Gentlemen, think about this, I mean I really want you to think about this….

[SetfreexX]

I won’t get into the ‘’final 53’’ but at least let me illustrate a picture for you…

 

 

 

We’re coming off back to back playoff appearances, one of which we purposely took a drop off in talent to allow our cap space to open up so we can begin signing the new ‘’core players’’ first of which was Cam Newton.

 

 

 

I haven’t carried this much anticipation into a season since Smitty’s final year with us when we drafted Star and KK in the 1^st two rounds. As I knew we need to solidify the defense to have a chance.

 

 

 

Just think about our offense last year compared to now, we possess so much more versatility. Our receiver and tight end group has a great blend of size, speed, athleticism, and the ability to run block. The back-field also displays that same potential, we have a feature back in Stewart, Tolbert is our utility back, either Todman or Whittaker will emerge as that change of pace, and Artis-Payne may eventually become the starter here in time.

 

 

 

The offensive line can’t compare to that of the Cowboys, but I think we are already ahead of the pace for last year, Oher is at least serviceable in comparison to Bell, the interior is also solidified with youth and talent, anchored by Kalil. When looking at the right tackle position we are at least two deep there as Remmers or Williams will eventually emerge.

 

 

 

Anticipated Offense-

 

 

 

LT-Oher LG-Norwell C-Kalil RG-Turner RT-Remmmers/Williams

 

QB-Newton

 

FB-Tolbert

 

HB-Stewart

 

WR 1-Benjamin WR 2-Funchess Slot-Brown/Ginn TE-Olsen

 

 

 

So that’s it for the offense, but as even as eager as I am to see what that unit does, the defense has somewhat been forgotten to an extent. For perspective, six of our eleven starters on defense are 1^st or 2^nd round selections (1^st round-Kuechly, Davis, Shaq, and Lotulelei while Short, and Ealy are 2^nd round selections). For additional perspective five of the six were drafted in the last three years, guys our defense is scratching the surface of just how good it can really be if players continue to develop, and we keep drafting the way we have.

 

 

 

Our secondary returns every starter from the group that closed out the season in the top three over the final 4-6 weeks IIRC. With some of the depth (Coleman) and experience (Tillman) we’ve added via free agency, along with Bene’s and Tre’s rookie seasons behind them at the very least I think our secondary could be slightly above average. I think Norman is about poised to have a breakout season and if he does that could take us to another level.

 

 

 

The meat and potatoes of our defense is that front seven, and while we missed Hardy LAST season I do not think that will be the case when we begin the 2015 campaign with the return of Alexander, with Ealy and Orton’s continued maturation I think we may be able to pressure teams much earlier than last season. When I think about it though our line backers group is the best in the league as far as I’m concerned, this group alone represents three first round picks! They all can run, hit, cover, and play in space, I mean does it really get any better aside from cloning Kuechly for each spot?

 

 

 

Anticipated defense-

 

 

 

LE-Johnson, NT-Lotulelei, UT-Short, RE-Ealy

 

SLB-Davis, MLB-Kuechly, WLB-Thonpson

 

LC-Norman SS-Harper, FS-Boston RC-Tillman/Benwikere

 

 

 

I know we are about 14-15 Sundays away from Panther’s football again, but man it’s a great time to be a Panther fan, perhaps the greatest time even dating back to the teams inception in 1996….Rejoice with me my brethren, we are poised to have a window for years to come as this team continues to grow and develop!

 

[TheRumGone]

oher is not a given.

 

he is the biggest wilcard in the O imo even more so than Funchess who is extremely talented but still an unknown. I am super excited about what this offense can do with a healthy Cam though.

 

Defensively we will not be as dominant as 2013. that was one of the best in NFL history. But our secondary is light years better than 13', and we still have some very talented players on the D line.

Overall, This seems to be a very, very balanced team.

