Carolina Panthers projected win total is solid entering 2019
Carolina Panthers expected to rebound in 2019.
Last year the Carolina Panthers picked up where they left off in 2017 when they won seven of their final nine games. The push catapulted Carolina into the playoffs but a third consecutive loss to divisional rival New Orleans ended their season, leaving fans eager for their next opportunity.
Winning six of the first eight, the Panthers were poised for another run at the playoffs and their first ever back-to-back winning seasons. All signs pointed to a positive ending before a disastrous performance in Pittsburgh derailed the entire season. Losing 52-21 in prime time on a Thursday night, not only did Carolina suffer an embarrassing loss but quarterback Cam Newton was injured and never fully recovered.
Throughout the second half things just weren’t the same as the offense was hampered by their quarterback’s inability to throw the football down the field. Despite a valiant effort and willingly sidelining himself when deep passes were needed, Newton was ultimately shut down for the final two games as the Panthers dropped seven in a row.
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General manager Marty Hurney has done a phenomenal job addressing problem areas, including both the offensive and defensive lines. Adding proven center Matt Paradis to replace Ryan Kalil helped ease the burden of his retirement, in addition to landing free agents Bruce Irvin and Gerald McCoy on defense alongside first-round pick Brian Burns.
The moves should strengthen Carolina and Yahoo! Sports Frank Schwab believes a small rebound is in order. Projecting the Panthers to win at least nine games, Schwab does make the obvious point that so many others are also wondering – how healthy is Newton.
If he returns at 100-percent, another trip to the playoffs and battle for the divisional title should be in order but if not, then a lot will depend on how well the offense operates with a backup under center. It could be rookie Will Grier, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen or someone else but there’s no question the best chance of winning comes with Newton.
Next. Vital Stats for 2019. dark
There’s some intriguing games on the schedule and in the end all that matters is winning enough of them to reach the playoffs – whether it be less than nine or more.