Carolina Panthers training camp: 3 big questions at linebacker

What are some of the big questions facing the Carolina Panthers at the linebacker position during training camp and the season ahead?

A welcome return to team activities for the Carolina Panthers’ revamped roster occurred this week. Players came together for their first walkthrough on Monday. And it promises to be a crucial few weeks for all concerned as they look to hit the ground running in 2020.

New head coach Matt Rhule has his work cut out trying to get this group of individuals to become a cohesive unit in such a small space of time. Virtual OTAs will have undoubtedly helped them from a theoretical perspective. But with no preseason games in the schedule due to the current climate. It is going to make things that much more difficult.

This is especially evident on the defensive side of the ball. Vast changes were made across the board following a disappointing campaign last time out. And although the unit is now evidently more athletic, there isn’t much experience from a starting perspective.

Defensive coordinator Phil Snow will be tasked with coming up with a simple scheme that plays to their strengths. The defensive front could be an area of real strength. But the linebacker corps does go into the new season with some uncertainty.

The Panthers are facing their first campaign without the services of Luke Kuechly for some time. He was the heart and soul of Carolina’s defense from the moment he arrived with the organization. But his retirement leaves others with the opportunity to shine in his absence.

Here are three big questions that need to be answered from the Panthers’ linebacker room at camp and the season ahead.