What burning questions are Carolina Panthers fans asking following their preseason finale against the Detroit Lions?
We're almost there. In less than two weeks, the Carolina Panthers will begin their regular season with a drive down I-85 to visit their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons.
The preseason is now behind us. No more overreactions to sloppy football that is expected during this time of the league year. Now it's time for real action as opening weekend fast approaches.
The last three weeks have provided some context as to what we can expect during the upcoming campaign both good and bad. There will be challenges down the road and we're here to discuss these in this week's final Cat Crave mailbag before the first game of 2023.
As this is being written, the Panthers have completed their initial roster cuts from 90 players to 53 for the campaign. However, more moves are expected over the next week and what the initial regular-season roster looks like today could be quite different on the depth chart once next Tuesday rolls around.
You, the fans, have questions that would like to be answered. This week's mailbag is smaller than previous weeks but no need to fear. Here are three burning questions Panthers fans are asking.
Carolina Panthers reunion with Curtis Samuel?
Thoughts on the scenario of the Panthers sending their 4th round pick and either the 49ers or Titans fifth-round picks to the Commanders (if interested) for Curtis Samuel should Marshall/Chark have lingering injuries? - TLSPanthersV2
This is an interesting scenario, so let's break it down.
As we all know, Curtis Samuel was a former favorite within the Carolina Panthers and the fanbase overall. I was certainly a fan, especially of his versatile skill set and his development into a full-time wide receiver who grew a lot as a route runner.
Now with the Washington Commanders, he still looks to be a productive, versatile No. 3 wide receiver for the franchise. Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are expected to be the top two wideouts for starting quarterback Sam Howell. However, could a change happen with Eric Bieneimy in town as offensive coordinator?
Anything is possible. I don't think the idea of bringing Samuel back is crazy whatsoever. D.J. Chark and Terrace Marshall Jr. have been dealing with nagging injuries, though the latter returned to practice on Tuesday.
However, the Panthers did acquire return man and wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the Kansas City Chiefs for conditional seventh-round pick swaps in 2025. It also seems like the team is comfortable with the wideout group they have right now.
I would not be opposed to having Samuel back. He and Adam Thielen would easily be the best route runners on the roster while the former would bring legitimate separation that the room currently lacks.
If I'm general manager Scott Fitterer, I'd gauge some interest. If the feelings are mutual, pull the trigger on the trade.
Carolina Panthers positions of need
What position of need (corner depth, pass rush, etc) that was not addressed sufficiently this off-season, will be a real problem this season? - Ben F.
Great question, Ben. I might get slandered on Twitter within the Carolina Panthers space for this, but I'm going with the wide receiver position.
Let me be clear, I don't think the position will be a real problem this season. Guys like Terrace Marshall Jr. and D.J. Chark need to stay healthy for this group to have some good moments. There is hope that Jonathan Mingo can work as a dependable yards-after-catch weapon as he continues to develop from a separation and route-tree standpoint.
Is this a really good group? No.
This is a unit that has different skill sets that could help Bryce Young's transition into the NFL. However, it doesn't have a difference-maker and that could be a problem down the line if Carolina becomes a very competitive team with postseason aspirations.
Adam Thielen will have a decent-sized role in this offense and I expect him to have a productive season. He and Young have seemed to develop a nice repertoire that should be effective during the upcoming campaign.
Laviska Shenault Jr. will have a role in this offense but don't expect him to run the full route tree. He'll likely be used in a Deebo Samuel-like role in the red zone from what we've seen in training camp.
The Panthers must target a No. 1 wide receiver next year regardless of how Marshall and Mingo develop this season. As of right now, the free agent market for the 2024 offseason looks very enticing.
How Carolina Panthers can become a contender
What do you think this team needs to do to become Super Bowl contenders? - ptrav17
This is quite an optimistic question and I respect it. Would it be nice if the Carolina Panthers became Super Bowl contenders? Well, let's run through a scenario.
First of all, I don't think Carolina is a contender to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy this year. That isn't happening whatsoever. Nonetheless, I could see it happening in the next couple of seasons.
The Panthers will need to see positive and productive development from Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo to feel confident about the wide receiver position while also acquiring a No. 1 wide receiver through free agency or the trade market. Carolina will also need to see a steady and consistent rookie campaign from quarterback Bryce Young.
Carolina's defensive core needs to stay healthy and show consistent production on top of putting out good film. Adding another well-renowned player in the interior next to Derrick Brown would be a nice step while Jeremy Chinn will need to prove he can be a defensive weapon in the box for the Panthers long-term.
Finally, this franchise needs to have consistency from the front office and the coaching staff.
There is no guarantee that Thomas Brown and Ejiro Evero will still be on the team next season as they may have head coaching aspirations. In this scenario, Carolina can retool with guys such as Parks Frazier or Josh McCown as offensive coordinator while Peter Hansen and Jonathan Cooley could be in-house candidates for defensive coordinator.
I won't sit here and go full Madden 24 and do a true step-by-step, detailed plan of how Carolina can build into a Super Bowl contender. Winning is important and they need to do that first before considering competing for the biggest prize in football.