Fansided

Biggest NFL x-factors for all 32 teams

By Russell S. Baxter

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 10: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates in the second half against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 10: Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates in the second half against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 04: Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts on the field in the game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 04, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 04: Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts on the field in the game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 04, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers: QB Matt Corral

Who knows what will happen in Carolina over the summer and perhaps during the season when it comes to the quarterback position? The Panthers have not yet recovered from the days when Cam Newton was their steady starter.

A year ago, the team dealt for Sam Darnold but he was dealt with injuries and inconsistency. Earlier this month, the Panthers obtained 2018 first overall pick Baker Mayfield from the Browns – who was part of the same draft class as Darnold.

So what happens if both veterans struggle? Head coach Matt Rhule may turn to 2022 third-round pick Matt Corral? No team’s quarterbacks combined for more interceptions (21) than the Panthers in 2021.

Chicago Bears: DE Al-Quadin Muhammad

Some may say that a season ago, pass-rusher Robert Quinn benefited from the presence of star defender Khalil Mack a year ago. Hence why he led the Bears and finished second in the league with 18.5 sacks behind Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt (22.5). But Mack missed the club’s final 10 games in 2021 and over that span, Quinn racked up 13 sacks.

Mack is in Los Angles after being dealt to the Chargers, while Quinn recently skipped the Bears’ OTAs in late June. So could former Colts’ end Al-Quadin Muhammad now emerge as the leader per say of a new-look Chicago defensive front? He was a 17-game starter in 2021, finishing with career-highs in tackles (48) and sacks (6). And he’s certainly familiar with new head coach Matt Eberflus’ defensive schemes.

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