Can we rebuilt enough in 2017 to win NFC title?

[Saca312]

Im talking about quality starters at every position aside SS, depth is definitely a concern.

Every position we have, aside SS, has a starter. Depth is a concern otherwise. @OnlyPantherFaninMaine

 

[pantherj]

When you have a team in your way like the new super Falcons team you can't just build an incredible offense when you're already built for ball control ground and pound. It also probably wouldn't fit Cam's passing abilities.

What you have to do is build a d-line that can generate a fierce pass rush, and especially push into the middle of the pocket. The other main element is a secondary that can consistently provide tight coverage, with few or no busted coverage plays. Our pass defense was as loose as a wizards sleeve last season, and busted coverage was a given even from vets like Coleman. It wasn't just the rookies.

A fierce pass rush combined with tight coverage will give you a shot at beating the Falcons even if your offense is ordinary. Repeated hits and close calls scare QBs. Scared people make dumb mistakes. Making a dumb throw into tight coverage is a great way to generate a turnover. This I think is why Gettleman keeps grabbing DTs. We have to push Ryan and Brees off their spot, and scare the poo out of them as well.

There are plenty of options for boosting this defense to where it needs to be to stop the Falcons. We have plenty of money, and the 8th pick in each round. We also might have a chance to trade down for more picks. You can build a monstrosity of a d-line with that kind of currency when you already have starting level DTs and good rotational DEs. Then you turn your attention to the upgrading the secondary with veteran players who will be EXACTLY where you want them to be in coverage. Then you've got something.

 

 

[Still Brooklyn]

Of course we can.

Will we? Probably not. Unless you're NE or SEA (recently), with a little bit of GB or PITT thrown in, you can't count on even making the Playoffs in the NFL.

[OldNorthPowell]

Whenever we fire Mike Shula and actually build a capable offense around Cam Newton we will win the NFC again.

[pantherclaw]

6 hours ago, Jmac said:

After the sh%t show that was 2016, can this team add enough pieces to return to dominance?  Between the draft and FA, are they close enough to fill the gaps next year and be fighting for the division and NFC title again? Opinions please.

We're still pretty much the same team that went to the Superbowl a year ago. 

That means, regardless gow one feels about our team and coaches, the answer to your question is, "Yes!"

[Hoenheim]

5 hours ago, OnlyPantherFaninMaine said:

Depth concerns at LT? We need a viable starter at LT like we have for years since Gross retired. Then we can worry about depth. 

SS the only issue? How about defensive end? Running back is a bigger issue than many of us care to admit. Stew is older, slowing down, expensive, and there isn't anyone on the roster behind him that could carry the load. We also need a young guy in the mold of Ginn except with consistent hands. 

This x 1000

[Byrdman4real]

Yall talking about team issues but the issues are also the organization starting with the coaches. With Shula the panthers will stay the same. Change is needed all around the board. New LT, RB, SS, DE, FB and another TE, speedy WR with hands, plus a new OC and QC and then things might change. 

[Guest NgloriusBsterd]

I believe WR is an issue. We need more quickness and speed so that Cam is not constantly throwing into tolight windows. Benjamin and Funchess cant get good seperation.

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[panther4life]

The foundation is in place. It all starts with having an elite QB. There are some exceptions to the rule, however in most cases you'll find Super Bowl teams are represented by a top tier QB year in and year out. We have that in Cam, so that gives us an advantage over teams who don't have a top QB. 

However having an elite QB is not going to get you in it by itself as we know all too well. He needs weapons around him and a defense that can come up with the big stops when called upon. 

Our defense on paper can't be trusted at the moment to stop other teams at will. In 2015 you could say that we did. 

We can also not rely on Cam to be our entire offense again. Especially when we don't give him adequate help on his offensive line. This killed us in 2014 by purely ignoring the need for upgrades in this offseason. In 2015 the signing of Oher was a massive upgrade over having Byron Bell play LT. As bad as Remmers was he was still a major upgrade as well. Had the line not been snake bit by injuries, the offense would have a least had a chance at putting up plenty of points every game.

Moving forward, we have to continue to enhance the o-line and add another dynamic playmaker to take some of the pressure off of Cam. 

Defensively we need to get better at rushing from the edges. Addison did well in the snaps he played last year. Clearly that wasn't enough. While we we finished 2nd in sacks I believe, this was due to good blitz designs and that were well designed that got everyone involved in rushing the passer. We should not look to abandon the great schemes on D but we need to get more pressure while rushing 4 to see the benefits of our zone scheme. 

Defense needs upgrades at DE AND SS. Offense needs to upgrade the line and provide better depth at minimum. We also sorely need another huge playmaker who is a threat to take it to the house at any time. Either an elite receiver or HB. Easiest answer here seems like a HB in the draft. 

If we make a few good signing's or trades for reliable starters(upgrades to our current personnel) at:

• Tackle(someone who can play both LT or RT)
• 2 Defensive end's 
• SS
• WR

This would allow us to find a good running back in the draft. Fournette or Cooks would both make great impacts as rookies with a healthy and or upgraded line and at least 1 more reliable receiver. If theres a better player than those 2 at another position that could come in and make an immediate impact on either side of the ball I wouldn't be opposed to that all. 

 

Long story short. If Gettleman can what he preaches, shop intelligently and fill our most pressing needs via FA to allow himself to go BPA then we will be fine. I wish he didn't leave himself so many holes to fill at once but he at least has plenty of money and good draft picks to pull it off. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Wanderlai]

Nope

[Kakarot]

I sure hope so.