Carolina Panthers: 5 Storylines to watch in the 2020 season

2. The Receiving Corp

Since Steve Smith Sr. the Panthers really haven’t had a receiver who would be labeled as “great,” let alone a solid group of receivers. This could possibly be the best receiving group that Panthers fans have seen in a while.

You have to feel bad for Cam Newton a little bit. An MVP winner and a great, consistent starter since his rookie season and the front office failed to get him a good group of weapons.

For starters, the aforementioned Christian McCaffrey, who is one of, if not the greatest offensive threat in the game. Aside from his running game, McCaffrey is fantastic in the passing game, either out of the backfield, or the slot.

At the tight end position, Ian Thomas will get his opportunity to be the top guy. After playing backup snaps to one of the greatest tight ends in the game, Thomas has the chance to prove what he can do.

He’s not a fantastic blocker and his overall skill set is quite raw. But his athletic ability and speed are almost unmatched at the tight end position. He ran a 4.74-second 40 at 6-3, 260 pounds and has proven his ability to get off the line quickly. He won’t be the consistent target that Panthers fans are used to seeing with Greg Olsen but, if he can put everything together, Thomas will be a threat and a fast one at that.

The two starting returning receivers are D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel. Both known for their speed and run-after-catch ability. Moore proved last year that he has the route running, hands, and speed to become a top receiver in the league. He’s not a big body that will win you the majority of jump balls but his quick footwork and great hands can create a mismatch against a large majority of receivers.

Samuel is a former running back, so speed is the name of his game. He’s not necessarily the most consistent when it comes to catching the ball but, if he gets into open space, it’s light’s out for defensive backs.

Lastly, if this offense didn’t have enough speed already, the Panthers signed one of the fastest receivers in the league this offseason in Robby Anderson. Anderson ran a 4.34-second 40 at the combine and has a proven ability to take the top off of defenses. Drawing extra safety help essentially every time he goes deep, he could be the X-factor to what has the potential to be a really strong offense.

Anderson could create a lot of space and openings for the other receivers in this group and there may be a ton of open bodies wearing the blue-and-white.

Bridgewater has the opportunity to play with a great collective of receivers and a fantastic weapon out of the backfield. If he plays his cards right, Bridgewater could be looking at a very strong season.