Regular Season: Bold and Fearless Predictions - Will the Panthers Get Revenge Come Season Opener? (Part One: First 5 Games)

[Saca312]

It was a cool, rainy day, I was sitting on the toilet, taking a nice, long hard poo. And then, I was thinking to myself, "God, this poo is amazing. Haven't had this nice of a poo in ages." And then, I thought about how amazing last season was, and how unbelievably stacked our team looks coming into the next season, almost two weeks away. I pondered to myself, wondering if I should attempt a logical full season prediction. After all, those kind of threads are the kind that bite you back. Take @CPantherKing for example, and his predictions for last year:

Quote

@ Jags - L : Panthers cannot put up more than 17 points. Rivera continues his poor opening game record with conservative coaching that leads the Jags to a TD in the 4th quarter to win the game.

Texans - L: Offense goes no where with the Texans sitting on the running game. Need receiving threats.

Saints - W: Pressure Brees into turnovers. Panthers running game knifes through the Saints even with an 8 man front.

@ Bucs - W: Low scoring game. Jameis is punished all day. Panthers get some help in the air with Funchess.

@ Seahawks - L: Rivera remains win less against Seattle and win less after the Bye. Continues to get outcoached.

Eagles - L: Panthers can not keep up with the scoring of the Eagles as the receivers continue to miss opportunities.

Colts - L: Panthers again lose due to the inability to put up more than 20 points a game.

Packers - L: Same story. Packers 37 - Panthers 19. Defense is on the field for 40 minutes. Rivera remains win less against the Packers.

@ Titans - W: Panthers pull out a last minute drive to win 24-18.

Redskins - W: Panthers can pass the ball against this team. Run away victory.

@ Cowboys - L: Rivera gets out coached. No passing game. Panthers fail to keep pace on the score board. Greg Hardy has a field day with the Panthers always playing from behind and having trouble with receivers coming up with critical plays.

@ Saints - L: Saints unload. Panthers unable to keep pace with the passing game. Rivera out coached.

*** Panthers are at 4-8 on the season. Brown, Cotchery, Dickson and Harper are released. Panthers bring up Bersin and re-sign Lucas for 2 TE sets with the passing game. Sign a S and WR from another PS. Funchess and Norwood start. Ginn, Bersin, and newly signed WR rotate at 3/4. Rivera and Shula open playbook and let Cam audible and take shots down field. The Riverboat makes his predictable appearance.

Falcons - W: Passing game catches fire. Panthers blowout Falcons.

@ Giants - W: High scoring shoot out. Must win.

@ Falcons - W: Stomp Falcons again scoring over 30 points.

Bucs - W: Finish the season off strong with a dominant game on defense and offense.

Panthers finish the season 8-8. Saints @ Falcons determine the NFC South champion. If Saints win, they finish 9-7 and win the NFC South. If Saints lose, then the Panthers, Falcons, and Saints all finish 8-8. Panthers win the NFC South with a 5-1 division record; Saints 4-2; Falcons 3-3.

Gettleman gets praised by fans again for putting together a team that went 4-8 to start the season and finished another season with a losing record, but the threepeat division championship is heralded regardless of the Panthers getting trounced by the Packers or Seahawks in the playoffs.

Panthers fans hope for more of the same in the 2016 season and declare it an NFC South dynasty.

As seen, such predictions can bite you in the end. But, I was meandering throughout the internet, and happened to come across some classic PFT comments on some Panther topics. That's when I realized that anything I put would look like gold compared to that poo. Then, I flushed the toilet, and decided to make a full-season prediction type of deal, with who I think will improve, and what will happen each game. Enjoy!

 

Week 1 - Carolina @ Denver vs. Broncos

Final Score: W 38-17*

The Panthers face off the Broncos in a Superbowl rematch for the ages. With the Denver crowd roaring, and the Superbowl Champions sneering, adversity cast a wall to the Panthers. In the midst of the Bronco media worship and celebration, the Panthers were slowly cooking up a storm. After months of game-planning, and practice, it seemed only logical the Panthers would show up strong, and prove to the world that they were a force to be reckoned with. The Broncos start off with the ball in the first quarter, but didn't get much ground. After an attempt at a pass to Thomas, Bradberry grabs his first pick 6 of his Panther career. The Broncos would get little to no more opportunities at any big plays, and remained with a short pass and run game in an attempt to play it safe and keep their defense as their main force. Vernon Butler gets his first NFL sack on a NASCAR package, and looks to be improving strides every time he's on the field, and KK shows up with a sack of his own too. Ealy posts up 2 sacks and a forced fumble, following up his fantastic SuperBowl performance, and Johnson gets one sack, showing promise of returning to his former self. Luke Kuechly gets a key pick in the game that would change the tide of the game, showing the dominance of the Panthers defense and their ball hawking abilities. The Broncos would remain with a run and short pass game offensively, sometimes getting a few chips on Worley, and getting a TD and a field goal, but it was made completely obvious the Broncos offense, under the leadership of shaky Trevor Siemian, was not ready. The Panthers dominate defensively, and the secondary proves to be alright for the most part without Norman

