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5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Cam Newton will throw twice as many touchdowns as interceptions

Norv Turner was brought to Carolina for the expressed purpose of helping Cam Newton become a more accurate quarterback. Most pundits are focusing on his completion percentage, but the real story will be Newton’s ability to eliminate costly interceptions.

The talented passer ended last season with 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. His interception percentage of 3.3% was the worst since his rookie season. It’s something he has to improve this season to help this offense run more effectively.

In fairness to Newton, the struggles last season weren’t all about him. He had a very weak receiver group to throw to after the trade of Kelvin Benjamin to Buffalo. This year his skill group looks much more promising.

Presumably Greg Olsen can enjoy a healthier 2018 season. Christian McCaffrey should be a more reliable weapon in his second season. The acquisitions of D.J. Moore and Torrey Smith should upgrade the wideout group considerably.

As such, it’s reasonable to think Newton can stop making the risky throws that plagued him last season. His change in philosophy may not show up in Week 1, but as he gets more comfortable with his receivers he’ll throw more touchdowns, and less interceptions, as the season progresses.

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