5 worst NFL Super Bowl hangovers ft. Carolina Panthers

#3 - 2007 Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears v Minnesota Vikings

The Chicago Bears fell short to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI in the 2006 NFL season. Chicago went 13-3 on their way to their first appearance in over 20 years, but fell apart following the loss.

Chicago traded away their starting running back, Cedric Benson. Defensive lineman Terry Johnson was charged with parole violations, DUIs and weapons charges before being released in the preseason.

They also had terrible quarterback play in 2007, as Brian Griese, Rex Grossman, and Kyle Orton only combined for 18 total touchdowns. The Bears finished 7-9 and last in the NFC North.

#2 - 2016 Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers looked unstoppable in the 2015 NFL season. Newton led the team to a 15-1 regular-season finish before a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. However, no one expected the Panthers to fall off so soon after.

The schedule saw them play the Broncos in week one of 2016, a match they lost and never truly recovered from. Various Carolina players struggled with injuries, including Newton and Luke Kuechly. They also traded away star cornerback Josh Norman before the season began.

They missed the playoffs altogether in the 2016 NFL season, finishing 7-9. This was good enough for last place in the NFC South.

#1 - 2003 Oakland Raiders

Rich Gannon with the Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders had one of the worst Super Bowl hangovers of all-time in 2003. After being blown out in the big game by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a score of 41-28, the Raiders fell into turmoil.

Many put it down to their age. Oakland had aging veterans such as Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice and Tim Brown on the roster going into 2003. In fact, they had five starters aged 37 or older in 2003.

The Raiders were demoralized by their Super Bowl loss. Not only due to the manor of it, but also due to the fact that Jon Gruden (former Oakland head coach) was coaching the Buccaneers that day. They never truly recovered, and went 4-12 in 2003 after going 11-5 in 2002.