[pantherphan96]

Looks good, but I'm not sure Thompson will start at WLB to begin the year. Most likely a healthy Klein will get the first shot, or maybe even Glanton. Also not sure how much we will see Star and Short paired together. I believe that the first string DT's will most likely be Star and Cole/Edwards, with Short coming in on more passing downs as he is the superior pass rusher.

[SetfreexX]

Kawaan Short started nine games for us last season (Cole started 10, 3 of those were while Star was injured). 

With this being Short's third year with us I see him taking on a larger role, Cole (34) and Edwards (34) are however valuable veteran presence and depth which we still need. But my stance is Short continues to see his starts increase, he's reminiscent of McCoy down in Tampa.. 

http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Kawann-Short/d8012a4a-2022-4647-8565-cc95616b8dc2

Edwards has had three starts over the past two seasons. 

http://www.panthers.com/team/roster/Dwan-Edwards/56851bcd-b95a-4af8-841d-d07f9d621318

[the_philosopher]

I really like the lineup too, but I'm worried we might incur a lot of penalties with that offensive formation.

[pantherphan96]

I can definitely see Short having a bigger role, and I would like to see him starting more, but I'm not sure if our best DL formation includes both Star and Short at the same time. Short is still most effective as a pass rusher so I would like to see him paired with Edwards, our other best pass rushing DT. Then we could pair Cole and Star together on rushing downs. And with the versatility of our DL we could have formations with CJ, Ealy, Short, and Addision/Alexander bringing the heat. Regardless, the DL (barring injury) looks primed to have a great year.

[pantherclaw]

I'll give serious consideration. 

K, thanks , & bye.

[mc52beast]

Don't forget about special teams, which cost us dearly last year. Will definitely be an upgrade.

[motocross_cat]

Im hoping big frank can really take on a big role for us.  Watching him sorta reminds me of hardy his first few years,  he is always right there for the sack but cant just quite get it....then a light bulb went off i guess and bam 10+.  He is not the athlete hardy is but i think he can be a 10 sack guy.

[The Huddler]

oher is not a given.

 

he is the biggest wilcard in the O imo even more so than Funchess who is extremely talented but still an unknown. I am super excited about what this offense can do with a healthy Cam though.

 

Defensively we will not be as dominant as 2013. that was one of the best in NFL history. But our secondary is light years better than 13', and we still have some very talented players on the D line.

Overall, This seems to be a very, very balanced team.

​i think the defense can be as dominant as 2013

 

Ron always seems to have the top D. Like u said, secondary light years better, and the same front 7 minus Hard, plus Shaq

 

If ealy can step up to be the first round talent he supposivly is, why not be as dominant?

 

I really think last year was a reload and here we are again ready to woop ass

[PhillyB]

imo our biggest questions are LT and SS. if they both pan out to an average performance all year long we'll have a hell of a football team.

[Verge]

If the oft injured Stewart goes down, we are in serious trouble.

[TheRumGone]

​i think the defense can be as dominant as 2013

 

Ron always seems to have the top D. Like u said, secondary light years better, and the same front 7 minus Hard, plus Shaq

 

If ealy can step up to be the first round talent he supposivly is, why not be as dominant?

 

I really think last year was a reload and here we are again ready to woop ass

That kind of pass rush and run stop was extremely rare. We had two guys who could've put up 15 sacks (if CJ didn't get injured towards the end). 

Maybe it can be because our secondary is markedly better. But that  line feasted in such a rare way. That was top 10 talent across the board. 

 

Kony or Alexander have to step up in a major way. Secondary can only hold the fort so long although they are a very talented group.

[Vampire the buffet slayer]

 

I haven’t carried this much anticipation into a season since Smitty’s final year with us when we drafted Star and KK in the 1^st 

 

This made me laugh.

 

"I haven't carried this much anticipation into a seasons since the season before last"

 

 

That's like saying "I haven't been this excited about a movie since Mad Max fury road!"

 

 

Not trying be mean its just funny is all.