Predicting the Carolina Panthers’ final five games of 2020
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers final record: 7-9
This was probably the high ceiling heading into the season. The Carolina Panthers won just five games in 2019 and given how many changes were made during the offseason, this steady improvement is something that can leave their fanbase encouraged.
Yes, things could be better had the Panthers come through down the stretch against high-class opposition. But if they could somehow get to seven wins it would be a positive step in the right direction that might see Carolina become an attractive destination for upcoming free agents with more financial resources available next spring.
The next step of their rebuilding process will be the most tricky.
Turning the team from a competitive one to a legitimate postseason contender is going to take strong recruitment, another impressive batch of college recruits from the 2021 NFL Draft, and for those roster members who stay around to bring on their respective skills to make even more of a difference.
There is a cloud hanging over the Panthers in the form of a possible head coaching job for Joe Brady following the offensive coordinator’s exceptional start to life at the next level. So a contingency plan needs to be put in place to ensure this doesn’t become a problem that sets them back.
Anyone that wouldn’t have taken a 7-9 record before the season is kidding themselves. They are right on the cusp of something special and the good times will be returning to Carolina sooner rather than later under Matt Rhule.