5 Panthers players that must perform for a surprise 2021 playoff berth
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players must perform above expectations for the team to clinch a surprise playoff berth in 2021?
A team that’s finished 5-11 for two consecutive seasons might consider the playoffs as an unrealistic goal in 2021. However, there could be an opportunity for the Carolina Panthers to secure this feat providing the necessary adjustments are made this offseason.
The Panthers have been extremely busy in terms of player recruitment in recent weeks.
Plenty of established veterans and exciting college recruits will look to make their presence felt in their first season with the franchise. Even though there are still questions regarding certain positional groups, it would be a disappointment if things didn’t continue trending in the right direction.
The NFC South no longer has Drew Brees or Julio Jones to worry about, which is a huge plus. Carolina has a window to potentially make more of an impression, but it’s vital they get off on the front foot with some winnable early contests on the schedule.
With this in mind, we took a look at five Panthers players who need to perform if the team wants to secure a surprise postseason berth in 2021.
Player No. 1
Denzel Perryman – Carolina Panthers LB
The Panthers have to get better at the second level of their defense in 2021. Luke Kuechly’s absence was sorely felt as expected last season and now this period of adjustment without the perennial All-Pro is over, more is expected next time around.
Denzel Perryman’s arrival from the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency should help significantly. The former second-round pick has the potential to provide aggressiveness, intelligence, and athleticism to the inside linebacker position, which should also improve Shaq Thompson’s production in the process.
One problem Perryman has encountered as a professional is staying healthy. This is not unexpected considering the violent manner he approaches every down, but any further complications in this regard would be a blow.
That being said, Perryman could be a substantial upgrade on anything Carolina had in 2020 and if he can produce the goods, then a winning record might follow.