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Carolina Panthers: Will They Repeat As NFC South Champions?

By Raphael Garcia

Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Panthers have made moves that question their ability to win the NFC South for a fourth time in a row.

The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2016 season amid a wealth of momentum. Coming off of a 2015 campaign in which the team won 15 games and competed in the Super Bowl, Cam Newton and the rest of the Charlotte organization is looking to take the next step to earning a championship. In order to do that, winning the NFC South for the fourth time in a row would be a major step in that direction. With the new season fast approaching, this group is poised to improve upon their own organizational record.

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In 2015 the Panthers took the title for the third straight time, establishing a point of dominance over the division that is rarely seen. The NFC South is usually a division in which the teams seem to rotate at the top of the heap. Carolina establishing itself as a powerhouse among teams is a very different change of pace. In order to repeat for 2016, Carolina will have to capitalize on key strengths that they hold over each of the other teams within this group.

The offseason is attacked in two different ways: the draft and in free agency. In both of those realms the Panthers have made moves, but those moves are widely questioned by experts who cover the National Football League.

Charles Johnson
Dec 27, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) motions against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

The Panthers used the draft to address their needs in the defensive backfield and the huge chasm left by Josh Norman leaving for the free agency. Even though the team picked up James Bradberry, Daryl Worley and Zack Sanchez, there isn’t a clear leader as to who will take over that role. This is the exact type of opening that teams with powerful passing attacks such as the Atlanta Falcons can take advantage of. After Newton, he’s possibly the most prominent quarterback in the division and even without Roddy White; Ryan has the ability to aggressively attack this area of the Panther’s defense.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints should not be overlooked for a moment. Both teams made key acquisitions to strengthen both sides of the ball. Pro Football Focus ranks each team and their off season moves and the Carolina Panthers weren’t the worst ranked team, but they weren’t the best as well. The Falcons earned a B+ while the Bucs earned a B- and the Saints were graded a C. These rankings are based on the predictions headed into the 2016 season, but the way they Panthers have addressed their off season moves have caused concern among fans and experts alike.

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The Carolina Panthers did a lot to keep their core together. Re-signing Mike Tolbert and Charles Johnson, along with drafting Vernon Butler were some of the best moves that this unit pulled off. The return of Kelvin Benjamin even adds additional strength to an offense that was amongst the best all of last season. While many may question what the Panthers have done to build on last year and potentially wrap up the NFC South for a fourth season in a row.

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