4 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 8

Carolina Panthers set for future success?

Is this win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a sign of things to come or a one-off? – @ Ice_Krm

Thank you for your question.

It’s hard to say whether or not the Carolina Panthers’ victory over their division rival is a sign of things to come. I think as fans, we get excited and very optimistic when our team wins. The opposite occurs when they start to lose.

Right now, I think fans are on a high in terms of morale and optimism and that’s okay. Carolina is a game out of first place in the NFC South while also having a chance at a high draft pick at the exact same time. It is indeed a confusing time.

This is a team that could keep themselves in games with whoever they face these next 10 weeks. I have concerns with the gameplan consistency on offense and the quarterback situation, and there are also worries about whether or not their game plan against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is sustainable.

I believe that Tampa Bay will eventually get themselves right, thanks to Tom Brady, and become NFC South champions for the second year in a row.

The Atlanta Falcons are a well-coached team with very few star talents. They’ll keep competing and make things interesting for any opponent they take on.

On the other hand, the New Orleans Saints aren’t playing great football at the moment. I think they’ll rebound and finish strong once they get themselves out of an injury bug.

That leaves Carolina. Can their winning formula of great defense and a downhill, heavy rushing attack from this past weekend be one that helps them win the division this season? It’s hard to say.

There is always the possibility Steve Wilks and his staff can lead the Panthers to a 6-11 record and win the NFC South thanks to a strong record in the division. However, I do think that this is more of a one-off win.

A top-five draft selection next April seems much more likely.