4 Carolina Panthers players who cannot afford to regress in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players cannot afford to let their production slip during the 2021 season?
The stakes are getting higher for the Carolina Panthers with every passing season. Matt Rhule got a pass for his eventual 5-11 record in his first year as head coach in 2020 after an unprecedented period of player turnover, but team owner David Tepper may not be as lenient if the billionaire is forced to endure yet another losing campaign.
There were plenty of encouraging signs that emerged from the season, although faltering in critical moments eventually cost the Panthers in a big way. The roster also looks strong enough to make a bigger impact next time around after some eye-catching free-agent pickups and NFL Draft selections, so things are definitely looking up providing everyone keeps pulling in the same direction.
Athleticism was the key behind almost every personnel decision made by new general manager Scott Fitterer and others in power within the organization. This formed the success of the Seattle Seahawks – where he was previously employed before his deserved promotion, so if this can also be the springboard for better times in Carolina, a possible postseason challenge might not be too far behind.
It’s going to take a collective effort to reach the required targets. However, there might just be an opening in an NFC South that has the defending Super Bowl champions to contend with but no Drew Brees leading the charge for the New Orleans Saints after his expected retirement.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at four Panthers players who cannot afford to regress in 2021.