5 big fears for Carolina Panthers fans during 2021 season
By Dean Jones
What are some big fears within the Carolina Panthers’ loyal fanbase ahead of the 2021 season?
Things appear to be on a knife-edge for the Carolina Panthers and their chances next season. They do have an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball. But considering what the team’s fanbase has gone through over the last two years, they have every right to feel a little concerned about their aspirations.
It’s been a big period of adjustment for the Panthers and fans alike. The roster is unrecognizable from the glory days of the mid-2010s, with leading figures such as Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, and Thomas Davis either retired or playing elsewhere. Something that always comes with a sense of loss and frustration.
There could be something special in the offing if everything clicks into place. However, the potential for things to go drastically wrong is also more than evident thanks to some obvious problem areas.
With this in mind, here are the five biggest fears within the Panthers’ fanbase in 2021.
Fear No. 1
Carolina Panthers tight end production
There’s no doubt the Panthers were spoilt with Greg Olsen’s production during his time with the franchise. There were few who could be depended on more than the prolific Pro Bowler and letting him leave in free agency last spring was a gamble that didn’t pay off.
The Ian Thomas experiment fell flat on its face pretty early. Carolina brought in two new recruits in Dan Arnold and Tommy Tremble this offseason, so hopes are high they can become more of a factor in the passing game for quarterback Sam Darnold to call upon.
However, there is a worry that things may not turn out as expected, which would be a real problem to the team’s chances of attaining a winning record for the first time since 2017.