Carolina Panthers: 5 Most Important Players In 2015

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The Carolina Panthers won their second consecutive NFC South title in 2014, but that was also while they went 7-8-1 and received heavy criticism that they shouldn’t have hosted a playoff game. They did indeed host a playoff game in which they defeated the Carson Palmer-less Arizona Cardinals and advanced to the NFC Divisional game against the Seattle Seahawks, which they lost.

The team also lost a big veteran to their team when DeAngelo Williams left for Pittsburgh (after being released by the Panthers) and the support for quarterback Cam Newton will once again be in question this season. Kelvin Benjamin had an outstanding rookie season but there wasn’t much help from other receivers after that. Greg Olsen has been the team’s most reliable offensive player over the last few seasons, but if the Panthers want to win another NFC South title, they’ll need a boost from all over their offense.

Here are the team’s most important players for the upcoming 2015 season.

Next: Cam Is The Man

1) QB Cam Newton

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He had a scary moment last season when he was in a car crash that caused him to miss a week of game action, which was his second missed game of the season after he missed the season opener as he recovered from an ankle injury. Simply put, Newton’s 2014 season was in a sense, derailed by injuries.

Even through the injuries, Newton managed to have a QB rating of 82.1 with a completion percentage of 58.5% with 18 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. His numbers don’t jump off the chart and he’ll need to cut his turnover ratio down, but Newton continues to have little help all around.

Fresh off a $103 million extension, Newton will have a new weapon in rookie Devin Funchess who will look to define his role opposite of Kelvin Benjamin and another big-sized target for his quarterback. The team has invested plenty of money into Newton and with new names (again) on the field for him to utilize, Newton will have to cut his turnovers and take the next leap in his career to help the Panthers get that third straight NFC South title.

Next: A Real Focus On The Blind Side

2) LT Michael Oher

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Oher is not only entering a make-or-break year for his career but the Panthers are going to need him in a big way. After failed time in Tennessee, Oher comes over to the Carolina Panthers and has been slotted at their left tackle position, which means he is truly protecting Newton’s blindside.

The inside positions on the offensive line have no question marks for Carolina, but the left tackle position is a serious question going into 2015. As previously mentioned, the Panthers need to keep their quarterback healthy this season and that starts with the offensive line.

As Oher moves to the third team in his career, he does so with many questioning if he can still be a top offensive lineman in the league. The Panthers certainly hope so and they’ll need him to be one of their best lineman and protect Newton’s blindside.

Next: JStew's New Role

3) RB Jonathan Stewart

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It’s finally his time. The former first-round pick is finally out of the shadow of DeAngelo Williams and should takeover as the team’s lead back in the offense, but will he hold up? Stewart has struggled with injuries throughout his entire career and has only surpassed 1,000 yards once (2009).

With the spot finally his, Stewart has a chance to make a real impact as long as he stays healthy. Staying healthy not only helps him work towards his first 1,000 yard season since 2009, but will also take pressure off Cam Newton and the passing game.

Again, the biggest thing for the Carolina Panthers and the offense will be taking pressure off Newton. Stewart is 28-years old and he’s nearing that mark at 30-years old when running backs start to fade in the NFL. Getting closer to old age and always battling injuries, Stewart doesn’t bring much optimism this season, but if he can stay healthy, he’s talented enough to produce.

Next: Peanut Time In Carolina

4) CB Charles Tillman

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The Panthers front-seven is one of the most productive and scary units in all of the NFL, but their secondary has struggled over the last few seasons. There has been a lack of a true No. 1 cornerback on the defensive unit and the team hopes that reuniting veteran Charles Tillman with Ron Rivera will bring some production to the secondary group.

Rivera and Tillman spent time in Chicago together when “Riverboat” was the Bears defensive coordinator during the team’s run to the Super Bowl in 2006 which was also the prime of Tillman’s career. As a whole, Rivera and Tillman were together from 2004-2006 but now with the two reuniting, it could be a jolt for both sides.

Tillman has lost each of the last two seasons due to a torn triceps injury but never seemed like he has been ready to give up on the game of football. If he can stay healthy, Tillman has a chance to not only bolster the Panthers secondary, but to also bring back the production that has made him one of the league’s most underrated players through his career.

Next: Will There Be Bunches Of Funchess?

5) WR Devin Funchess

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The rookie is stuck between having a true wide receiver role and a tight end role because of his physical frame. He’s too slow to be a true dominant wide receiver, but he’s also too small to be a physical tight end. On the opposite end of second-year receiver Kelvin Benjamin there are some tall targets for Newton, but Funchess’ biggest task will be establishing his position.

Benjamin and Funchess will be the team’s top targets in the passing game outside of tight end Greg Olsen, and after those three it becomes slim pickings for production. There is plenty to like about Funchess (tall and great receiver with his hands) but also plenty to question (his position and true potential) for the rookie.

If he can make a considerable jump into the pros, Funchess could be a steal for the Carolina Panthers. Being a steal also means it makes life easier on both Newton and Benjamin for an offense that is looking to establish an identity.

Next: Carolina Panthers: If....And...But for 2015

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