2011 Carolina Panthers Predictions
Written by Steve Janus
The Carolina Panthers are coming off a miserable 2-14 season. The lone positive out of last season was the Panthers struggles landed them the No.1 pick in the NFL draft, where they selected Auburn quarterback Cam Newton. The addition of Newton has fans believing that the Panthers can turn things around quicker than some might expect, especially when you consider how bad the quarterback play was in 2010. The team will be in the first year under head coach Ron Rivera, which could make it tough for the players to adjust to his new schemes with the shortened offseason. Here is a closer look at what the Panthers will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they will finish inside the NFC South.
Offense:
Some questioned if the Panthers would take Newton after they used a second round pick in 2010 on Jimmy Clausen, but Clausen showed little promise in his first season. While some wonder if Newton’s collegiate game will translate to the NFL, I believe he is a mix of Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick. It may take some time before he reaches his full potential, but from the looks of it he is clearly a big improvement from what the team sent onto the field in 2010.
The Panthers were able to re-sign veteran wide out Steve Smith, after it was rumored that he wanted out of town. They also went out and traded for tight end Greg Olson, and signed free agent wide out Legedu Naanee. Unfortunately second-year wide out David Gettis was lost for the season, but they are excited to see what youngsters Brandon LaFell and Armanti Edwards can provide this season.
I really like the Panthers decision to re-sign running back DeAngelo Williams, who played in just six games last year. Williams is still an elite NFL back that should shine under new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Williams will form a dynamic trio in the backfield with Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson. This unit has the potential to really carry this team and make life a lot easier on Newton in his first season.
Up front the Panthers have the looks of a pretty impressive offensive line, especially if Jeff Otah can return to start at right tackle after missing the last 19 games with a knee injury. They have one of the top left tackles in the game in Jordan Gross, two steady guards in Geoff Schwartz and Travelle Wharton, plus a Pro Bowl center in Ryan Kalil.
Defense:
The Panthers finished with the 23rd ranked run defense last year, allowing opposing teams to rush for 123.8 yards per game. While a lot of that had to do with the loss of Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers, the defense spent a lot of the game on the field and simply wore down over the course of the season.
The Panthers went out and used two third round picks on defensive tackles Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, who should both step in and see plenty of action in their rookie season. They took a big hit when free agent addition Ron Edwards was lost for the season, which puts a lot of pressure on Corvey Irving to step up this year. They were able to bring back star defensive end Charles Johnson, but need either Eric Norwood or Everette Brown to deliver at the other spot.
Carolina brings back one of the top middle linebackers in the game in Jon Beason and outside linebacker James Anderson, who is coming off a breakout season. They also are expected to get Thomas Davis back at outside linebacker, who has missed the last 24 games with ACL injuries.
The Panthers are set at safety with the starting duo of Charles Godfrey and Sherrod Martin, but the corner position isn’t so set in stone. Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn are listed as the starters on the current depth chart, but C.J. Wilson, Robert McClain, and Brandon Hogan will all likely compete for playing time at some point this season.
Prediction: 4th NFC South, 5-11 Overall – I really think the Panthers are going to surprise a lot of teams in 2011, and I actually wouldn’t be all that shocked if they finished with more wins than I have predicted. I expect Newton to play at a much higher level than any Carolina quarterback in 2010, which should help the running game improve and the defense as well. There is a lot of young talent on this team, and the NFC South has routinely watched the bottom feeder from the previous season climb to the top half the following year.
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