Dylan of San Diego writes: Coming off of a Superbowl appearance, the 2016 Carolina Panthers looked nothing like the team they were just one year ago. So what exactly went wrong?
After a (more than) disappointing 2016 season, the Carolina Panthers have done everything they can this offseason in order to get their roster into shape. They went a disastrous 6-10 last season, after finishing their 2015 campaign with a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance. Luckily, The team has improved over the offseason, and have patched up a lot of holes in the roster. Here I’ll be explaining what went wrong last year, and why the 2017 season will be much better.
James Bradberry matches up against Vikings reciever Stefon Diggs in Week 3. Courtesy Panthers.com
The biggest holes in the roster last season were clearly at the cornerback position. Even with the better-than-expected performance by second round rookie James Bradberry, he still shouldn’t have been our starting corner–at least yet. Also, releasing Bene Benwikere, the Panthers fifth round pick in the 2014 draft, wasn’t exactly a smart move.
However, next season the Panthers should be seeing a much different secondary than last year, with the addition of Mike Adams at the safety position, and the return of Captain Munnerlyn at nickel. Last years rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley, now entering their sophomore year, will be more developed and ready for action by week 1 and will be true #1 and #2 corners.
Another issue the roster faced last year was the lack of veteran presence. In the Panthers incredible 2015 season, they were loaded with veterans, among the likes of Jared Allen, Roman Harper, Charles Tillman, Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr. The only player remaining on the roster out of them after 2015 was Ted Ginn.
The front office noticed this issue, which is why they signed DE Julius Peppers, CB Captain Munnerlyn, and S Mike Adams to the defense, as well as OT Matt Kalil to the offensive line. These players may not be in their prime, but their play styles and leadership abilities will help the young players improve mentally and physically.
Courtesy NFL.com
The biggest reason to blame for the downfall of the Panthers last season was Quarterback Cam Newton. Even though it’s his fault, it’s not his fault. How can we expect Cam to play like the reigning MVP when he’s being pressured on every other snap? He has no time to wait for his big targets to get open (another problem), and the running lanes have gotten smaller and smaller for him.
The key to the Panthers success is simple: Protect Cam.
Everybody saw what Cam Newton can do in his prime, and opposing defenses were helpless against him (until Denver, of course). The Panthers assessed this problem by signing Matt Kalil to a monster deal to fill him in at left tackle, and also by drafting lineman Taylor Moton, who will be a solid player anywhere on the line if needed.
Not to mention Jonathan Stewart will carry the load on run plays, and rookie Christian McCaffrey will be catching passes out of the backfield, taking pressure off of Newton.
Another big problem the team had last season was injuries. Cam Newton, Michael Oher, and Luke Kuechly all had injuries that had a significant effect on many games.
Courtesy Charlotte Observer
Although the front office has solved many problems the team had last season, there are still questions to be answered. Do the Panthers have a legitimate star edge rusher? Who will be starting at right and left tackle? Who will be the long term strong safety? And are James Bradberry and Daryl Worley ready to take the next step?
The 2017 Panthers should be one of the biggest story lines of the season, and should be the team to watch as they try to once again make the leap from the bottom to the top.
