Understanding the Carolina Panthers

The misery of last season has weighed heavy on the management, players and fans for the Carolina Panthers but new hope has dawned with the acquisition of players like Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey and ultimately the selection of number one overall pick Cam Newton out of Auburn. Many were very skeptical if Newton could actually run a pro style offense with the speed of the NFL but he has done well in his first season. Although it is true that the Panthers have not found winning ways the upside is that they have many pieces in place to be a contending team in the future.

Cam Newton is an NFL quarterback

Newton surprised many at Auburn and then surprised many by being the number one pick for the Panthers but needless to say he has not disappointed. Newton for the first few weeks of the season was among the leaders in passing with names like Brady, Rodgers, and Brees. Now I don’t know if Cam will continue to be in the ranks with those top quarterbacks but as of now they are very pleased in Carolina with who they have at the quarterback position. Newton stats for the NFL season 7 passing touchdowns (with 6 rushing touchdowns), 9 interceptions, 1,847 passing yards (ranks 4 th in the NFL), with a 78.3 rating.

To see success they must get a solid No. 2 wide receiver

Steve Smith has really emerged this season after a real disappointment last year; I know that the signings of Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey have helped with weapons on offense. For Smith to be that true deep threat he must have a solid receiver opposite of him, the more weapons you have the easier it will be on your rookie quarterback and the Panthers knew that, hence the signings of the tight ends. If you bring in a veteran wideout, Newton and the offense will only get better.

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Injuries have punished the defense

If you think about the Panthers and their defense they have given up a lot of points, but if you think about the key injuries they have on defense you can see why. Jon Beason is the heart and soul of this defense and to lose him to a season ending injury has left the defense without a true leader. Look for the Panthers to make solid defensive signings and solid defensive draft picks after this season. Defensive stats for this season they are allowing 22.2 points per game, 418.2 yards per game, 297.8 passing yards per game and over 120 yards rushing per game needless to say the defense has to get better.

Even with only one win the Panthers are creating a buzz in Carolina

As I live here in North Carolina many fans are really excited about the direction the team is heading. With the drafting of Cam Newton and the possibility of a big play on every play the fans of the Panthers are forgetting the disappointment of last season and looking ahead to the future. Let’s not leave out the fact that Williams and Stewart seem to be running with purpose and renewed passion and there is new hope in Carolina.

They will get better as the season continues

I believe Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers said it best, “I am glad we played them early in the season” and that is the case for many of the Panthers early opponents. Fact is Cam is learning, not only the offense but also the speed of the NFL game you will not want to play these Panthers when they have it clicking on all cylinders. They will be better, this year is a learning curve with a new coach and a rookie quarterback but all teams be on notice the Panthers will be a contender.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer