717
Rams 0 14 01428

at TWA Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 65,598
  • Box score
Game information

Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

[edit]
Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 007
Panthers 0 14 6727

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: November 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 49,582
  • Box score
Game information

Week 13: at New Orleans Saints

[edit]
Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 8 8726
Saints 7 10 10734

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 10 0 0010
Panthers 0 10 0313

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

Game information

Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

[edit]
Week Fifteen: San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
49ers 7 14 7331
Panthers 0 3 7010

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: December 10
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,136
  • Box score
Game information

Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons

[edit]
Week Sixteen: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Falcons 14 3 0017
Panthers 0 7 7721

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C)
  • Game attendance: 53,833
  • Box score
Game information

Week 17: at Washington Redskins

[edit]
Week Seventeen: Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Panthers 3 7 0717
Redskins 7 3 7320

at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C)
  • Game attendance: 42,903
  • Box score
Game information

Standings

[edit]
NFC West
W L T PCT PF PA STK
(2) San Francisco 49ers 11 5 0 .688 457 258 L1
(6) Atlanta Falcons 9 7 0 .563 362 349 W1
St. Louis Rams 7 9 0 .438 309 418 L3
Carolina Panthers 7 9 0 .438 289 325 L1
New Orleans Saints 7 9 0 .438 319 348 W1

Records

[edit]
  • Most victories by an expansion team (7)[5]
  • First expansion team to have a winning record at home (5–3)[5]
  • First expansion team to have a four-game winning streak (weeks 7–10)[5]
  • First expansion team to defeat a defending Super Bowl champion in its inaugural season (13–7 over the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco)[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "NFL Expansion Draft". Hartford Courant. February 16, 1995. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2011.
  2. ^ "NFL Draft — Team by Team". Hartford Courant. April 24, 1995. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  3. ^ "Assistant Coaches". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
  4. ^ "Panthers earn first victory". Gainesville Sun. October 16, 1995. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c d NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, ISBN 0-7611-2480-2, p. 92