Interesting to compare the Carolina Panthers and LCFC.
Panthers neglected to pay (and so lost to another team) one of their top defensive players, betting that younger, cheaper talent could pick up the slack. They've been exposed, as teams have been able to pass deep on the Panthers with relative impunity.
LCFC loses a key defensive player that forced teams to slow their pace and allowed a stabilization of the defense. Younger, cheaper talent was asked to carry the load, and LCFC have been exposed.
Panthers go from mediocre team to challengers for the NFL title.
LCFC go from barely escaping relegation to winning the Premier League title.
Both teams experiencing a massive hangover.