Carolina Panthers Preview and Training Camp Outlook

Cam Newton

The life of being an NFL quarterback is not an easy one. Sure there are definite benefits. You make the most money and you’re almost always the face of a franchise. This also can weigh heavily, as many times you have to put the team on your shoulders. For Cam Newton, that was a problem last year. Cam Newton got off to a hot start last year, and the team started off 6-2 until they played the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, a game that ultimately wound up destroying the Panthers season.

It was during this game that Cam Newton took a hit by TJ Watt directly to his throwing shoulder. A hit that although didn’t remove Newton from the game, it was one that caused him pain throughout the game and the rest of the season. Week after week Cam was asked about the shoulder. As he began to skip throwing at practices more, questions started to rise. Newton simply brushed off the questions, saying his shoulder was fine. He would continue to start every game until they were officially eliminated from playoff contention. Once the season was over, Newton got surgery on his shoulder and started to begin the rehab process.

With training camp kicking off this past weekend a lot of the big questions for the Panthers surrounded Newton. Many people wondered if he would be able to throw, or if he was how limited he would be. Newton did indeed throw on the first day of camp. He wasn’t limited in any sort of capacity, until the following day where he didn’t participate in throwing drills, simply as a rest day. It appears Newton has finally regained his health, which will be crucial for the Panthers success in the 2019 season.

Key Losses

The Panthers lost a few veterans last season, due either to retirement or tough business decisions. I will quickly highlight a few of these and the impact the outcome it could have on the team this year.

Thomas Davis

For years Davis has been the heart and soul of the Panthers defense. At his peak, he was one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Known for his work ethic and toughness, Davis was a fantastic leader in the Panthers locker room. Davis always would hold players accountable when they weren’t doing their jobs, and expected players to do the same for him. Last year it was obvious that age was catching up to Davis. Ultimately, it was the reason the Panthers let him go. Although he may be replaced on the field, it is the locker room that will miss him most. His presence as a leader and an all-time great for the Panthers will be vacant. It is now up to other defensive players such as Luke Kuechly to step up, and lead this young defense in the right direction.

Julius Peppers

Speaking of all-time greats… Julius Peppers, also known as Pep, chose to retire and make the 2018 season his last. Pep is no doubt going to be in the Hall of Fame one day. Even at 39 years old, Peppers still made plays last season. Edge rushers are incredibly important in the NFL and losing Peppers was a tough blow. Replacing a Hall of Fame pass rusher is no easy task. The Panthers addressed the defensive line in multiple ways this year. First they signed Gerald McCoy, a very good defensive tackle. They also drafted Brian Burns with their first pick in the NFL draft. Although Peppers will be missed, the Panthers did a good job in filling the void.

Ryan Kalil

Ryan Kalil is another all-time great for the Panthers. Kalil has been one of the most consistent offensive lineman for the Panthers. Playing center in Carolina for all 12 years of his career in Carolina and was known as the anchor of the line. Carolina had new guards and tackles it seemed like almost every season, yet Kalil was always there in the middle. Kalil was also a good leader, but with guys like Newton and Greg Olsen around, the offense will be okay with leadership. The Panthers biggest concern was getting a center to replace him, and signed Matt Paradis from the Broncos to replace him.

What to watch for the rest of Panthers Training Camp

Cam Newton

Yes I know, we already talked about Cam. That’s the thing though, this team goes as Cam goes. If Newton can play like he did last season to start off the year, the sky is the limit for this team. Newton has weapons around him like Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and Curtis Samuel. This offense can score points when Cam is healthy, they proved that the first 8 games last season.

Greg Olsen

Olsen is another guy who is very important for the offense. A veteran leader, Olsen had been one of the best tight ends in the NFL in the past 5 years, but the last two he has battled a nasty foot injury. The key for Olsen will be too see if he can fully recover from the injury, and if he can will he be the same tight end he once was.

New Defense

As I highlighted earlier, the defense lost two of their best defensive players in the history of the team. The key for the defense this year will be how they perform without them. The Panthers still have pieces and promise as they now boast one of the most dangerous defensive lines in all of football. The issue is the secondary. The secondary is full of young players, so time will tell if they can grow quickly. It also will be important to see which players step up and take on leadership roles in the defense.

Prediction: Carolina Panthers 2019

Week 1: vs Rams

Loss, 35-28

Week 2: vs Buccaneers

Win, 28-14

Week 3: @ Cardinals

Win, 35-12

Week 4: @ Texans

Win, 28-24

Week 5: vs Jaguars

Win, 21-7

Week 6: @ Buccaneers

Win, 42-7

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: @ 49ers

Win, 17-14

Week 9: vs Titans

Win, 24-10

Week 10: @ Packers

Loss, 35-28

Week 11: vs Falcons

Win 35-24

Week 12: @ Saints

Loss 16-14

Week 13: vs Redskins

Win, 35-7

Week 14: @ Falcons

Loss, 35-34

Week 15: vs Seattle

Win, 21-3

Week 16: @ Colts

Loss, 24-21

Week 17: vs Saints

Win, 42-38

Total Record: 11-5

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Written by @afchfa