Gil Brandt names six teams that could 'take a step back' this season

[Mr. Scot]

And yes, we're one of them.  In fact, Brandt considers us the second most likely to regress of the bunch.
 

 

2) Carolina Panthers

No team has repeated as champion of the NFC South since the division's inception in 2002 -- so even if there weren't a handful of other reasons to worry about the Panthers, history would suggest someone will take their place atop the standings.

Cam Newton had a spectacular 2013, but ankle surgery has put a damper on his offseason, keeping him, for the most part, out of early workouts -- where he would have had a chance to begin gelling with what is almost a completely new receiving corps following the departures of Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn. Furthermore, the left tackle position is up in the air in the wake of veteran Jordan Gross' retirement. Carolina's defense, which ranked second overall last season, still looks as if it will be potent behind a solid front seven, though there are concerns with this unit, as well. Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and safety Mike Mitchell -- who really brought a lot of toughness in 2013 -- are gone, while defensive end Greg Hardy's off-field issues might be cause for concern. Ultimately, I think Carolina will miss the playoffs.

 

 

NFL.com

 

The video attached to the story probably won't be all that popular either.

[L-TownCat]

Ultimately I think copy and paste is used way too often by modern journalists.

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[PantherWake]

More bookmark material

[Dex]

Make it fuging stahhhppp

[t96]

Just another "expert" that we'll prove wrong...

[jtnc]

Munnerlyn brought toughness to the defense?

[top dawg]

He and others certainly have valid reasons for believing that we will take a step back. I just hope that they are wrong.

And that's pretty much the prevailing story line of our off-season.

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[DamnItJake!]

A common theme here lately when it comes to articles on the Panthers whether its ESPN, CNN, NFL Network it seems like they love taking shots at the team or a player.. No respect! We will see what this motley crew can do this year hopefully they are better than last year :)

[PandaPancake]

Didn't every week last season the experts said we were bound to lose that week?

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[WhoAmI?]

Can this offseason be over already? If I hear "Panthers lost their top 4 receivers" one more time, I am going to kill myself.

[PhillyB]

Munnerlyn brought toughness to the defense?

 

i actually think you guys underestimate the leadership and fire he brought.

[PandaPancake]

i actually think you guys underestimate the leadership and fire he brought.

Whose the midget in the back of the room that keeps screaming for the floor?

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[Chimera]

I don't get the Munnerlyn hate. He's short; so is the best player we've ever had. Big whoop. He was horrible in 2011, but was pretty valuable in the two seasons after that. He was the one player you could count on to respond (on the field) to this so-called bulletin board material.

[lightsout]

While I disagree with the analysis, at least it's somewhat reasonable to assume. There is this weird thing of non-repeating division champs. Having a fresh secondary could be a good thing or a bad thing, only time will tell. And our WR corps (while I think improved), haven't had full speed reps enough with Cam yet. So, I see where they are getting it.


However, I think it's really a wait and see thing. I'm confident in this team and this staff. I really feel like we can take off with what we have right now, and we're only going to add to it over the next couple of years. A lot of young blood on this team (considering some of the older guys haven't had much field time in their years, which means less wear and tear on the bodies and more experience in the league, even if it is just practice and ST).

Bulletin board material, for sure. Got a lot of proving to do. My only real concern is the secondary because I haven't NOT been worried about it in years.