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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers line backer Luke Kuechly (59) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers line backer Luke Kuechly (59) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

How many times can you win a division with a losing record? Almost never, but the Carolina Panthers are not concerned with odds. Carolina took the NFC South with a 7-8-1 mark and then beat the Arizona Cardinals with Ryan Lindley quarterback Bruce Arians’ team. Despite getting beat by the Seattle Seahawks, the season ended on a positive note.

In the offseason, general manager Dave Gettleman made a huge splash by re-signing Cam Newton to a five-year, $103.8 million extension. Newton has been productive if slightly underwhelming since being taken with the first-overall pick in 2011, but has won a pair of division titles. Outside of that, Gettleman’s only notable move was to sign left tackle Michael Oher.

Major Battle

Outside of Kelvin Benjamin, the Panthers have a hoard of receivers who are either getting older or completely unproven. Jericho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr. represent the old guard, challenged by rookie Devin Funchess and Jarrett Boykin. It will be intriguing to see who emerges from that gaggle of players to earn serious playing time opposite of Benjamin and in the slot.

Expectations

The Panthers play in a division that is more than up for grabs. Carolina should be aiming to once again win the NFC South and then advance past the NFC Divisional round, a place it has stalled each of the past two years. Head coach Ron Rivera has done a nice job building this defense-oriented club, but the time is now to make the quantum leap.

Next: New Orleans Saints

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