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Previewing how the Panthers stack up against the NFC South in 2019

By Josh Altorfer

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs into the end zone for a 25 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs into the end zone for a 25 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 8, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 16: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers reacts to a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 16, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2019 Preview: Carolina Panthers

2018 Record: 7-9, Third In NFC South

Key Additions:

C Matt Paradis, FA

LB Bruce Irvin, FA

DE Gerald McCoy, FA

DE Brian Burns, Draft

OT Greg Little, Draft

Key Losses:

LB Thomas Davis

C Ryan Kalil

WR Devin Funchess

Recap:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! The Panthers addressed key pieces to their team through both free agency and the draft. The additions of McCoy and Burns add talent to a group that already gets after opposing quarterbacks. Paradis and Little will give some much-needed protection for Cam.

The three starters that the Panthers lost were linebacker Thomas Davis, center Ryan Kalil and wide receiver Devin Funchess. The Panthers did an excellent job of mitigating these losses. Shaq Thomson is ready to step in and fill the shoes of Davis. Receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel are more than talented enough to make Panthers fans forget all about Funchess. Also, Paradis is seen by many as an upgrade to Kalil on the offensive line.

It’s unfair to put the fate of the Panthers 2019 season on the right shoulder of Cam Newton, but after the subpar performances of the backup quarterbacks in the preseason that’s exactly what it has come down to.

2019 Projections:

If Newton can stay healthy for 16 games the Panthers have the talent around him to make a strong playoff run. The best-case scenario for Carolina would be to have a vintage Cam Newton who can make the medium and long passes that made him the MVP in 2015. This combined with the otherworldly talent of running back Christian McCaffrey and linebacker Luke Kuechly gives the Panthers enough firepower to leapfrog the Saints for the division title.

The more realistic outcome would be a rusty start from Newton, but a better finish. Coming back from yet another shoulder surgery will not be easy for the quarterback. Having said that, there is no way that the Panthers will finish the year 1-7 as they did at the end of 2018.

Carolina should be much more consistent this season and find their way back into the postseason right behind the Saints. They certainly have the best chance to give the Saints a run for their money in the division. However, Newton developing a new playing style could cause the team to drop a couple of close games yet finish with a very respectable 10-6 record.

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