Question: Without Cam is this a playoff team?

[bigdavis]

I've carefully read all the doubters' posts on this thread, but would offer the following, to buttress my argument that Yes, we are a contender.

Our D has gelled into one of the most formidable in the whole league, and let's not forget that D wins championships.

Our 2 losses were close games, that we probably would have won, had we had a healthy QB out there.  So, IMO, our 2-2 record is a bit misleading.  It's almost like we have a new team now.

Just as vital is that i see improvement at LT, with Little replacing Williams.  Considering we were without Trai Turner, Donte Jackson, and KK, it's amazing that their subs stepped up as they did.  Depth is something we've not enjoyed in a long time, and that and a good D gets the job done down the stretch.

[onmyown]

Everything points to yes except Allen’s ball security. You’re not winning any playoff games fumbling it 3 times. Albeit he doesn’t throw picks.

Everything else about this team looks good enough imo.

[PhillyB]

sure. this is the best defense rivera has ever fielded and allen has the tools to keep the offense chugging along. in a down year for the division i think we have a shot at winning it and making some noise.

[Tepper's Chest Hair]

With a defense playing at the elite level Carolina is, you always have a chance.

That being said, Carolina being a playoff team, imho, is more about the rest of the NFC-S than Carolina.  

How much will Brees being out hurt the Saints over the course of the season?

Will Tampa keep up this playing?

[Khyber53]

Let's win a couple more games before we start making January plans...

[MountaineerChemist10]

4 hours ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Are the Carolina Panthers of today a NFL Playoff contender? 

The formula they have now is a proven successful one. Strong defense, strong running game, game managing QB. 

But first... 

STATEMENT

Yes, I hope Cam comes back 100% and claims the NFL MVP Trophy just before hoisting the Lombardi. That is the ideal outcome.

/STATEMENT

 

But, if Cam just can't get right and we were to give Cam the entire season and offseason to heal up for 2020. Let us put Cam on the shelf and let him get back to MVP form. 

 

Is the team as it is now with Kyle Allen at QB a playoff contender?

With Kyle Allen at QB, we are very similar the 2018 Chicago Bears. Very strong defense, great running game, game manager @ QB.

Only difference is our current kicker kicks ass. Da Bears kicker from last year was fart awful.

[KB_fan]

8 of the last 10 teams to start season with 18 sacks in 1st 4 games made the playoffs*...even won the SB (Denver in 2015 was one of them, sigh.)

So, if our defense can continue domination and Allen plays pretty solid football, Panthers chances are decent.

---

*List includes

2018 Bears

2017 Jaguars

2015 Broncos

I tweeted about this here:

 

[rico6]

3 hours ago, MountaineerChemist10 said:

With Kyle Allen at QB, we are very similar the 2018 Chicago Bears. Very strong defense, great running game, game manager @ QB.

Only difference is our current kicker kicks ass. Da Bears kicker from last year was fart awful.

So the 2009 Bears. I’ll take that 

[Mikey818]

4 hours ago, MountaineerChemist10 said:

With Kyle Allen at QB, we are very similar the 2018 Chicago Bears. Very strong defense, great running game, game manager @ QB.

Only difference is our current kicker kicks ass. Da Bears kicker from last year was fart awful.

We are playoff ready w Allen. Problem for cam and his supporters is that we are now a cmc team now 

[pantherclaw]

It's a long season. Limit the turnovers, our defense will keep us in any game with any team. 

So, yes. 

[Jaxel]

Just speculating, but what if... and I mean it's fair to hope, what if Kyle Allen is the next Kurt Warner. Is it wrong to be excited and hope for this? Sometimes team luck out, maybe we did this time.

[ickmule]

8 hours ago, Forty-Eight said:

Is this a playoff team with Cam?

Good question
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ickmule]

Yes, I believe this is a playoff team right now and I believe IF Cam is 100% physically and mentally they are still.  I’m not as worried about him getting back to 100% physically as I am mentally.   

[Jon Snow]

Just now, Jaxel said:

Just speculating, but what if... and I mean it's fair to hope, what if Kyle Allen is the next Kurt Warner. Is it wrong to be excited and hope for this? Sometimes team luck out, maybe we did this time.

It's nice to dream about but I wouldn't put money on it.  At least not this early.  He would have to play unbelievably well and rattle off such convincing wins that Ron would be saying, Cam who?  That's a tall order and an unfair expectations to place on the kid.  But anything is possible!