Bold statistical predictions on a few prominent Carolina Panthers for the upcoming 2018 season…
The 2018-19 season for the Carolina Panthers is by far going to be the most anticipated in the young franchise’s history. Entering with looming questions like: Who will be the next owner? Will Thomas Davis, Ryan Kalil, and Julius Peppers get to end their careers as Super Bowl Champions? And can the Panthers have back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history?
Since 2011 the Panthers have grown into one of the most formidable and decorated rosters and coaching staffs in the league. An NFL Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Coach of the Year and they even have a Walter Payton Man of the Year! This team has helped resurrect players careers and sent some off to big paydays. It has also supplied three franchises with head coaches and recently changed the entire front office for the Buffalo Bills.
Now is the time Carolina needs to capitalize on the talent they have both grown and acquired. If they are going to ascend to the top of the mountain they need to play big and bold throughout the entire season.
Following are the boldest predictions that may need to come true in order to get them there.
Cam Newton, QB
It all starts with Cam Newton.
- Recap/Expectation: While 2017 was definitely an improvement, expectations for Newton have risen exponentially with offseason additions. Norv Turner became the new offensive coordinator, the wide receiver corps is entirely revamped, a new younger power back, Christian McCaffrey looks huge and Greg Olsen is fully recovered. It may not be fair to place MVP expectations on a player before the first snap occurs but that’s what Newton has earned.
- Prediction: 4,300 YDS/25 TD/10 INT
- 2018 will be the second time that Newton will eclipse 4,000 yards in a season, the first since his rookie year.
Luke Kuechly, LB
On defense, it begins with linebacker Luke Kuechly.
- Recap/Expectation: Once again, LUUUKKKEEE has had a year of dominance and consistency. It’s truly incredible how much of a talent he is and the expectation is more of the same.
- Prediction: 160 TKL / 2.5 SK / 3 INT
- Kuechly will play in all 16 games for the first time since the 2014 season. He’ll also top off his healthy campaign by winning a second Defensive Player of the Year or at the very least, have a good chance of winning.
Christian McCaffrey, RB
Don’t expect a sophomore slump from last year’s first-round selection, Christian McCaffrey.
- Recap/Expectation: As the highest selected Panthers player since 2012 hopes were high for McCaffrey last season. It was clear early on that he was an incredibly important cog in the offense and it looks like his role is only going to expand next year. Even with the addition of C.J. Anderson to the backfield, McCaffrey should be in line for 200 touches and hopefully, with the added muscle he’ll finally be able to have those breakaway plays.
- Prediction: 700 RUSH YDS / 5 RUSH TD / 1,100 REC YDS / 104 REC / 11 TD
- McCaffrey will break the NFL record for most receptions by a running back in 2018.
Julius Peppers, DE
Veteran Julius Peppers continues to impress as he searches for a Super Bowl championship to end his career.
- Recap/Expectation: It’s official, Peppers has bathed in the fountain of youth. He’s a future Hall of Fame inductee and the most important thing at this point would be to mentor some of the younger guys. His minimum expectation would be to get seven sacks and keep his streak alive.
- Prediction: 10.5 SK
- Peppers will resume his rotational role by playing 50-percent of the snaps and have another double-digit sack season to finish third all-time.
D.J. Moore, WR
Expectations are high for Panthers rookie D.J. Moore after receiving high praise from revered Panthers receiver Steve Smith on draft night.
- Recap/Expectation: After being crowned the successor to Smith by the legend himself, minimum expectations are to be better than the Atlanta Falcons new addition, Calvin Ridley.
- Prediction:1,300 YDS / 89 REC / 13 TD
- Moore will become the third consecutive Rookie of the Year that general manager Marty Hurney has drafted.
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Greg Olsen, TE
A healthy Greg Olsen returns to his dominant form late in his career with a continued eye on plans after football.
- Recap/Expectation: After losing a season to injury and ending his consecutive streak of 1,000 yard seasons, Olsen needs to rebound. Minimum expectation is to be healthy and on the field for the full year.
- Prediction:1,050 YDS / 80 REC / 5 TD
- Along with having his fourth 1,000 yard season, Olsen steps back into the announcer’s booth for a game during the Panthers bye week.
Next: Top 5 Greatest Panthers of All-Time
Sure, some of it is far fetched but expectations are high and this could be one incredible year for the Carolina Panthers.