2018 Record - 7-9-0
Head Coach - Ron Rivera
Newcomers for 2019 - Chris Hogan (WR), Bruce Irvin (DL), Matt Paradis (OL), Dillon Gordon (OL), Destiny Vaeao (DL)
Keys on Offense - Cam Newton is back at quarterback following a season that saw him shut down in the final two weeks with right shoulder injuries. Newton threw for 3,395 yards with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games. He also had 488 rushing yards (4.8 ypc) and scored four touchdowns. The Panthers drafted Will Grier (West Virginia) to be the primary back up for Newton.
Running back Christian McCaffrey (13 total touchdowns in 2018) is the main cog for the Carolina offense as he rushed for 1,098 yards last season (5.0 ypc average and seven touchdowns) and also led the team with 107 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns.
D.J. Moore (55, 788, two TD) and Jarius Wright (43, 447, one TD) are the top wide receivers coming into training camp while Chris Hogan (35, 532, three TD) comes over from the New England Patriots. The tight end is Greg Olsen (27, 190, two TD) provided he can stay healthy after lingering foot issues the past two seasons. Ian Thomas (36, 333, two TD) is ready to go should Olsen be sidelined again this season.
Keys on Defense - Two veterans from the defense are gone as Thomas Davis left via free agency and Julius Peppers retired. The Panthers defense was average a year ago, finishing 15th in the NFL (353.2 ypg allowed) while giving up 23.9 points per game.
Looking to improve the team this year will be defensive end Mario Addison (nine QB sacks) and linebacker Luke Kuechly (two sacks) along with Gerald McCoy (six sacks with Tampa Bay in 2018) and Bruce Irvin (DE), who comes over from Atlanta in free agency.
Top rookie draft pick Brian Burns (Florida State) is an end rusher/linebacker who will look to make an immediate impact for the Panthers. Another rookie is linebacker Christian Miller (Alabama) and he may find his way into a staring role this season.
The secondary has cornerbacks Donte Jackson (four interceptions) and James Bradberry along with safeties Eric Reid and Rashaan Gaulden.
OUTLOOK - A lot depends on the health of quarterback Cam Newton (right shoulder) coming into the 2019 season. He is a former league Most Valuable Player (2015) and makes the offense go. Along with Newton is McCaffrey, who is Mr. Everything in the offense after leading the Panthers in rushing and receiving yardage in addition to scoring 13 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Panthers had 35 quarterback sacks and 13 interceptions a year ago while getting a plus-1 in the turnover category. Head Coach Ron Rivera is known as a gambler and he would love to see the teams aggressive style on both sides of the ball translate into another winning season after the team slipped to third place in 2018 following a playoff appearance.
If Newton is back to form passing and running the football and the rest of the offensive personnel chips in, this team can score enough points to help keep pressure off the defense. It all hinges on Newton though, so if that happens, the Panthers are a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC for sure. If not, another losing season is likely. The call here is an 8-8 finish this season for Carolina.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. LA Rams
Week 2 - vs. Tampa Bay
Week 3 - at Arizona
Week 4 - at Houston
Week 5 - vs. Jacksonville
Week 6 - at Tampa Bay (in London)
Week 7 - BYE
Week 8 - at San Francisco
Week 9 - vs. Tennessee
Week 10 - at Green Bay
Week 11 - vs. Atlanta
Week 12 - at New Orleans
Week 13 - vs. Washington
Week 14 - at Atlanta
Week 15 - vs. Seattle
Week 16 - at Indianapolis
Week 17 - vs. New Orleans
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