The Carolina Panthers joined the NFL in 1995 as an expansion team and have been making a name for themselves in the league for their dynamic ball handling and speed. The Panthers have made it to the playoff four times in their brief history, playing in Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and just coming up short against the New England Patriots. The game is considered one of the greatest Super Bowls in history and was, at the time, the most watched game ever. The Panthers' greatest weapon that year was in their running game. The team featured the lightning speed of Running Backs Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster who tore up tackles all year round. Davis ended up the Panthers' all-time leading rusher with 1,444 yards and 8 touchdowns. Foster rushed for 429 yards and caught 26 passes by the end of the year. The Panthers also had Running Back Rod Smart to confuse defenses even more. On defense, the Panthers were led by Defensive Ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker with Pro Bowler Defensive Tackle Kris Jenkins commanding the blockade.