5 new NFC South players the Panthers should worry about in 2021

Mike Davis – RB

This might not be a recent arrival to the NFC South. But it is a new adversary that the Carolina Panthers need to be ready for in no uncertain terms.

Mike Davis didn’t end up moving too far after opting to take his chances with the Atlanta Falcons for more money in free agency. The running back performed well in Christian McCaffrey’s absence last season, which resulted in the veteran going over 1,000 all-purpose yards and providing a stable presence that became a surprising contribution as the campaign wore on.

Davis cannot be blamed for cashing in at this stage of his career, even if it did end up on a divisional rival. The Panthers know plenty about how what the former South Carolina standout brings to the table and should be in a good position to limit his production when they come up against their ex-player in 2021.

There is a flip side to this coin.

Davis saw enough of the Panthers’ defensive front last season to know where they could potentially be exploited. Although Carolina made some solid additions to the front seven, the veteran will still fancy his chances.

No team is going to be loading the box against the Falcons thanks to the incredible weapons in the passing attack. This will undoubtedly work to Davis’ advantage as he looks to make the No. 1 position his own moving forward.