2015 NFL Predictions: NFC South in-depth preview

Carolina Panthers: 

Key Additions: WR Jarrett Boykin, WR Ted Ginn, T Michael Oher,CB Charles Tillman, CB/S Kurt Coleman, OLB Shaq Thompson, WR Devin Funchess 

To the great disappointment of their fans, the Panthers didn’t make big moves in FA. Boykin had a solid 2013 season in Green Bay, but wasn’t a factor in the packer offense as well. Ginn is a return specialist and shouldn’t be much more at all. Oher is a bad offensive lineman, but he still likely start at LT this season which will be a major liability for the Panthers.

Tillman used to be a very good corner, but he has only played 10 games in the last two seasons combined and is already 34, so I wouldn’t expect to much. Coleman will only be a backup safety. The best two players they got were in the draft and they need both to have an immediate impact for them.

Key Losses: RB DeAngelo Williams, T Byron Bell, DE Greg Hardy

Losing Williams shouldn’t hurt much. He struggled to stay on the field last year and is already 32 and Stewart is much better. Similar to the acquired Oher, Bell is not a very good tackle either, but he might still be better than Oher who struggled at RT last season. While Hardy is a big loss due to his talent, it won’t change anything in comparison to last year, as they were without him for all but one game anyways.

Verdict: 

After signing a massive contract this offseason, the pressure is on Cam Newton to produce. Statistically, last year was not Newton’s best year, but he also had to deal with a lot of injuries. His supporting cast is improved this year, mostly due to 2nd round pick Funchess.

With Benjamin, Funchess, Cotchery, possibly Boykin and Olsen, his targets are at least decent, though clearly nothing special. Stewart is a good running back when he is on the field, but the problem is that has only played 16 games once in the last five seasons and their RB depth is terrible. The line will be a problem as well, especially if Newton can’t trust his blindside tackle Oher. (No pun intented)

The Panthers defensive line is solid. Johnson had a bit of a down year last year, but he is a good DE. In the middle Stout and Lotulelei are a good combination and should be tough to get through for opposing running backs. Horton will be the weak spot on the line.

I really like their first round pick Thompson, and if he can play this year the Panthers will have a great linebacker corps as he will be paired with Davis and Kuechly. The secondary is pretty bad. Benwikere and Norman are at best decent. They had a solid 2014 season but a big part of that can be accredited to the very good front seven. Boston and Harper aren’t a very good safety pairing either. The secondary will be a problem for the Panthers this year.

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 9-7

Worst Case Record: 5-11

Prediction: 7-9

Team’s Offensive MVP: RB Jonathen Stewart

Team’s Defensive MVP: MLB Luke Kuechly

Rookie Standout: WR Devin Funchess 

The Panthers have a good chance to repeat and that will depend a lot on how good this offense can perform. After signing a big deal, Newton has to lead this team. The Panthers best case scenario is that Stewart stays healthy all year and the Panthers can establish a running game and the front seven can play extremely well making up for the flaws of the secondary. Worst case is that the offense struggles behind a poor line and the secondary gets torched. I think they will hover around .500 and will likely fall just short, but in this division that can be enough to win the division.

Next: Final Standings and Conclusion