2017 Record - 11-5-0
Head Coach - Ron Rivera
2017 Offensive Ranking - 19th (324 ypg, 22.7 points per game)
2017 Defensive Ranking - 7th (317 ypg, 20.4 points allowed per game)
OFFENSE - Quarterback Cam Newton passed for 3,302 yards last season along with 22 TD passes and 16 interceptions. He also ran for 754 yards and scored six touchdowns.
The running game will look to feature second year player Christian McCaffrey more this season after the departure of longtime RB Jonathan Stewart. McCaffrey rushed for 435 yards while scoring two touchdowns and he led the team with 80 receptions for 651 yards and five scores. C.J. Anderson (1,007 yards and three TD with Denver) will be in the fold as well in the backfield.
The wide receivers are Devin Funchess (63 receptions for 840 yards and eight TD), Torrey Smith (36, 430, two TD with Philadelphia), Jarius Wright (18, 198, two TD with Minnesota), Damiere Byrd (10, 105, two TD), Curtis Samuel (15 receptions) and top rookie draft pick D.J. Moore (Maryland). The tithe end is Greg Olsen, who was injured for most of last season.
DEFENSE - Defensive linemen Mario Addison and Julius Peppers each had 11 quarterback sacks and lead the defense. Kawaan Short amassed 7 1/2 sacks. Linebackers Luke Kuechly (injuries) and Thomas Davis (suspension) missed time last season and will look to have big bounce back seasons. Kuechly had three interceptions last season.
The pass defense should get a boost with two rookies joining this year as cornerback Donte Jackson (LSU) and safety Rashaan Gaulden (Tennessee) will play along with Mike Adams (two INT) and James Bradberry, who had two picks as well. Carolina intercepted just ten passes a year ago and the pass defense allowed 229 yards per game.
OUTLOOK - Head Coach Ron Rivera saw the team make the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons a year ago, so the expectations are pretty lofty again heading into the 2018 season.
As long as Newton stays healthy, he is always a dual threat on the offense. McCaffrey impressed in his rookie season and should only get better. The receivers are decent, though the team lacked a real burner on the outside after the trade of Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo midway through last season. Having tight end Greg Olsen back will be huge.
The defense played decent a year ago and will look to have a healthy Luke Kuechly back along with Thomas Davis at linebacker. The Panthers had 50 QB sacks last season and stuffed the run (88 yards allowed per game which ranked third in the NFL) consistently.
Along with New Orleans and Atlanta, the Panthers gave the NFC South three playoff teams in 2017. They can make it back to the post-season again as long as the offense clicks and the defense continues to play well. A 9-7 record is more likely this year and whether that is enough to get a wild card spot is doubtful.
Don't sleep on this team though because they have proven through recent years they can compete and seem to do better when their collective backs are against the wall. The outcome of the 2018 season probably will come down to the final three weeks when they play division rivals Atlanta and New Orleans twice.
2018 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1- vs. Dallas
Week 2 - at Atlanta
Week 3 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 4 - Bye
Week 5 - vs. NY Giants
Week 6 - at Washington
Week 7 - at Philadelphia
Week 8 - vs. Baltimore
Week 9 - vs. Tampa Bay
Week 10 - at Pittsburgh
Week 11 - at Detroit
Week 12 - vs. Seattle
Week 13 - at Tampa Bay
Week 14 - at Cleveland
Week 15 - vs. New Orleans
Week 16 - vs. Atlanta
Week 17 - at New Orleans
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