What are the main obstacles in the way for the Panthers to Superbowl 51?

[Salisburysean98]

The offensive line depth worries me the most, if we lose one of our Guards so be it we have Gradkowski at C/G backup. I think that Daryll Williams is ready, but the offensive tackle depth worries the shiZ out of me.

[juliosantos]

It will cone down to rt and corner.

[thefuzz]

As I have stated many times, winning a SB is awfully tough, who would have thought that Marino, after his rookie year wouldn't ever win one?  How about Rodgers having 1, and he has been the best QB in the NFC for years now.

Last year was out best chance in the history of the franchise, and we let their best player beat us...something that you just can't do.  OK, now that's behind me.

1:  The thing that curses most contenders in this sport...injuries.  Cam, Luke, TD, Star, Ealy, Bene, Olsen, etc...any of these guys go down, we may be in for a rough road.

2:  Other contenders.  Seattle, Green Bay, random NFC team that comes from nowhere....now to the SB, Steelers, Pats, random team that comes from nowhere.

3:  Last season, and history.  We won a lot last year, had a good time doing it, took sideline selfies, and danced on peoples home field, we will find ourselves "circled" many Sundays.  As to history, losing SB teams rarely make it back to the big dance, and quite a few don't even make it back to the playoffs the following year.

4:  Football.  It's a ball that bounces oddly on purpose.  It's why the team that wins the SB is rarely the "best team" in the league that year.

[CPantherKing]

The main obstacles are:

1) The secondary against Julio Jones, Brandin Cooks, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Stefon Diggs, Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Michael Floyd, Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce, Amari Cooper, Doug Baldwin, Keenan Allen, DeSean Jackson and Jordan Reed, 

2) No substantial outside pass rush against Drew Brees, Carson Palmer, Derek Carr, Russell Wilson, and Philip Rivers.

3) The OTs against Vic Beasley, Ahmad Brooks, Khalil Mack, Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, Tamba Hali, Dee Ford, Justin Houston, Dwight Freeney, Chandler Jones, and Melvin Ingram.

Broncos, Falcons, Cardinals, Chiefs, Raiders, Seahawks, and Chargers. Have the receivers/QBs to exploit the Panthers secondary, and the edge rushers to give the OTs and Cam Newton a long day.

In comparison, the 2015 Panthers only faced 3 teams with this dual capability of attacking the Panthers biggest weakness on offense and defense (Seahawks, Falcons, and Broncos). The Panthers went 3-2 in those games. Now the weakness on defense is much greater for the Panthers in 2016.

Josh Norman limited the effectiveness of strong QB/WR combos (Jaguars, Saints, Colts, Cowboys, Falcons, and Giants). The Panthers likely lose at least 3 of those games without a CB like Josh Norman greatly limiting those passing attacks' greatest threats. 

That will open the door for teams in 2016 to beat the Panthers.

[Cpt slay a ho]

Secondary

Pass Rush

Injuries

Like someone stated earlier we really blew our chance at a superbowl win,to expect a repeat of last year is a stretch

[pstall]

Overcoming early adversity and lethargy.

But i have said for some time this team will win less but be even tighter.

10-6 and lose in NFC champ game to Packers in Lambeau. 26-22

[ncsfinest21]

Secondary issues. Thats the only thing. If our secondary doesnt mature in this pass happy league we will have to put up alot of points to win games.

[Jangler]

On 7/11/2016 at 6:08 PM, Castavar said:

Man, we really blew our best chance at a superbowl last year. Everything seemed to align for us last year. Didn't have too many major injuries to important players, favorable schedule, had a 1st round bye and home field throughout the playoffs, and got to play a one dimensional team in the superbowl. That sh*t still stings.

 

You never know though, maybe this season has even more storybook magic than last year. Here's hoping.

 

Hollywood makes better sequels nowadays.

[Zithers]

crap special teams, specifically punting
the seahawks
lackluster OLine depth
the secondary

[ickmule]

16 regular season games against NFL teams and at least 2 playoff games. 

[arieslibra1]

The OL. Teams could follow DEN's blueprint and make it a living hell for Cam and the OL every week.

Rivera's lack of 2nd half adjustments. It was nice to see CAR come out explosive in the first half but it sucks in the 2nd half when they take the foot of the gas and play conservative, putting teams back in the game. Too many of those games, could cost CAR homefield advantage.

 

[MHS831]

Look at the stats from last year--no way a DT gets 11 sacks again, or a backup, journeyman S gets as many pics, or we stay as injury free as we did, etc....last year was a perfect storm for us.  Look at the close games--Rivera is not that good of a game coach-nobody is.

Now, on the flip side, getting KB back is like getting Julio Jones to a degree, and I think we should be even better with Funchess, Brown, and perhaps the new Stephen Hill.  Average?  Could be, if they drop passes as in the past, it could be worse.

And we have Gettlemen.  Not giving Josh Norman a huge deal was a nice decision.  If we keep KK 2 seasons and let him go while developing Butler, that could be a giant money saver-To me, you want your core to be irreplaceable players--not really good players.  How do you replace Cam?  Luke?  You don't pay a very good DT that kind of money.  Paying KK means we are great at DT but weak at other spots.  Balance.  Few positions are vulnerable to injury.  Fewer weak spots, fewer dominant ones.  Better locker room, better team chemistry.  Just my opinion.

 

 

[beastson]

Secondary is the only change on this team

Defenses wins championships though. Last year we really turned into an offensive team with defense as like a backup it seems. I look back at the SB and really wish we played the field position and defense gameplan because Manning was terrible. We were so used to being a dominant offense team I think the team fell in to forcing things and trying to blow them out like we been doing

[DamnItJake!]

Remmers learning not to become turn stall "Bell" !! As he was good til Bell ate his lunch.. Plus staff needs to learn to adjust faster in big games like that!!