While still an excellent team, they are no longer the elite "team to beat". 10-6 regular season and survived the first round on a 27 yard FG miss. Plus, that game yesterday wouldn't have been close if Carolina didn't go into ultra conservative mode. They just aren't as good now. I think losing Lynch hurt a lot. He set the tone for the whole team.
Also, deals like Harvin amd Graham that didn't work out hurt a lot. That's two first rounders gone. Schniders last 3 drafts haven't been very good although Lockett looks like a gem. Have to keep replenishing to stay on top and they haven't been.