NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
Carolina Panthers
, NFC South
The 2017 Carolina Panthers will be looking to shake off a rough 2016 season, which saw them fall out of the playoffs a year after making it to the Super Bowl. In order to right the ship, they are going to need their quarterback back at 100 percent, as he is the key to everything they do on the offensive side of the ball. The organization added some nice weapons for Newton this offseason, so a healthy Newton could be as productive as he was two years ago.
With their first round pick last April, the Panthers brought in running back Christian McCaffrey. A standout player during his time at Stanford, McCaffrey has shown this Summer that his game definitely translates to pro ball. He should team well with Jonathan Stewart in the Panthers backfield, giving Newton some legitimate threats behind him.
In addition to McCaffrey, the Panthers also brought in wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who was a do-everything player for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Kelvin Benjamin returned from his ACL injury last season, and was productive, but the addition of Samuel may make him an even bigger threat in 2017. The offense has the weapons they need, and hopefully, the defense can follow suit.
On defense, the team decided to extend Thomas Davis, who should once again be the vocal leader of the team. Just like with Newton, the team is going to need a healthy Luke Kuechly on the other side of the ball, as he continues to have issues with concussions. Cornerback James Bradberry was named the MVP of training camp, and if he can develop into a Josh Norman-like player, the secondary should be in good shape.