The Carolina Panthers appeared in their 2nd Super Bowl only to fall short after a 15-1 regular season. If the Panthers hope to repeat on their Super Bowl run they will have to do it without cornerback Josh Norman who signed with Washington this offseason. What should we watch for when it comes to Carolina this season?
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Cornerback: Daryl Worley vs. Zack Sanchez vs. James Bradberry
The cornerback position is wide open after the Norman departure. Three rookies above figure to have a big say in the matter. Robert McClain is realistically the only proven option on the entire roster. If the secondary struggles its hard to see the Panthers repeating on a 15-1 season.
2. Running Back: Fozzy Whitaker vs. Cameron Artis-Payne
There arn’t a ton of holes on the Panthers roster but the running back position has some question marks. Jonathan Stewart has had injury problems in the past leaving a potentially larger workload for one of the backups. Mike Tolbert figures to play a role as well as the primary fullback
3. Slot Wide Receiver: Philly Brown vs. Devin Funchess
Kelvin Benjamin is back and Tedd Ginn figures to start as well. Philly Brown had a pretty productive season last year but Funchess entering year 2 will seemingly have a larger role as well.
Ready For A Breakout Season: Kony Ealy
Carolina’s defense starts up front with those two monsters in the middle Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. After a 5 sack season last year, Ealy appears ready for a double digit sack year playing off those two behemoths in the middle.
Fantasy Sleeper: Kelvin Benjamin
There aren’t a ton of sleepers here on the roster but perhaps Benjamin is a tad under rated considering the offense he is playing in. Cam Newton’s going to score, it is just a matter of how many Benjamin is a part of.
Rookie To Watch: Vernon Butler
Butler was Carolina’s first round pick this year and reminds me a little of Linval Joseph from the Vikings. The Panthers didn’t need any help along the defensive line and managed to get a good one in Butler.
Carolina is a solid team that will likely win the NFC South again this coming season. The question this season is can they finish the job and give Cam Newton and company a Super Bowl ring this season?
