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NFL Power Rankings: Post-free agency

By John Buhler

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers (56) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers (56) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carolina Panthers

NFC, South

After making it all the way to Super Bowl 50 in 2015, the Carolina Panthers stumbled to a 6-10 record in 2016 to miss the NFC Playoffs for the first time in four seasons. The occasional defensive lapse and rampant inconsistency wreaked havoc on this once-dominant NFC South franchise.

Looking towards the 2017 NFL season, the Panthers should finish somewhere between 15-1 and 6-10. They won’t be as good as they were two years ago and probably won’t be as bad as they were last year. While the Panthers did a fine job in addressing issues in free agency on defense, the same cannot be said on the offensive side of the ball.

Using the franchise tag on defensive lineman Kawann Short was a no-brainer. Bringing back former Panthers in Captain Munnerlyn and Julius Peppers feel like low-risk, high-reward moves. Both have been good players for a while now. Maybe they can close out the NFL career by bringing a championship to Charlotte?

The problem with the Panthers is that they have only gotten worse on offense in free agency. Vertical threat Ted Ginn Jr. signed with the division rival New Orleans Saints. Losing Mike Tolbert to the Buffalo Bills wasn’t good. Then there was the ludicrous multi-year deal to unite the Kalil Brothers in Charlotte. Why did that have to happen for that much money?

Carolina should be an above-average to strong defensive team in 2017. However, quarterback Cam Newton’s inability to complete 60 percent of his passes consistently severely limits the Panthers’ overall firepower as an organization. A return of 2016 Newton will be detrimental to the playoff hopes for the Panthers this fall.

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