As we look back on the 2023 NFL season, several teams stood out for their struggles on the field. Let’s look at the five franchises that had the most challenging years, with particular attention paid to their records, statistics, and the factors that contributed to their difficult seasons.
1. Carolina Panthers (2-15)
The Carolina Panthers hit rock bottom in 2023, finishing with a 2-15 record and securing what should have been the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft for the second consecutive year.
However, a trade with the Chicago Bears during the 2023 offseason ultimately gave the Bears the first pick, and they drafted QB Caleb Williams.
Here’s what the trade looked like:
- Chicago traded their first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers.
- Carolina sent Chicago WR DJ Moore, a 2023 first-round pick (9) and a 2023 second-round pick (61).
- Carolina sent Chicago its 2024 first-round pick and 2025 second-round pick.
That trade and unfortunate luck was symbolic of their season and recent franchise history.
In 2023, Carolina’s struggles were evident on both sides of the ball. They ranked last in total offense (265.3 yards per game) and 29th in total defense (350.5 yards allowed per game). The Panthers’ offensive woes were particularly glaring, as they averaged a league-worst 13.9 points per game.
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, faced a baptism by fire. Behind a porous offensive line and with limited weapons, Young completed just 59.8% of his passes for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
The Panthers’ inability to establish a consistent running game (ranking 20th with 103.8 rushing yards per game) put additional pressure on their young quarterback. The midseason firing of head coach Frank Reich after a 1-10 start only added to the team’s instability.
2. New England Patriots (4-13)
The 2023 season marked the end of an era for the New England Patriots, as they stumbled to a 4-13 record – their worst since 1992. The Patriots’ offense was anemic, averaging just 13.9 points per game (tied with Carolina for last in the NFL) and ranking 30th in total offense (276.5 yards per game).
Their quarterback situation was a revolving door, with Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, and Will Grier all seeing significant playing time but none finding consistent success.
Defensively, the Patriots remained respectable, ranking 10th in total defense (allowing 320.9 yards per game). However, their inability to generate turnovers (just 18 takeaways, tied for 26th in the league) and score points put immense pressure on the unit.
The departure of legendary coach Bill Belichick following the season underscored the magnitude of changes facing this once-dominant franchise as they look to rebuild.
3. Washington Commanders (4-13)
The Washington Commanders‘ 4-13 record in 2023 reflected a team in transition and turmoil. Their offense struggled mightily, ranking 25th in total yards (312.8 per game) and 24th in points scored (19.4 per game).
The quarterback carousel of Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett failed to provide stability, combining for 21 touchdowns against 24 interceptions.
Defensively, a unit that was once the strength of the team fell to 32nd in points allowed (30.5 per game) and 31st in total defense (388.9 yards allowed per game). The midseason trade of pass rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young signaled a rebuild, leaving the defense without its cornerstone players.
With a new ownership group taking over and head coach Ron Rivera dismissed after the season, the Commanders entered 2024 facing a complete organizational overhaul.
4. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
The Arizona Cardinals‘ 4-13 record in 2023 came as little surprise, given they entered the season with low expectations amid a rebuild.
Their offense, hampered by Kyler Murray’s absence for the first half of the season due to injury, ranked 27th in total yards (297.5 per game) and 23rd in scoring (19.4 points per game). Murray’s return provided a spark, but inconsistency and a lack of weapons limited the offense’s potential.
Defensively, the Cardinals struggled mightily, allowing 26.8 points per game (31st in the NFL) and 353.3 yards per game (25th). Their inability to stop the run (139.2 rushing yards allowed per game, ranking 31st) put constant pressure on a young secondary.
Despite the poor record, the Cardinals showed flashes of potential late in the season, providing some hope for the future under new head coach Jonathan Gannon.
5. Tennessee Titans (6-11)
While their 6-11 record might not seem as catastrophic as the other teams on this list, the Tennessee Titans‘ fall from grace was one of the more dramatic storylines of the 2023 NFL season.
After years of contending in the AFC South, the Titans’ offense sputtered to a 28th-place finish in total yards (289.9 per game) and 27th in scoring (17.9 points per game). The decision to move on from veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill in favor of rookie Will Levis and journeyman Malik Willis led to growing pains in the passing game.
Defensively, the Titans remained middle-of-the-pack, ranking 18th in total defense (339.8 yards allowed per game). However, their inability to generate consistent pressure (35 sacks, tied for 23rd) and create turnovers (16 takeaways, 31st in the league) hindered their ability to support a struggling offense.
The departure of head coach Mike Vrabel following the season signaled the end of an era and the beginning of a rebuild in Tennessee.