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Carolina Panthers: 5 reasons they’ll return to playoffs

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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SPARTANBURG, SC – JULY 30: Torrey Smith (11) wide receiver Carolina Panthers makes a catch at the Carolina Panthers training camp Monday July 30, 2018 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SPARTANBURG, SC – JULY 30: Torrey Smith (11) wide receiver Carolina Panthers makes a catch at the Carolina Panthers training camp Monday July 30, 2018 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Improved receiving corps

The arrival of Turner and return of Olsen aren’t the only key changes for the group of players available to catch passes from Newton this season. The team made a number of personnel changes at the wide receiver position.

Devin Funchess returns as a starter on one side, but there are significant changes at every other position. Torrey Smith figures to be the Week 1 starter on the other side, and the team hopes he can be the deep threat who can threaten opposing secondaries down the field. His speed should create room for other players to work intermediate routes.

The slot position also got a lot of attention with the drafting of D.J. Moore and signing of Jarius Wright. The Panthers spent a first round pick on Moore because they believe he can create serious yards after the catch. Wright is a favorite player of Turner’s from their work together in the past. He should be a big boost for the team’s ability to convert third downs.

The wild card of the group may be Curtis Samuel. He was a forgotten man after losing the vast majority of his rookie season due to injury. His performance against the Bills in the team’s first preseason game proved he has a chance to contribute this season.

The ultimate point here is that Newton has a lot more weapons this season. That should lead to more efficiency and yards from the Panthers offense.

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