Carolina Panthers: Should they be favored to win NFC South?

The start of the 2015 NFL season is a few short weeks away and predictions are beginning to role in. One of the more interesting divisions to look at is the NFC South, where the Carolina Panthers are looking to take the title for the third straight year. Even Erik Lambert of NFL Mock has gone as far as to say the Panthers have a strong shot to win their first Super Bowl title. While that may be a long shot, there is a strong chance that Carolina will end this season with their third NFC title.

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There are a number of different factors that will play into the Panthers’ success this season. First, there are the aspects that they can control. Looking at their off season activity, the team has done a substantial job dealing with their off season contract concerns and roster holes.

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Their offense is going to be a big concern this year. The question will be whether or not they can put up enough points to contend with high-powered offenses the likes of Atlanta and New Orleans. Last season the Panthers’ 21.2 points per game was 19^th in the league and only head of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their division.

Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) makes a catch over Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Their offense will have the main weapons of Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen. But their receivers are going to have to perform very well to ensure that their attack is diverse enough to keep teams from loading up the box. Kelvin Benjamin had a breakout year and is expected to be one of the main targets for Newton. The return of Ted Ginn adds an interesting twist as he can immediately impact the field with his long-range speed.

David Newton of ESPN reports that Devin Funchess should get the start opposite of Benjamin as a rookie. His size will create mismatches which have been a problem for the Panthers in the past.

Offensively the Panthers seem to have addressed the problems that haunted them last season. Playing from behind has never been strength for this team historically. On paper, this offensive unit has been crafted to give Newton and Co more weapons to work with on the field.

Dec 2, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 27-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

On the defensive side of the ball they are returning a unit that is just as strong as they were last year. They have lost Greg Hardy, who was a big time player, but they also lose his off the field issues. Locking Thomas Davis into a new deal was important but they need to get Luke Kuechly into a new deal as well.

Returning much of the same unit that played well in key games last year will give them a leg up against much of the division. Much of their defense, especially the secondary, is young, but they were forced into the starting lineup. That experience will be vital as many of them have the opportunity to start a full season together.

Playing in the NFC South also adds favor to the Panthers. Every team in that group struggled last year. In fact, the other three teams combined for 15 total wins. Tampa Bay is still in a rebuilding phase, which lowers expectations for this year. New Orleans doesn’t seem to be the powerhouse offensive unit that they once were. Atlanta is always a question mark and was dangerous up until the last game of the season in 2014. Of the four teams that comprise this division, only the Panthers seem to be on an upward swing.

Predictions in professional sports will always be a dangerous thing. Still, many experts and especially the fans are picking the Carolina Panthers to win their third straight NFC South championship. Looking at how they have managed themselves during the offseason, it seems like that predictions may not be far off.

Next: Caroling Panthers: Hoping to lean on their run game again

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