Panthers Poised To Make Run In 2013

Last season, the Carolina Panthers finished a dreadful 7-9 last season. One reason the Panthers finished under .500 was because they started their 2012 season 1-6. Carolina couldn't overcome their horrendous start because of terrible run defense, Cam Newton trying to make too many plays, and injuires to the offensive line coast them the season.  The Panthers also had no wide reciever depth behind Steve Smith and their inability to make field goals, in late game situations, cost them wins. Saftey was also a huge issue in Carolina last season, as teams kept picking a part their deplieted secondary last season. Special Teams was also a huge dissapointment in Carolina last season, as Aramanti Edwards and Captian Munnerlyn stumbled early. Offensivley, the Panthers had trouble protecting Cam Newton, which lead to costly turnovers. Right Tackle Jeff Otah hasn't been able to stay healthy over the years, which has put his career in jeopardy. The Panthers lost Pro Bowl Center Ryan Kalil last season, which was a major blow to their running game. Overall the Panthers blocking wasn't very good last season, especially their pass protection. Holding onto the ball was another concern last season for the Panthers, as they fumbled it away 12 times.

However, their were still some few bright spots on this Panthers team, such as their pass rush. Led by defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson (combined for 23.5 sacks), the Panthers pass rush crushed their opposition. The Panthers finally found 2 consisent, playmaking defensive ends for the first time, since Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers. Middle Linebacker was fully upgraded when they drafted Luke Kuechly last year. Kuehley led the NFL in tackles with 164. Kuehley kind of reminds me of Dan Morgan because of his ability of chasing down ball carriers and controlling the defense. The running game in Carolina has brought a new up-tempo system for this offense. Running Backs DeAngalo Williams and Jonathan Stewart didn't preform as well last season, but once they start getting into a grove, they're dynamic. Quarterback Cam Newton is also a huge threat in the running game as he lead the team in TD (8), and yards per carry (5.8).

The Panthers have had a very quite off-season as their only big addition was signing free agent corner D.J. Moore. However, if Carolina can draft an offensive tackle or defensive tackle in the first round, they will find a hole that has been needed for the past 2-3 seasons. They also need to add an offensive lineman from free agency soon, because they have very little depth and talent at that position. Cornerback Captian Munnerlyn has shown signs of improvement every season and I expect a lot out of him this season. Despite his 5'9, 5'10 size, he is a physical, skilled cornerback that brings some hidden talent to this secondary. If DeAngalo Williams and Jonathan Steawrt can recover from last seasons preformances, and Linebacker Jon Beason stays healthy the entire season, Carolina could make a run at making the playoffs next season. This defense and running game can carry the Panthers back to the playoffs as a wild card for the first time since 2008.