4 big factors behind a possible playoff place for the Panthers in 2021

The talent on the Carolina Panthers roster

The state of the current roster is something that has begun to improve little by little in the new regime’s time. The team already employed Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Brian Burns, Taylor Moton, Shaq Thompson, Curtis Samuel, and Donte Jackson. But in Year 1 for Matt Rhule, the team was able to sign Juston Burris, John Miller, and Robby Anderson.

Now in Year 2, the Carolina Panthers added an immense amount of talent in free agency by signing Hassan Reddick, Morgan Fox, A.J. Bouye, Dan Arnold, Denzel Perryman, DaQuan Jones, David Moore, and Rashaan Melvin all before the successful 2021 NFL Draft. But perhaps the biggest news of the offseason was the trade for New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold.

During the draft, 11 players would go one to be selected as new Panthers.

Five offensive, five defensive, and one lone special teamer.

Highlighted by Jaycee Horn, the Panthers would select multiple talents from around the college world who impressed with their talent and superior athleticism.

Though the team surprised virtually everyone by passing on the chance to draft Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, the team also raised some eyebrows with many of their selections over the three-day period.

Quality selections of Terrace Marshall, Brady Christensen, Tommy Tremble, Chuba Hubbard, Daviyon Nixon, Keith Taylor, Deonte Brown, and Shi Smith all helped to improve upon the overall talent that the team possesses. And the signing of undrafted free agent offensive lineman David Moore could look to serve as an additional draft pick if he becomes what many fans expect.

The culmination of one or two years of quality drafting and free-agent signings could potentially materialize into a team that has playoff intentions. But putting so much hope and pressure on players in their first and second years in the NFL might be too much for a roster this young.

Sure, it would be nice for the team to return to the playoffs again after loading up on so much talent, but expectations need to be tempered. The returning players have a year in the new system, but the newer ones will still need the time and reps to learn and react to their new surroundings.

Yet one can’t help but combine the many talents of those returning and players beginning their Carolina Panthers career.

Carolina’s all-purpose back and All-Pro returns, its two top receivers should be around, two additional hungry young receivers are added, a receiving threat at tight end, a mauler who can play tight end and/or fullback, an outstanding rookie cornerback to pair with a current young up-and-coming cornerback, two veteran defensive backs with years of experience, a run-stopping middle linebacker with a pension for hard hits, a star second-year linebacker-safety hybrid, a future Pro Bowl edge rusher, a versatile pass-rushing specialist who already had success in the coach’s system, and now two veteran defensive tackles.

So seeing the amount of ability and potential the Panthers have would give any fan or coach a hopeful and confident feeling.

In conclusion, though playoffs are a great goal to have for a team who may be beginning to come into their own, I believe fans may be expecting too much too soon.

To expect improvements and 2-5 more wins due to better player fits, a better quality of depth and a greater understanding of the coach’s offensive and defensive schemes would be fairly easier to assume.

Could the Carolina Panthers possibly make the playoffs?

Yes.

And the organization would be full of excitement after the quick two-year success of its new coaching staff.

However, they could also miss it due to various amounts of reasons. So, I wouldn’t say fans are wrong for expecting the playoffs, but maybe they’re expecting the future to manifest sooner than it’s ready.