Panthers preview: Cam Newton looks to rediscover mojo
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the Carolina Panthers ...
1. Newton is on the mend as he tries to bounce back
Quarterback Cam Newton did not look like himself down the stretch of what was already a bad 2016 season. Now we know one reason why. The 2015 MVP was playing with a partially torn rotator cuff injury and had surgery in March. Newton should be a full go when training camp starts in July. While he won’t be able to throw before then, that could force him to address a weakness that has plagued him throughout his pro career: his undisciplined lower-body mechanics. Newton has a tendency to throw off his back foot and not stride toward his target, which throws off his accuracy. If Newton can solve his mechanical issues and get his shoulder healthy, expect a bounce-back year for the Panthers star.
2. The offense was retooled in draft
When Newton does return to the field, he will have an upgraded set of players with which to work. Running back Christian McCaffrey was taken with the eighth overall pick and should play a big role for Carolina from the outset. Based on coach Ron Rivera’s comments after the draft, it’s safe to assume McCaffrey will play in the slot on early downs before moving to the backfield on passing downs. Second-round pick Curtis Samuel is a similar player, having played running back and receiver at Ohio State, but he likely will be used exclusively as a receiver. The two new Panthers will give Newton options who can take a short pass and turn it into a big gain, something he has sorely needed in Carolina.
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3. Peppers has returned
The Panthers moved on from former second-round pick Kony Ealy this offseason, trading him to the New England Patriots. He may have been squeezed out after the team Julius Peppers, who returns to Charlotte after leaving in 2010. Carolina will lean heavily on the 37-year-old pass rusher. Rivera’s zone-based defensive scheme can’t function without an effective four-man rush. If Peppers can get 10 sacks for his new team, the Panthers defense should be one of the best units in the league.
4. The defense has a new play-caller
With Sean McDermott named the Buffalo Bills' head coach, the Panthers will turn to first-year defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to call the plays. Wilks has been an assistant head coach in Carolina for six years, so he’s familiar with the scheme. But McDermott always seemed to call the right coverage or blitz at the right time. Wilks might know the players and the playbook, but it’s not a given that he will share his predecessor’s feel for the game.
5. Offensive line remains a concern
The offensive line was awful in 2016 and hit hard by injuries. But, even if the line is healthier in 2017, it remains a big concern, especially at the tackle position. Matt Kalil was brought on to join brother Ryan and protect Newton's blind side.
Follow Steven Ruiz on Twitter @theStevenRuiz.
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