Panthers well-represented on CBS Sports All-NFC South Team

The Carolina Panthers received some early preseason accolades on Monday.

It is preseason accolade time and Wednesday, it was CBSSports.com’s turn to name their preseason All-NFC South Team. In a division full of talent the Carolina Panthers were well-represented on the list.

Greg Olsen was the first member of the Carolina Panthers on the list at the tight end position. The former Miami product was named a starter on the list, with Cameron Brate serving as his backup. This may seem like a strange nomination given the fact that Olsen is coming off injury. However, as Jared Dubin notes, when Olsen is healthy he is one of the best tight ends in football.

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Next on the list came Trai Turner who was named the starting offensive guard. Andy Levitre of the Atlanta Falcons was named a backup on the list. With the offensive line troubles the Panthers are having, Turner will be counted on heavily to have a big year. At a position where spots are not set in stone, Turner will have to perform well as he looks to provide stability to the line.

Shaq Thompson was named the starting outside linebacker on the list with Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers serving the role of backup. Thompson will get his opportunities to have a big year this year. With Thomas Davis suspended for the first four games of the season, Thompson will have to serve as one of the key figures on the defensive line. He has reached veteran status and will have the chance to serve as a leader.

What would be a preseason list without Luke Kuechly? Given the moniker “Superman”, Kuechly was named as a reserve to the team behind Deion Jones of the Falcons at inside linebacker. Kuechly is coming off of another strong season in 2017, and as long as he stays healthy, he should be one of the top linebackers in the National Football League. His tenacity and aggressiveness fit well in the Carolina Panthers defense and should make him one of defensive coordinator Eric Washington’s favorite players.

Last but certainly not least, running back Christian McCaffrey was named to the team as a returner on special teams. This nomination shows that he carries with him a multifaceted game. This is something Carolina Panthers fans already knew, but it is nice for the national media to give him that type of recognition. He should figure to play a role in the return game, as he has shown he is capable of.

The Carolina Panthers certainly deserve the hype. Now, they need to live up to it. If their performances over the course of training camp have shown anything, it is that they are perfectly capable of doing so.