Gil Brandt: Panthers one of the 5 best NFL 2017 offseasons

[tiger7_88]

Of his 5 choices, 4 are AFC teams, and 1 is NFC.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000809390/article/five-best-offseasons-of-2017-patriots-browns-lead-the-pack

"3) Carolina Panthers

The Panthers finished at the bottom of the NFC South with a 6-10 record -- but they also lost six games by three points or fewer, meaning there wasn't that much separating them from contention. Cam Newton's cast of pass catchers was lacking in 2016, but the Panthers' first two draft picks (the ultra-versatile Christian McCaffrey and the sure-handed Curtis Samuel) both project as matchup nightmares who can provide some serious juice to this aerial attack. I'm not worried about Newton's surgically-repaired shoulder, but I am extremely high on McCaffrey and Samuel, and I'm confident the rookies will help Carolina's QB return to his MVP form after a down season.

I liked what Carolina did in bringing back defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn. They might be late in their careers, but I think it made sense in terms of fit and locker-room impact. Peppers is only one year removed from a 10.5-sack season, while Munnerlyn can provide guidance to the youngsters in the secondary. This defense plays pretty well, and adding pass rusher Daeshon Hall in the third round will only help. Locking up Kawann Short was huge. Adding veteran Matt Kalil and rookie Taylor Moton will boost the offensive line. Ultimately, McCaffrey and Samuel are the keys, and I think they have Newton and the Panthers primed for a turnaround."

[Saca312]

I recently saw this comment about how the Panthers and how all of this comes together for a deadly team...

Quote

 

With the additions of Samuel and McCaffery the Panthers should be implementing a system of quick 3 step drop routes for Cam. This will dramatically impact Newton's hits from last season, as the Panthers relied on far too many deep progression routes. Adjusting to patterns that allow for a quick release is the sensible adjustment in order to make defenses respect your offense.

There hasn't been a playbook built to the scope of what the Panthers offense could be. There is no key for the Defense. You have McCaffrey, Samuel, and Stewart all as legitimate running threats + Cam Newton. You add in WR's KB, Funchess, TE's Olsen, Dickson and new FB Alex Armah 6'2 253 lbs, that played DR, TE & H back.

See what most analysts and fans are missing is Curtis Samuel's skillset. The WR/RB Curtis Samuel is IMO a better version of Percy Harvin. Both coached by Urban Myer.

The icing on the cake is FB Alex Armah. if you look at NYG RB Brandon Jacobs 6'4 265 Armah is a better catch FB/TE/H Back at 6'2 253 lbs.

The candles on the cake that makes this a party is the Panthers revamped o-line to Keep Cam Newton in the up right position. Gettleman is a master at the slide of hand. While everyone was screaming o-line he addressed in a huge way last year and this year. Look at the roster. "Hog Mollie" Heaven. O-lineman he has signed are guys who blocked for Andrew Luck in college, Dak Prescott, Kurt Cousins etc. They sat on the roster and developed for this year. Even signed the LT that played opposite to RT Daryl Williams from Oklahoma. That doesn't include signing LT Matt Kalil or drafting Taylor Moton. Then there is a RT who is 6'7 335 lbs.

What I'm saying is if Gettleman gets the o-line and depth of o-line figured out a 3 or 4 man rush will not get to Cam. That o-line could average 6'6 320 lbs.

That means if Cam gets 3 seconds In the pocket clean. Games over for the opposing team. That's just the offense.

Defense has been addressed while people slept on the Panthers last season. Note this: Gettleman didn't draft a safety after signing SS Mike Williams. Then to think he cut Tre Boston. What do the Panthers know that no one else does? I do.

No player changes and can play 3-4, 4-3, 326 cover zone. Figure that out. Watch how the Panthers develop DE Deashon Hall.

 

 

[pantherj]

For years the media has been clamoring for the Panthers to add fast offensive weapons. It's been a yearly tradition with the media. Now we finally draft speedy weapons and they're sucking our Panther you know what. It's nice being a media darling for once, but I wonder what the hell is going to happen this season.