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The Panthers’ Offseason: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

By Nick Yon

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 10: Devin Funchess
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 10: Devin Funchess /
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It’s been an eventful offseason so far for the Carolina Panthers. Let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly…

The Good

  • The Carolina Panthers have a plethora of draft picks, and four picks in the first three rounds are nothing to complain about. Additionally, the Panthers hold two seventh-round picks that could easily be used in moving up in later rounds. To read more on this , click here.

    • The Panthers have added speed and depth at the wide receiver position. The respective signing and trade of

    Jarius Wright

    and

    Torrey Smith

    present serious upgrades from

    Kaelin Clay

    and

    Brenton Bersin

    . To read about Jarius Wright,

    click here

    . To read about Torrey Smith,

    click here

    .

    More from Cat Crave

  • While this offseason undoubtedly was focused on continuing to provide Newton with more firepower, new/old General Manager Marty Hurney didn’t ignore the defense. Signing two secondary soldiers in safety Da’Norris Searcy and cornerback Ross Cockrell was an excellent move after trading away Daryl Worley. To read about Da’Norris Searcy, click here. To read about Ross Cockrell,   click here.
  • Don’t forget about the big guy Dontari Poe himself. This 300lbs + defensive monster paired up with Kawaan Short is about to created havoc on the interior offensive lines of the NFC South. To read more,  click here.

    • Julius Peppers is back. Yay!

  • The overhaul of the coaching staff is a major win for Panthers’ fans. Offensive guru Norv Turner has excelled at using deep and speedy vertical threats, (Torrey Smith), big TE’s/ wideouts (Greg Olsen/ Devin Funchess) and running backs (Christian McCaffrey). The offense should be explosive and dangerous under his hand next year. To read about how explosive potential of the offense,  click here.
  • The firing of Mike Shula was a plus. This sounds harsh but in the long-term Cam Newton undoubtedly benefited from this coaching change. Despite his superhuman abilities, Newton is not as invincible as Superman, and Shula’s system was shortening Newton’s career. Talent like Newton doesn’t come often, and it’s best to keep him under center as long as possible.

    • The Bad

    1. The uncertainty of the ownership situation of the Carolina Panthers has caused distractions for the players and coaching staff. Luckily, it seems as if the race is narrowing as the price continues to skyrocket. To read more, click here.
    2. Thomas Davis has been suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the NFL’s PED policy. Suddenly, the Panthers’ unshakable linebacking core seems weaker and much more vulnerable. To read more,  click here.
    3. The failed signing of Bashaud Breeland is an obvious negative about the Carolina Panthers’ offseason. The veteran cornerback would have been able to boost the secondary and aid in the development of rising corner James Bradberry. To read more,  click here.

    The Ugly

    1. Andrew Norwell has left in free agency. The Panthers neither placed a franchise tag on him nor offered him any sort of a public deal. The Carolina Panthers failed to secure one of the most reliable, consistent guards in the history of the National Football League. To read more,  click here.
    2. Competition has spiked in the NFC South. The New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all have addressed weaknesses in their rosters. To rise above the competition of the NFC South, the Panthers will be forced to play their A-game week in and week out. To read more, click here.

    Next: Panthers ownership candidates narrow to three

    That’s the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Panthers’ offseason thus far.

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