Panthers hope healthy Cam Newton means playoffs

After faltering in the second half of last season, the Carolina Panthers look to bounce back with Cam Newton and his surgically-repaired shoulder.

Best-case scenario

A fast start leading to the Panthers regaining their footing atop the NFC South with double-digit wins would be a solid start to claiming the ultimate prize. Of course, capturing the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history during the Panthers 25th anniversary season would be an obvious best-case scenario and Carolina appears poised to make it happen if everything goes their way.

Earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs would ease the pressure of having to win in a hostile environment and Carolina would also benefit from not having to play another divisional opponent in the playoffs. Making the path to Miami run through Charlotte without a third game against Atlanta, New Orleans or Tampa Bay would be an added bonus.

Worst-case scenario

The health of Cam Newton remains an unknown and although he may appear ready to go, there’s no way to predict how a full season will wear on the aging quarterback. If Newton’s health and arm strength deteriorate again as the schedule transpires, the game outcomes are likely to follow in a similar fashion as they did last season when the Panthers dropped seven straight after the midpoint.

A second consecutive losing season for coach Ron Rivera under new owner David Tepper would likely see his time in Carolina come to an end, in addition to a shift for the overall future of the franchise should Newton not bounce back from his shoulder issues.

Confidence level (Low, medium or high)

Medium.

The level of confidence entering 2019 has to be dialed back due to the health issues revolving around Newton. On paper, general manager Marty Hurney has made all the right moves in order to correct problem areas, while adding a ton of potential up and down the roster through the past two drafts. However, injuries are unpredictable and any potential lingering issues at quarterback could make matters worse. With so much riding on the surgically repaired shoulder of Newton and after having endured the high of 6-2 through eight games followed by seven losses in 2018, any inkling of high confidence comes with a bit of hesitation.

X-Factor

Newton’s health.

The Panthers’ season hasn’t started yet but it feels like things will essentially go one of two ways Should Newton bounce back from his shoulder issues and return to MVP form then expect Carolina to contend for the divisional championship and return to the playoffs. If Newton’s arm strength falters or he falls victim to another injury then there’s no question the Panthers will struggle having to turn over the offense to either second-year quarterback Kyle Allen or rookie Will Grier.

Turning point

Week 12 at New Orleans.

If the Panthers are going to make a run at recapturing the NFC South crown, they must win at least four divisional games without being swept by any opponent. By late November, Carolina will have already faced Tampa Bay both times and be a week removed from a home game against the Falcons. A road victory over the Saints would provide the Panthers a boost of confidence entering December – when coach Ron Rivera’s teams typically thrive – and set them up for some solid play down the stretch.

Best moment in team history

Despite falling just shy of capturing their first-ever Super Bowl championship, the entire 2015 season of Panthers football remains a collective highlight moment for this relatively young franchise. Nearly accomplishing a perfect season, Carolina finished 15-1 as quarterback Cam Newton captured the league MVP award. Earning home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Panthers punched a ticket to Super Bowl 50 with an impressive 49-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in front of an electric crowd at Bank of America Stadium.