The Carolina Panthers playing in Superbowl 51 is a real possibility, but far from a certainty. Here are the top 3 things that currently stand in the way of the Carolina Panthers.

Overconfidence

It may seem like a platitude at this point, but overconfidence is a real concern for the Carolina Panthers. After all, the team is made up of good number of young players with a long career ahead of them. An eventual second Superbowl appearance may seem like a certainty to them. Long time NFL veterans know better. So much goes into a Superbowl season, including a healthy dose of pure luck. Take injuries for instance. There is perhaps no greater contributor to success than having healthier players than the opposition.

Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera addressed the team multiple times over the offseason on this very topic. Overconfidence, or complacency, is a main reason why it is so difficult for a team to make a repeat Superbowl appearance. It is real, and it should not be overlooked.

Inexperience in the defensive secondary

The Carolina Panthers drafted an exact match for their defensive scheme physically. But inexperience in the secondary could be the downfall for the Panthers, particularly early in the season. Second round pick James Bradberry will be starting, that much seems clear. Third round pick Daryl Worley could also be starting across the field from Bradberry with Bene Benwikere playing nickel. The prospect of two rookies playing corner is enough to put a Carolina Panthers Superbowl in question. So many games come down to the last second throw.

Take the New Orleans Saints game at Bank of America Stadium last year for instance. Without an amazing last second end zone interception by Josh Norman, that would have been a Panthers loss. A single loss this season could be the difference between a Superbowl appearance or an early exit.

That late season schedule

If the Panthers can stay hungry, and if their corners can prove to be formidable, they still face that late season road schedule. Of the last 6 games of the season, 4 are away games. Two of those games are consecutive west coast games, forcing the Carolina Panthers to stay in California for an entire week of practice. That is a brutal road schedule to close out the season. An extra loss or two during that stretch could be enough to knock the Carolina Panthers down in the playoff standings, which would be very, very bad for them.

The Panthers will need a playoff bye week to fully recover and prepare from all of that travel. This means they must have one of the top two records in the conference. If not, I am afraid they just won’t be at their best both physically and mentally. Ron Rivera has never won a road playoff game as a head coach. Home cooking is what the playoffs are all about, without it the Panthers probably won’t be returning to the Superbowl.