2012 Carolina Panthers Preview

2012 Carolina Panthers

The Cam Newton era began last year, and with their number one pick under center, the 2011 Carolina Panthers finished 6-10. Not a great record, but certainly an improvement from the year before. Newton had one of the greatest rookie seasons ever, and although he struggled a little bit late in the season as any rookie would, he still ended up as the third best quarterback in fantasy football. Of course, that doesn’t really matter when you have a losing record and don’t make the playoffs, but it does indicate that the stats are there, and have room to grow as Cam matures as a quarterback. The biggest question this year will be whether Newton continues to progress and grow into an elite QB, or whether defenses catch up with him, and he goes through a sophomore slump this time around. The NFC South is arguably the most competitive division top to bottom in the entire NFL, but it is also very winnable, as each team in the division has noticeable flaws. So, will Cam Newton take a step forward, or backward in year two?

Offense

I think he will take a step forward. Cam Newton now has a full offseason to learn how to be a better quarterback, and I don’t think he will disappoint in 2012. His rushing numbers will probably decline a little bit, especially those 14 touchdowns, because Carolina now has three quality running backs and it would be a waste to not use them. Also, you don’t want Newton taking shots all game long, either. I think Cam can definitely go over 4,000 passing yards again this year. It’s a passing league, and he has a big arm. But he won’t be close to the top dogs like Brees, Brady, etc. Carolina’s trio of running backs needs to be more productive this season. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both paid very well, but the production hasn’t been there the past couple of years to warrant those big deals. They will both need to step up to take some pressure off of their young quarterback. The Panthers also brought in Mike Tolbert from San Diego this offseason, to probably serve as a blocker and a short-yardage back. If this team runs the ball effectively like they can, they should be one of the top three rushing teams in the league. Carolina doesn’t have much talent on the outside. Steve Smith rejuvenated his career with a huge year last year and should provide similar production this year. Unfortunately, the Panthers don’t have another go-to guy after Smith, so someone is going to have to step up and take on some responsibility. The number two receiver right now is Brandon LaFell, who has had an underwhelming career. He is going to have to play big to maximize the potential of this offense. Steve Smith can’t be double-covered on every play. Either way, this offense begins and ends with Cam.

Defense

The Carolina Panthers sport an average defense that has upside to be solid. Their one true pass rusher on the defensive line is Charles Johnson, who they will need to have double digit sacks, and plenty of quarterback pressures. The Panthers have an excellent linebacking core. Jon Beason keeps getting hurt but when he’s on the field, he’s one of the best middle linebackers in the game. James Anderson is one of the top tacklers in the league, at outside linebacker no less, and will look to maintain his success from last season. The final part of the trio is new rookie first round pick Luke Kuechly out of Boston College. He is such a tacking machine that I think he might be part-robot. I wouldn’t be surprised, anyway. This group of LBs is one of the most solid units in the league, and should be the strength of this defense. The Carolina secondary is ok, with veterans like Chris Gamble, Charles Godfrey, and Captain Munnerlyn. They will be good, but they are going to have to overachieve if they want to effectively cover the weapons that New Orleans and Atlanta are going to throw at them.

Schedule

The Carolina Panthers went 6-10 in 2011, and will look to improve even more this year. They have the ability to take a leap forward and stand atop this division but they are going to have to step up as a team and definitely have things go right for the entire season to make a playoff spot. The question is whether or not you are a believer in Cam Newton, and whether you think he’ll progress. I think that Newton will have a very good season, but the question is, will it be good enough to get the Panthers over the top?

Week 1: W at TB

Week 2: W vs NO

Week 3: W vs NYG

Week 4: L at ATL

Week 5: W vs SEA

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: L vs DAL

Week 8: L at CHI

Week 9: W at WAS

Week 10: W vs DEN

Week 11: W vs TB

Week 12: L at PHI

Week 13: L at KC
Week 14: W vs ATL

Week 15: L at SD

Week 16: W vs OAK

Week 17: L at NO

I think that the Carolina Panthers will finish 9-7, just like the Atlanta Falcons. However, the Panthers would be 4-2 in the division compared to Atlanta’s 3-3 mark, so Carolina would have the tiebreaker and finish ahead of the Falcons. Now we just have to see if the depleted Saints can get to ten wins and win the division. Week 17 in New Orleans is the most important game of the season for Carolina, and not just because it is the final week of the season. I think that if the Panthers win that game, they will win the division outright, but going down to New Orleans is a daunting task. I think that the 2012 Carolina Panthers will finish ahead of the Atlanta Falcons this year, but it is still unsure of whether or not they will win their division and make the playoffs. And that’s perfect timing, because the next preview I’m going to write about the New Orleans Saints. It’s going to be a wacky year in the south this year.

Bold Prediction: Luke Kuechly records over 100 total tackles and wins the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.