Offensively, the Panthers start off shaky. They go 3 and out the first 2 series, with Von Miller getting another strip sack for a defensive touchdown. Panther fans immediately worry if their offense will be a repeat of SuperBowl 50. However, Luke Kuechly intercepting a Siemian pass would be the medicine they needed. They fired on all cylinders with a short passing attack, hitting Funchess for most of the gains. Remmers soon looked to have improved with his blocking of Miller, giving Cam the time he needs. Funchess goes for 105 yards for 1 touchdown, and is the clear cut best player of the game. His ability to win 1 on 1 matchups and catch the short passes while the defense attempted to account for Kelvin was huge. Ginn would also catch a deep pass for 68 yards and a TD, and Kelvin would get himself a few catches with a highlight reel touchdown with Talib and a safety covering him. Stewart would bruise the Bronco defense, and allowing for opportunities where the Panthers are at much more favorable situations on 3rd downs, unlike the Superbowl. Olsen would remain uncharacteristically quiet, but that's due to the fact they needed him to block more than catch passes. Cam would rush for 35 yards and a touchdown the game, and his new celebration would be the headline for the week to come. The Panthers offense completely took a 180 and fired up on all cylinders, and gathered up 4 total touchdowns and 1 field goal.

In the end result, the Broncos are humiliated at home. They were the prey, and the Panthers ate them up. All doubt about the Panthers was erased, though the keyboard warriors would slash and dash on how the Panthers couldn't win the big game. Cam Newton's final stats are: 235 yards for 4 TD's and 35 yards rushing for a touchdown. Funchess hype would be made known, and Kelvin's flashes show great promise of how potent an offense Cam has at his disposal.

Week 2: Panthers @ Home vs 49ers**

Final Score: W 41-0

Remember when Blaine Gabbert was considered the best QB of the 2011 draft? No one? I thought so. Anyhow this game should put in perspective the clear-cut winner from the draft.

Cam Newton: 365 Yards for 3 Touchdowns and 75 yards rushing for a touchdown. Funchess and Kelvin Ball out, Ginn with one drop, but some nice deep catches, and Stewart with a good game. Olsen gets a touchdown and just dominates. Need I say more?

Blaine Gabbert: 57 yards, 3 fumbles, 5 INTS. Panthers defense brutally bullies the 49er offense. Tre Boston and Coleman each grab a pick, and Bradberry with one for himself. Luke Kuechly would get a pick 6 for the first time that season, and another pick later on. Johnson forces a fumble and gets himself a sack, but Ealy remains quiet. KK gets himself 2 sacks to add in his belt, and Mario Addison shows up with a nice forced fumble. On a CB blitz, Worley comes in and gets Gabbert to fumble, making Gabbert's day horrendous.

All in all, a dominating game offensively and defensively.

Week 3: Panthers @ Home vs. Vikings

Final: W 24-21

A much closer game than most would want. The Vikings would come out with a good and strong defense, and the Panthers D would play too. Turning into a rough battle, the Panthers would end up with Cam at the helm on a 2 minute drill for 75 yards and the game saving field goal. Cam would post 215 yards that game and 2 TDs, and 10 rushing. The Panthers defense would record a Coleman interception, and Benwikerie shows up for the first time with a pick 6 of his own. He was quietly winning the matchups, but the QB's stayed smart and rarely threw his way, until Bridgewater made a bad mistake. Big Play Bene would soon be the talk around the Carolina's, and Cam Newton's 2 minute march gave fans a nice flashback to the Giants game and his march.

Week 4: Panthers @ Atlanta vs. Falcons

Final: W 35-10

The Failcons, being the slow team they are, attempted to try what they did last season to the Panthers on that one win against them that they had. To put it bluntly, it didn't work. Matty Ice didn't do too much, although Julio had a decent game with the one TD they were able to muster. Ealy would erupt out of nowhere, going for 3 sacks, one being a strip sack, 4 pass blocks, and an interception, something no one expected. Johnson would show with 2 sacks, showing dominance with our starting DE's. The corners overall looked decent covering the WR's, even against Julio Jones. The Falcons defense didn't look like last year's dominating game. It was a beatdown on a declining franchise. Cam Newton posts 320 yards for 3 touchdowns and 45 yards rushing. Stewart posts a Touchdown and the Tolldozer does as well. Kelvin has a good game, bullying failcon corners, and getting the catches. Funchess just absolutely looked brilliant, and Damiere Byrd has a fantastic KR of 75 yards, nearly a touchdown until he tripped up. Olsen comes out and becomes the dominant TE he is, making the solid plays. Cam Newton's 2nd year MVP case already being discussed vigorously.

