Future of the Carolina Panthers Looks Brighter Than Ever
By Joe Wedra
Ignore and sleep on the Carolina Panthers all you want — they’ll be over in the NFC South competing for a title next year with a record that should look a whole lot better than 7-9.
No, last year wasn’t pretty. However, it did shed light on what those in Charlotte can expect for the 2015 season.
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The offense isn’t going to produce fireworks or 30 points per game, but they’ll do enough to break even and perhaps find a way to enter into the 10-win conversation once the end of the year rolls around.
Newton’s Progression Spells Success
Cam Newton is what he is. He’s no Aaron Rodgers, but as he grows, the team will grow. That’s already been seen through the tail-end of the 2015 season. Quickly becoming a franchise guy under center, the Panthers know they can rely on Newton. Healthy or not, the matured signal-caller is going to be the stabilizing force running the offense.
You can’t ask for much more than that.
At this point, anything other than keeping Carolina in the game is a plus. However, don’t be surprised to see yet another step forward taken next year as Newton continues to grow with young Kelvin Benjamin while seeing new faces expected to be reeled in in the coming months.
Oh yeah — that Greg Olsen guy is pretty good, too.
Continued Growth on Defense
If the Panthers brass can find a way to shore up the secondary, this defensive unit is going to thrive in 2015. Questions about the front-seven are limited, Luke Kuechly will be Luke Kuechly, and the stacked defensive line will continue to dominate.
At the end of the day, no matter what the secondary looks like in Week One, the core of the defense will work together to provide a winning demeanor. We’ve seen it time and time again. No matter the changes, you can trust that the Carolina defense will be ready to continue their impressive form.
An All-Important Draft Class
One could argue that the 2015 Panthers NFL Draft class is the most important this team has had in recent history.
Dave Gettleman and his staff have to hit the jackpot on the majority of the selections this year — where Newton is in his career, it’s important for this group of rookies to have potential to be elite two or three seasons from now, an area that projects to be Newton’s prime.
Weapons around Newton (offensive line included) may ultimately decide the former Auburn standout’s fate. If Carolina can nail this class, projections for a profitable future increase in a big way.
The goal should be simple: Strike with sure things early — don’t be afraid to move up if “your guy” is there.
One Goal To Accomplish
The blueprint will always be the same for Gettleman. Wins won’t come by being flashy. Ultimately, this team will get better with yearly growth and progression.
Those two words should be spotlighted on during the offseason.
If Carolina can continue their quest towards growing and progressing up until Week One, the chips will fall in their favor.