Carolina Panthers: Contender or pretender after six games?
At 4-2 ,the Carolina Panthers have flashes when they look great and moments when they continue to struggle. Are they for real or not?
Six games into the 2017 season and fans and experts alike are ready to make postseason predictions. At 4-2, the Carolina Panthers are a conundrum to say the least. In some ways, they look like a powerful group but in a moment’s notice the team turns back into the “Cardiac Cats” of previous seasons. As the season ticks on those who follow the Panthers do not have a true answer as to whether or not this group is for real or not.
Offensively, the Carolina Panthers are struggling, even though they are finding a way to win close games. Nothing stands out about their production as they sit toward the bottom of the pile in both passing and rushing yards. Their inability to effectively run the ball is perhaps the biggest concern as this was their main mode of attack for many of the past seasons.
For the first time in years Carolina is averaging 95.5 yards per game, when in the past they’ve put up at least 100 yards an outing season after season. This is a major concern that even Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has addressed in recent interviews.
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The same could be said for the passing game. Carolina is doing better in the passing attack than they are running the ball, but the concern stems from continued mistakes. Newton has thrown eight interceptions through six games, putting him on pace to throw the most in his career. This has long been a critique of Newton and is the first place critics will turn to when talking about the former Heisman winner. Carolina strengthened their offense through the draft and has a variety of weapons to use. Now it’s up to Newton to use those weapons effectively game in and game out.
Defensively, the Panthers must be concerned about Luke Kuechly. The force behind their defense left another game and was entered into the concussion protocol for the third time in three years. There’s no telling how long he will be out, but there has to be some pause with a player frequently having this issue.
The Panthers have a little depth at the linebacker but to lose Kuechly for an extended period of time would be devastating. Kurt Coleman’s return is looking more promising which should add some additional consistency to this defensive unit.
Next: 2017 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 7
In some ways the Panthers look like a team that is ready to return to the form that took them into the postseason. The team has looked strong in play outside the NFC South, but they are still 0-1 against their division rivals. With the Chicago Bears coming up this week everyone will be watching to see how they’ve worked out these glaring issues on both sides of the ball.