Carolina Panthers entering most important season in franchise history
It All Adds up
Of the 90 individuals currently on the roster over half are not signed past this season. Fifty players are unsure of their future past this season and while teams may typically carry a hefty number of year-to-year type personnel, many of the Panthers are starters.
Eight are in line to compete for these spots with 10-15 guys being on the final roster and heavily relied upon. At this point, knowing exactly how each will be asked to contribute is unknown and while more details will be revealed as training camp and the preseason unfold, it’s obvious Carolina is gearing up for a return to the playoffs.
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For now everything is right in Carolina. Newton appears to be in line for a monster season, provided he remains healthy, with weapons at wide receiver, a revamped offensive line and running back Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
The defense has undergone a major shift in scheme with a return to more 3-4 fronts and the addition of some hybrid defensive players who can line up at end or linebacker. Rivera confidently continues to guide this unit and is preparing to make the play calls this season.
It all adds up to a team putting the pieces in place to make a run at the Super Bowl in an effort to become the first in franchise history to lift the Lombardi Trophy. If they do, any ill effects from contracts or players leaving will be cushioned significantly but if they don’t then regrouping for 2020 is going to be extremely tough.
Next. 53-man Final Roster Prediction. dark
Either way, the most important season will always be the next one.