Carolina Panthers Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021NFC Preview 2021NFC South Preview 2021NFCNFC SouthCarolina Panthers

Sep 3

In four of the last five seasons, our Carolina Panthers preview 2021 observes, this team has finished with a losing record and out of the postseason. In 2020, the Carolina Panthers (5-11) won the same number of games they did in 2019. Their five wins were good enough for third place. This edition of the Panthers may win more games than they did last year. However, we don’t expect them to earn a trip to the playoffs.

Panthers Offense

Sam Darnold (364 ATT, 217 COMP, 2,208 YDs, 9 TDs, 11 INTs) has a second life, as he moves from the Jets to the Panthers. The trade may be just what the former 2018 overall third pick needs to restart his career, which had become stalled in NY. Darnold replaces Teddy Bridgewater and has plenty of offensive weapons to work with. However, one thing he does not have is a sound offensive line. That unit is presently a work-in-progress.

The wideouts include two 1000-yard-plus pass catchers, Robby Anderson (95 REC, 1,096 YDs, 11.5 AVG, 3 TDs) and D.J. Moore (66 REC, 1,193 YDs, 18.1 AVG, 4 TDs). Free agent David Moore, who had six TDs with Seattle last year, has been added, as has former Arizona tight end Dan Arnold. Arnold is a fine red-zone threat. Christian McCaffrey was signed to a huge contract last season. In three previous NFL seasons, the premium player had not missed a game. Last season, McCaffrey didn’t play in 13 games due to injury. He’s back, and if he stays healthy, McCaffrey will prove to be an effective dual threat. Rookie Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State) will back up. In 2019, he led the FBS with 2,094 yards and 21 TDs.

Carolina Panthers Preview – Defense

Last season, the Panthers scored 21.9 PPG (24th), while they allowed opponents 25.1 PPG (18th). They were ranked 18th versus the pass and 20th against the run. The D recorded just seven picks (T-30th) and 29 sacks (T-23rd). Our Carolina Panthers preview 2021 finds that the line is the best part of the Panther D. Last year, his second season, end Brian Burns recorded nine sacks. Free-agent Morgan Fox, formerly with the Rams, can rush from the interior and exterior. He’s a solid addition. Tackle DaQuan Jones (49 TKLs), who last season played with the Titans, is reliable while tackle Derrick Brown, the seventh overall pick in 2020, looks ready to step into a starting role.

The linebacking unit welcomes free agent Haason Reddick (12.5 SCKs) from Arizona. He’s flexible enough to play linebacker and defensive end. WLB Shaq Thompson (116 TKLs), who’s posted two 100-plus tackle seasons, is the anchor of this group. Middle linebacker is a major question mark. This year, the Panthers drafted corner Jaycee Horn eighth overall. He’s a big-time player who will start immediately. Corner Dante Jackson (3 INTs) is talented but needs to stay healthy and find consistency. Versatile Jeremy Chin will spend most of his time at safety. Juston Burris starts at strong safety.

Carolina Panthers Special Teams

Former Cleveland and Arizona placekicker Zane Gonzalez replaces Joey Slye. Second-year punter Joseph Charlton was consistent in his rookie season, averaging 46.3 YPP. Rookie J.J. Jansen and 35-year-old vet Thomas Fletcher will compete for the long snapper spot. Alex Erickson returns punts and Chuba Hubbard kicks.