The Panthers dominated the NFL in 2015 going 15-1 and making it to their second Super Bowl in franchise history before falling to Denver. With lots of excitement going into last season, the Panthers disappointed as they lost a number of close games and injuries took over. The Panthers added help where they needed it via the draft and free agency to make them contenders again. Rivera struggled last season but he has two coach-of-the-year awards to his name so watch for him to take control of the team again.
Arrivals/Departures
Arrivals: Mike Adams, Charles Johnson, Matt Kalil, Captain Munnerlyn, Julius Peppers, Russell Shepard, Amini Silatolu
Departures: Tre Boston, Kony Ealy, Ted Ginn, AJ Klein, Mike Tolbert, Paul Soliai
Offence:
Newton was the NFL's best player in 2015 but the tide turned last season as he struggled to complete passes and get wins. A concussion and injured shoulder could be the reason why but with last season behind him, he is still is among the game's best quarterbacks bringing his dual-threat ability to the offence. Stanford standout Christian McCaffrey was drafted eighth overall to take pressure off Newton and bring his dynamic style to one of the league's best ground games. Jonathan Stewart is one of the best backups as the veteran will help McCaffrey in his rookie season while Fozzy Whittaker and Camron Artis-Payne line up behind them. Curtis Samuel was drafted from the Buckeyes in the second round as a dynamic receiver or versatile running back to change the offence with McCaffrey.
Underachieving Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess will be the lead receivers again with free agent additions Charles Johnson and Russell Shepard alongside Curtis Samuel behind them. Greg Olsen was the first tight end ever with three straight 1,000-yard seasons as Gronk may be the only better at his position. Olsen keeps getting better with age and will once again be the top target in the passing game with Ed Dickson backing him up. Ryan Kalil will once again be the anchor of the line with future elite guard Trai Turner teaming up alongside him. Andrew Norwell is a solid guard while Ryan's brother Matt Kalil was brought in to protect Newton's blindside. The last spot on the offensive line could either go to Michael Oher if he clears concussion protocol, Darryl Williams or rookie Taylor Moton. The offensive line is a huge question going into the season but if it can perform well enough this offence could regain its number one rank from two seasons ago.
Defence:
The Panthers have one of the best front sevens in the NFL with stud defensive tackle Kawann Short anchoring the line playing on the franchise tag this season. Playing in the interior of the line alongside Short is Star Lotulelei who will sniff out any run but struggles to put pressure on the quarterback. Longtime Panther Charles Johnson will retain his starting position with Mario Addison lining up opposite him coming off his breakout campaign. Dave Gettleman brought future hall-of-famer Julius Peppers back to the place where his career started for another go at the Super Bowl. Peppers will be a valuable third-down rusher with Wes Horton, Daeshon Hall and Vernon Butler also serving as good depth players.
Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis make up the best line-backing tandem in the NFL and with Luke Kuechly healthy again they will control the defence. Kuechly is the game's best linebacker as he can do everything. After his injury, the Panthers defence played terrible showing how valuable he truly is. Thomas Davis is the only player ever to come back from three ACL tears and he not only returned, he came back as one of the best at his position. Shaq Thompson will play alongside them as he has steadily improved over his first two seasons in the league. After the departure of all-pro cornerback Josh Norman, the secondary struggled giving up big plays every game. Rookie James Bradberry led all rookie cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus' rankings last year as he will look to improve on his successful first year. Former Panther Captain Munnerlyn returns to Carolina to play alongside him with sophomore Daryl Worley contributing behind them. Ball-hawking Kurt Coleman will patrol the secondary again this year as he continues to pick every ball that comes his way. Fourteen-year veteran safety Mike Adams was brought in to play with Coleman this year.
Special Teams:
Graham Gano missed the game-winning field goal in week one setting the standards for his terrible season. Since he struggled, the Panthers drafted Harrison Butker to give him competition during training camp. Andy Lee will once again be the punter even after a season-ending injury midway through the season. With dynamic punt returner Ted Ginn gone, the Panthers will give rookies Christian McCafrey and Curtis Samuel a chance to play on special teams next year.
Starters:
Offence
|
Defence
|
Kelvin Benjamin
|
Charles Johnson
|
Devin Funchess
|
Star Lotulelei
|
Curtis Samuel
|
Kawann Short
|
Matt Kalil
|
Mario Addison
|
Andrew Norwell
|
Shaq Thompson
|
Ryan Kalil
|
Luke Kuechly
|
Trai Turner
|
Thomas Davis
|
Daryl Williams
|
James Bradberry
|
Greg Olsen
|
Kurt Coleman
|
Cam Newton
|
Mike Adams
|
Christian McCafrey
|
Captain Munnerlyn
|
2017 Draft:
8. Christian McCafrey
40. Curtis Samuel
64. Taylor Moton
77. Daeshon Hall
152. Corn Elder
192. Alex Armah
233. Harrison Butker
Top 10 Players:
10. Christian McCaffrey
9. Star Lotulelei
8. Kurt Coleman
7. Trai Turner
6. Ryan Kalil
5. Kawann Short
4. Thomas Davis
3. Greg Olsen
2. Cam Newton
1. Luke Kuechly
Season Prediction: 11-5 (2nd in NFC South)
Last Year: 6-10
Photo credit for Julius Peppers goes to http://www.cbssports.com/. Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly/Thomas Davis goes to https://www.usatoday.com/. Greg Olsen goes to http://www.panthers.com/.
No comments:
Post a Comment