Ed. Note: Please welcome our newest contributor to CSR—Ashley Barnett. -BS
The Panthers have done a lot of revamping to their offense in the offseason. Especially with the letting go of long-time offensive coordinator Mike Shula and bringing in Norv Turner. The Panthers have also given Cam Newton a new toy to play with in drafting wide receiver D.J. Moore in the first round.
There’s no denying Carolina needed a new offensive identity. After all, they finished 28th in the league in passing last season, averaging 192 yards per game, with 22 touchdowns. The bountiful amount of injuries on the receiving side didn’t help the Panthers’ case either. Thankfully, the receiving corps is aiming to be back in full health before heading into training camp next week, which is already a turnaround sign for the upcoming season.
Should the receiving team remain healthy, Newton could have his best season since his 2015 MVP campaign and dare I say, throw for 4,000 yards again.
Anyone who’s followed Newton over the years knows his career has been a little up and down, with his consistency being the biggest frustration. Newton may be able to run, make big plays, and mask some of those mistakes, but right now he sits at a 58 percent career completion rate.
Last season was no exception regarding the highs and lows of Newton. He finished 2017 with 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 80.7. But not all of last year’s inconsistencies can be blamed on Newton. He simply didn’t have all of the tools needed to succeed, and much of that was because of the injury bug. Greg Olsen spent eight weeks on injured reserve. Curtis Samuel dealt with his own hamstring issues the earlier portion of the season followed by ligament damage mid-season. After the trade of Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess made huge strides but then suffered a shoulder injury that he played with remainder of the season.
Newton has options now to say the least. Good options at that. If Funchess carries on his momentum from last season, where he finished with a career best 63 catches for 840 yards, he could very well be Newton’s No. 1 receiver. He and Newton have already developed chemistry through Olsen’s absence last season.
If Moore adjusts and plays the same way he did at the collegiate level, he will be a force to reckon with because of his unique skill set to make plays after the catch. He brings in fast route running and a certain blocking technique. During spring workouts, we were able to see flashes of his quick hands and athleticism.
Torrey Smith is the one I’m interested in seeing play most. The veteran allows for a much needed vertical threat on offense. He ranks second among active NFL players in career yards per reception. However, he had an average season last year with the Eagles, finishing with only two touchdowns, and he’s also known for dropping passes. It’ll be *fun* to see how Turner works him in his offense and if Smith is able to complete the big plays.
All in all, if things go up for the Panthers and receivers are able to stay healthy, I think we could see Newton’s best season in four years. He has the weapons he so desperately needed last season. He also has one of the best offensive minds coaching him.