4 reasons to love the Carolina Panthers’ chances of success in 2021

What are some reasons why fans should be optimistic regarding the Carolina Panthers’ chances of enjoying a successful season in 2021?

It won’t be much longer before we find out just where the Carolina Panthers will be playing week-to-week during the 2021 season. The team already knows who their opponents will be, with the NFL officially releasing the schedule on May 12 to give fans formal dates for the diary after missing out on all the fun in the stands last time around due to COVID-19.

The Panthers have been extremely active during the offseason both in free agency and with a wealth of trade movement during the 2021 NFL Draft. Moving with such purpose during this preparation period is something that’s been sorely missing across the franchise under previous regimes, so there is plenty to like about Carolina potentially entering the postseason discussion if everything clicks into place right away.

This is a young roster that will be fun to watch, of that there is little doubt.

However, coming through in critical situations is going to be imperative and much of this will obviously fall on the shoulders of new quarterback Sam Darnold, who is replacing the departed Teddy Bridgewater did under center.

Without further ado, here are four reasons why fans should love Carolina’s chances of a successful campaign in 2021.

Reason No. 1

Improved CB play

One of the most frustrating areas for the Carolina Panthers last season was a lack of production in man coverage. This resulted in an improving defense failing to get off the field more often than not on third-down situations, which is not the way to win football games and nobody knew that more than head coach Matt Rhule.

This was obviously a top priority for the Panthers this offseason. Corn Elder and Rasul Douglas were not brought back, the team picked up former Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye in free agency, and also allocated the No. 8 overall selection on a potential shutdown player at the position in Jaycee Horn.

Couple this with Keith Taylor Jr.’s ability in press coverage and Donte Jackson returning to full health in a contract year, and this should be a much-improved area of the field in 2021. Having multiple guys who can be productive in the secondary is the hallmark of any successful organization and with Jeremy Chinn also moving to his preferred position of safety, the sky is the limit.