With Cam Newton entering the season healthy, look for the Panthers to bounce back IF the secondary improves.
Courtesy NFL.com
The Carolina Panthers didn’t meet expectations last year. The season was a roller coaster ride, to say the least, as the team finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs. Cam Newton’s health (shoulder) was a big concern. He had the Panthers sitting comfortably at 6-2, but the season went downhill from there after Carolina got rolled by the Steelers, 52-21.
This year could be different. Newton had successful surgery, and the All-Pro quarterback is ready for a bounce-back season.
Off-season Moves
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers struck gold by signing Gerald McCoy to a one-year deal. McCoy brings great pass-rushing ability, which will create opportunities for the second-and third-level to create turnovers. The team also signed Bruce Irvin to a one-year contract. Irvin has a penchant for getting after the passer.
On offense, the Panthers acquired Chris Hogan and Aldrick Robinson. Hogan is coming off a Super Bowl championship, and Robinson (obtained from the Vikings) had one of his best seasons. Those two wide-outs bring depth to the receiving core, which should help Newton considerably.
With their first overall pick of the ’19 Draft, the Panthers selected Brian Burns, an edge-rusher out of Florida State.
Offense
Come September. Newton will be back on the field, ready to go. One of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, Newton should be at peak playing level—if he gets O-line protection. That didn’t happen enough last year, and it cost the Panthers dearly.
The Panthers also need Christian McCaffrey to have another big year. Last season, McCaffrey rushed for 1,098 yards and caught 107 passes for 867 yards. Those are outstanding numbers, of course, but I think McCaffrey can do so much more for this team. He needs to be more active in the passing game, especially in screen action, and I’d like to see Carolina use him more in the slot.
McCaffrey is Panthers’ offensive Swiss army knife, and Carolina is at its best when they tap into McCaffrey’s versatility.
As for the rest of the passing game, Carolina’s young wideout corps needs to jump to the next level. DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel emerged last season as the #1 and #2 wideouts. They both have the talent to take the top off of defenses. The good news is that they reportedly had a strong mini-camp. Look for one of these studs to have a breakout year.
At TE, age hasn’t stopped Greg Olsen from being productive. The 33-year-old is still a serviceable tight end, and he has some game left in him. Olsen needs to bounce back from a season-halting injury that had him sit out after Week 9.
If Newton, McCaffrey, the O-line, and wide-outs stay healthy–and get (and stay on) the same page–this offense can go a long way–perhaps far enough to get this team back into the playoffs.
Defense
Luke Kuechly (photo, Heightline)
The Panthers have a history of fielding stout defenses–up front and at linebacker, especially. All-Pro Luke Kuechly will return to lead the backers, and I look for Shaq Thompson to emerge as a force. He has been waiting for an opportunity to shine, and now he has it.
The secondary is the question mark, ranked by one source as 29th in the League last year. There’s hope because Eric Reid plays on the backend, helping out young corners Donte Jackson and James Bradberry. With good play, that trio could execute a secondary turnaround.
Will they, though? What needs to happen is this: the defensive front of McCoy, Poe, and Short needs to put pressure on the QB and, then, the secondary has to make plays.
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Newton’s back healthy and I think he’ll be productive. I predict McCaffrey will have a big year. Wideouts should be better, too. The D-front and linebackers are strong as always. Can the secondary improve? That’s the big question.
My forecast, 8-8
