Carolina Panthers Preview and Prediction

Team Preview

Following a 15-1 finish and a Super Bowl appearance in 2015-16, the Carolina Panthers took a big step back in a 6-10 2016-17 season. The lackluster season left the team with plenty of questions to address in the offseason. Most of those questions revolved around the passing game, both on offense and defense.

A big reason why the passing game on offense struggled was due to the play of quarterback Cam Newton. After earning the MVP award two years ago, Newton regressed to some career low numbers (52.9 percent completion percentage, 6.88 yards per pass). Newton had 3,509 yards and only 19 touchdowns while having 14 interceptions. He also attempted significantly less runs (90) than in years past, which was in an attempt to stay as healthy as possible. For Newton, his legs are a big part of who he is. The Panthers will need to find a way to allow Newton to utilize his legs for the offense to be as successful as it can be.

Helping out Newton in the running game will be veteran Jonathan Stewart, who recorded 824 yards and nine touchdowns on 218 attempts. Christian McCaffrey, a 2017 first round pick, will look to fill out the RB unit. He and Stewart should both get plenty of carries while McCaffrey sees plenty of looks in the passing game as well. Fozzy Whittaker will also steal some carries during the season.

In the receiving core, Kelvin Benjamin (63 receptions, 941 yards, 7 TD) and Devin Funchess (23 receptions, 371 yards, 4 TD) will now lead the way after the departure of Tedd Ginn Jr. 2017 third-rounder Curtis Samuel should hold a big role in the offense and see plenty of targets. Russell Shepard, Brenton Bersin and Damiere Byrd will battle for the rest of the looks in the passing game, but don't be surprised if one of those guys gets cut before the regular season. It's likely that McCaffrey plays out of the slot to utilize his versatility.

The Panthers also have an elite tight end in Greg Olsen, who serves as Newton's top target. Olsen recorded 80 receptions, 1,073 yards and three touchdowns last year. Expect similar number again this year, even as he enters his age 32 season.

On defense, the stud linebacker duo of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis will again anchor the defense. Kuechly is looking to move on after battling a concussion last season. Kuechly still managed 102 total tackles last year; when playing full seasons, Kuechly recorded 164, 156 and 153 total tackles. Davis added 106 total tackles. Shaq Thompson rounds out the LB core; he contributed 56 total tackles.

Charles Johnson (26 tackles, 4 sacks), Mario Addison (27 tackles, 9 ½ sacks), Star Lotulelei (26 tackles, 4 sacks) and Kawann Short (55 tackles, 6 sacks) form a strong defensive line. The group is also deep, with Kyle Love, Wes Horton, 2016 first-rounder Vernon Butler and former Panther, turned Green Bay Packer, Julius Peppers serving a depth. 2017 third-rounder Daeshon Hall should also see the field and add yet another dimension to the Panthers' pass rush.

In the secondary, second-year cornerbacks Daryl Worley (88 tackles) and James Bradberry (59 tackles) hope to shut down opposing passing games with the help of Kurt Coleman (95 tackles, 4 interceptions) and former Indianaolis Colt Mike Adams at safety. Captain Munnerlyn returns to the Panthers and joins 2016 fifth-rounder Zack Sanchez as depth at CB. I also expect 2017 fifth round pick Corn Elder to also play a hand at CB, possibly as a fourth or fifth CB or someone who defends WR in the slot. The unit still lacks an elite playmaker, like the team used to have with Josh Norman. Worley and Bradberry could develop into elite corners, but will that come this season?

2017-18 Schedule/Predictions 1 - at San Francisco 49ers (W) 2 - vs Buffalo Bills (W) 3 - vs New Orleans Saints (W) 4 - at New England Patriots (L) 5 - at Detroit Lions (L) 6 - vs Philadelphia Eagles (L) 7 - at Chicago Bears (W) 8 - at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L) 9 - vs Atlanta Falcons (W) 10 - vs Miami Dolphins (W) 11 - BYE 12 - at New York Jets (W) 13 - at New Orleans Saints (L)

14 - vs Minnesota Vikings (W) 15 - vs Green Bay Packers (W) 16 - vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L) 17 - at Atlanta Falcons (L) Season Record: 9-7, 2-4 NFC South

The Panthers are not that far removed from a near perfect season and Super Bowl win, so it's hard to imagine a team with this much talent underperforming for a second straight season. I could see the Panthers having a top-end defense and improving on the offensive side of the ball. That being said, I think the offense could use another weapon or two before it can get back to the playoffs while the defense needs another year of seasoning. I have the Panthers sitting at 9-5 before two divisional matchups with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons (both games I have the Panthers losing) to end the year. The immediate impact Samuel and McCaffrey have should determine what kind of season the team has. I expect the Carolina Panthers to be on the cusp of the postseason, but to fall just short.

Next NFC Team Up - Philadelphia Eagles

Sources not listed in article: ESPN - stats; Ourlads - depth chart; Playoff Predictors - schedule/record projections.

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