Week 5: Panthers @ Home vs. Bucs

Final: W 31-21

The Bucs surprise with a real big start, getting 14 points in the first quarter. The Panthers would only answer with 7 points in the first quarter. However, such would not last the whole game. The Panthers offensively get into a rhythm, and the Defense begins being the thieves and hog mollies they are. In the second quarter and beyond, Big Play Bene gets himself an interception, and KK comes up big with 3 sacks the game. TD shows up with fantastic run support and coverage, and Shaq Thompson posts his first interception of the year, something Panther fans have been anxiously waiting for. With Bradberry clearly being avoided the whole game, Worley grabs his first pick of the year, and the Panthers corners look to be some of the most stout rookie corner duos out there. Although not perfect, they both appear to be coming into form, with Bradberry already a scare. Offensively, Cam gets out into a big run for 56 yards and a Touchdown, and posts up 345 yards for 3 TDs and a Gano field goal. Funchess is just having a breakout year, and Kelvin has come back fighting strong. Ginn is being the deep threat he is, and Philly Brown has been lighting it up as well, with a 55 yard touchdown. Olsen comes in with a touchdown of his own as well, and gets where he needs to be. 

 

In Short: Panthers dominate teams offensively and defensively. They breeze through the first 5 games for the most part, with the Vikings being the only real contenders they've faced. A little scare against the Broncos, but that wouldn't last. Panthers in talks for yet another perfect season run already. Cam gets in MVP talks, posting big numbers, and making big plays.

 

The Panthers start off with a 5-0 record, and look absolutely dominant. Will such dominance continue? Tune in later this weekend for part 2, and whether they'd be able to stand up against the "fiery" Seahawks. 

 

 

*I wholeheartedly believe the Panthers will not lose to the Broncos, no matter what. I don't think we're the kind of team to make repeat mistakes. I think we would've found a solution to Von Miller by then that would have a shaky start, but eventually end up well. Although one would logically think it would be a closer game, I believe if our offense gets in a rhythm, and our defense dominates, it'll be one short and quick game.

**Vikings game is probably the closest call there. We might actually get our first loss in that game. I believe the home field advantage will help us quite a bit, but offensively and defensively the Vikings look decent. They'll be a contender for sure. 

[arbnranger]

Nice post. 

I think the 49ers game will be closer than 41 points but... a decisive win. 

Btw we need  @CPantherKing to keep us grounded or at least stirred up. 

[iBBB]

good god that was a long read. great writeup but unsure if comical or overly optimistic

[Saca312]

4 minutes ago, iBBB said:

good god that was a long read. great writeup but unsure if comical or overly optimistic

I guess a couple of scores might be quite high, but I still think we'll have a heavy strong offense that'll rack up points. Add that with a turnover friendly defense and these scores arent too out of reach.

[Ivan The Awesome]

The Panthers will win every game I attend. 

[Moorgan]

24 minutes ago, Ivan The Awesome said:

The Panthers will win every game. 

FIFY

[JawnyBlaze]

Well yesterday I got madden and in game 1 vs the Broncos I won 45-9 and the first play of the game was a 75 yard TD run by Stewart. So, there is that...


Sent from my iPad using CarolinaHuddle

[therealmjl]

@CPantherKing bahahahaahahahahaah

[Bronn]

@ Broncos - W: 34 - 17

SF - W: 37 - 10

MIN - W: 30 - 13

@ ATL - W: 34 - 17

TB - W: 45 - 10

@ NO - W: 40 - 27

ARI - W: 27 - 17

@ LA - W: 33 - 13

KC - W: 37 - 27

NO - W: 37 - 10

@ Oak - W: 34 - 24

@ Sea - W: 30 - 24

SD - W: 34 - 20

@ Wash - W: 43 - 13

ATL - W: 40 - 13

@ TB - W: 31 - 20

 

16-0

#1 Offense
#1 Defense

Super Bowl Champs

[Nick_81]

I'll have to come back to your post.  I could have made it all the way through, but the CPK quote was too hilarious to take anything serious after.  

[Moorgan]

32 minutes ago, Bronn said:

16-0

#1 Offense
#1 Defense

Super Bowl Champs

I'll wait for the Official Season Prediction thread to make my picks for the year...but as I always do...it will look eerily similar to your prediction. :)

[Untouchable]

If we're dropping 38 on Denver in Denver this is going to be another great year.

[Randolph Panther]

I think we:

Beat Denver 

Beat San Fran (closer than expected) 

Beat Minn in OT

Beat Atl 19-17 on last second 52 yarder from GG

Beat Tampa by 17 or more

5-0

[Nick_81]