2016 NFL Season: Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams
By Erik Lambert
Carolina Panthers (12-4)
Biggest Strength: Defensive Front Seven
Considering that three of the four Pro Bowl players the Panthers had on defense in 2015 came from the front seven, this should be no surprise. Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis form one of the best linebacker duos in football, and they should be aided by the maturation of Shaq Thompson. Kawann Short was a star at defensive tackle and Kony Ealy announced his arrival with three sacks in the Super Bowl. This group is young, athletic and talented everywhere.
Biggest Weakness: Running Backs
This might sound surprising for many people considering Jonathan Stewart was a Pro Bowler last year at that position. Even so, there are reasons to think the entire group is weaker than it seems. The next leading rusher from that backfield was fullback Mike Tolbert with 256 yards. Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker failed to make any significant impact and this became especially true in the playoffs. Given Stewart’s injury history, this is not a good thing.
Final Record Reason
The loss of Josh Norman won’t help, but the return of Kelvin Benjamin will. This is still a very good football team with the MVP in Cam Newton at the peak of his powers. It won’t be another near-undefeated run like last year but they should put together a solid campaign, win the NFC South and have a shot at a 1st round bye come December.
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