2011 Carolina Panthers Predictions
Just two years since winning the NFC South with a 12-4 record, the Panthers sunk to 2-14 last season and went 0-6 in division play.
With a new head coach (Ron Rivera) and a new franchise quarterback (Cam Newton), the organization is hoping for a quick turnaround.
Prior to the last two years, Carolina had finished second or better in the division four straight seasons. That’s the kind of consistency the organization is looking for under Rivera.
Offense: Carolina was the worst offensive team in the NFL last season. It ranked 32nd in both scoring and total offense with 12.2 points and 258.4 yards per game.
Carolina’s running game remained respectable despite injuries, but the passing game was atrocious. The Panthers ranked 13th in the league with 115.4 rushing yards per game but dead last with 143.1 passing yards per contest.
The offense is hoping the No.1 overall draft pick will be their savior.
Newton led Auburn to an undefeated season and national title and won the Heisman Trophy, but there are still many who doubt he can lead an NFL offense. He will be given every opportunity to win the starting job.
Second-year quarterback Jimmy Clausen is also competing for the starting job. The Panthers lost nine of the 10 games he started in 2010. He completed just 52.5 percent of his passes for 1,558 yards with three touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Panthers were able to re-sign DeAngelo Williams, which means the running attack is in good hands. Williams only gained 361 yards last year in an injury-shortened season but is one of the best backs in the NFL when healthy. He rushed for over 1,100 yards in each of the previous two seasons.
Jonathan Stewart, who led the team with 770 rushing yards in 2010, is a nice complement to Williams. It has just been learned that he will miss some practice time after aggravating his Achilles’ tendon.
Steve Smith led the Panthers in receiving last season with 46 catches for 554 yards and two scores while serving as a distraction. The big question is how much longer Smith will be a Panther. A receiving corps minus Smith is very young and unproven.
Pro Bowlers Jordan Gross and Ryan Kalil anchor what might be the best line in the division if Jeff Otah is able to return to form.
Defense: Carolina’s stop unit ranked 18th in the league in 2010 with 335.9 yards allowed per game. It ranked 26th in scoring defense with 25.5 points allowed per contest. The group really performed quite well considering how much time it spent on the field.
Defensive end Charles Johnson is coming off a strong season in which he led the club with 11.5 sacks. Fortunately, the Panthers were able to re-sign him because Everette Brown has been a disappointment on the other side.
The interior is the biggest area of concern up front. That’s why the Panthers invested in Terrell McClain and Sione Fua.
Linebacker is a strength with middle man Jon Beason leading the unit. Beason, who led the team with 162 stops in 2010, is currently dealing with an Achilles injury but is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Safety Charles Godfrey was the top performer in the secondary a year ago. He finished third on the team in tackles (104) and led the squad in interceptions (5).
Prediction: 4th Place NFC South – Don’t expect a worst to first turnaround from the Panthers, who are playing in perhaps the toughest division in the NFC. The offense won’t be as bad as it was last season, but it will still struggle whether Newton or Clausen is under center. NFL odds makers have listed the Panthers at +2000 to win the NFC South.
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