The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams—including why you should or shouldn’t be rooting for them this season—in the month leading up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 8. Today, the Carolina Panthers.
Last year’s record: 15-1
Head coach: Ron Rivera
Core players: Cam Newton (QB), Luke Kuechly (LB), Thomas Davis (LB), Ryan Kalil (C), Trai Turner (OG), Greg Olsen (TE), Kawann Short (DT)
2016 is about… Proving last season wasn’t a fluke. The Panthers and league MVP Cam Newton were the talk of the NFL and no one really saw it coming. When top receiver Kelvin Benjamin blew out his knee in training camp most, including myself, wrote the offence off and dubbed them as nothing more than a wild card contender. Boy did they prove their doubters wrong. They won’t repeat what they did in the regular season, but anything less than another Super Bowl appearance will be considered a disappointment.
It’s also about redemption. They were embarrassed by the Broncos in the Super Bowl and Newton didn’t handle himself like a professional after the game. Bouncing back with poise and confidence will tell you a lot about the character of this team.
They lost… Josh Norman, and did so in dramatic fashion. When it became clear to management that reaching a long-term deal with the star cornerback wasn’t going to happen, the team rescinded their non-exclusive franchise tag offer and he instead took a huge payday ($75 million over five years) with the Redskins. As one of the elite corners in the game, there’s no replacing a player like Norman.
The secondary took a couple other hits with Charles Tillman retiring and Roman Harper going to the Saints.
But they got… A trio of rookies who need to make an impact. By losing Norman, Harper and Tillman the secondary isn’t what it was. They drafted cornerbacks James Bradberry and Daryl Worley in the second and third round, respectively, and both will be counted on to start. First-round pick Vernon Butler adds to an already-stellar defensive line, as does veteran Paul Soliai who comes over from the Falcons.
Kelvin Benjamin coming back from injury is huge. We learned last year Newton can lead a short-staffed offence to big-time success. Benjamin being back in the fold is a bonus. He had a thousand yards and nine touchdowns in his rookie year in 2014.
Growing from within… Not only does Benjamin being back give Cam another red zone option but it will open up space for second year man Devin Funchess. The 6-foot-4 Funchess had a forgettable rookie campaign but has shone in the pre-season.
Why this team? Unlike the other three teams in the NFC South, the Panthers have an elite front seven lead by Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Kawann Short. Unless there’s an abundance of injury woes, this defence will once again win a lot of games for the Panthers this year.
Why not this team? As mentioned above, this secondary is seriously depleted. Maybe this will result in defensive coordinator Sean McDermott using more zone schemes because having two starting rookie corners is a recipe for disaster – especially in a division that boasts several of the most dangerous receivers in football.
How much hope? 8.2/10: If you expect them to put up the type of numbers they did last year you’ll be disappointed. If you expect them to get 11 or 12 wins and be more prepared for playoff success you’ll likely be happy. They are the clear favourites to win the NFC South.
