Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to playing the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to playing the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

9. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers front office continues to pile a ton of pressure on Cam Newton to make this offense go. He’s a transcendent talent, but he’d look a lot better with a quality offensive line and a few standout wide receivers.

In fairness, Newton will have some new weapons to throw to this season. First-round pick D.J. Moore is off to an impressive start to his rookie season and will be counted on heavily. The return of Greg Olsen from injury should also increase Newton’s comfort level. It’s easy to see Newton having a big year given his new toys

The question is whether or not this team can run the football. Daryl Williams and Trai Turner are two good offensive lineman on the right side, but the left side is a mess. That may make life difficult for C.J. Anderson and Christian McCaffrey to crank out yards on the ground.

Fortunately for Panthers fans, the defense projects to be well above average. Kawaan Short and Luke Kuechly combine to make this group deadly up the middle. The ability of Julius Peppers and Mario Addison to rush the passer only makes life more difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

The secondary was a weakness last season, but there’s cause for optimism here too. James Bradberry should bounce back from a sub par campaign and second round pick Donte Jackson should help give him support. Mike Adams needs a quality partner to emerge at safety, but that’s not a huge concern for this group.

The Panthers will be force to fight for their lives every week in the NFC South, but they have the talent to make a Super Bowl run. It’s not the most likely outcome, but it’s within the realm of possibility for Carolina.