Carolina Panthers mediocre season projections keep coming
Another Carolina Panthers season prediction leaves much to be desired.
It’s beginning to feel like the second half collapse suffered by the Carolina Panthers in 2018 is expected to carry over this season – at least according to some outlets. Nevermind the steps taken by general manager Marty Hurney this offseason to bolster the roster and revamp the defensive front, in addition to what appears to be a healthy Cam Newton.
The latter is obviously a concern and for a team that relies heavily on their quarterback for success, staying healthy will probably impact the direction of the 2019 season. The same could be said for last year as before Newton began showing signs of another shoulder injury, Carolina was 6-2 and poised for a return to the playoffs.
Another aspect that seems to be ignored from pundits making their projections for how the upcoming year will play out. Already, the Panthers have been pinned with average results despite the potential up and down their roster.
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The Sporting News became the latest to weigh in on expectations for the upcoming season and the Panthers are picked to finish second in the NFC South division behind reigning champion New Orleans. Not a terrible place to finish but it is their overall record that is more disappointing (8-8).
Tabbed for an even number of wins and losses, Carolina likely misses the playoffs entirely. On the heels of a 7-9 record one year ago, new owner David Tepper and his resolve for stability would be tested. Coach Ron Rivera has performed well at the helm of the Panthers and even though injuries would likely be the culprit behind another average campaign, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for Tepper to make a change.
Rivera's Added Playoff Incentive. dark. Next
Thankfully the games will be determined on the field and not by the media, giving Rivera and Carolina an opportunity to prove these projections wrong.