Carolina Panthers: 3 Burning Questions For Their 2019-20 NFL Training Camp
The Carolina Panthers will enter their 2019-20 NFL Training Camp with hopes of reclaiming their spot atop the NFC South. With the New Orleans Saints geared up for another run, everything must fall into place and at the right time. First order of business is to make sure QB Cam Newton is healthy and ready to go. If Newton struggles, so do the Panthers.
But this may be one of the best Camps in Panthers’ history. The offense has weapons. RB Christian McCaffrey is back to prove his critics wrong as he prepares to top his 2018 numbers. The WR core is healthy, fast, and has a bit of experience under their noses. But it’s the defense that will need to carry the wins. In a division where offense is king, can the Panthers rely on a unit that was middle of the pack last season?
Here are 3 Burning Questions For the 2019 Carolina Panthers Training Camp.
Is Cam Newton Ready
There’s no secret that Newton played a chunk of the 2018-19 season injured. Whether you can blame him or the training staff, Newtown put it on the line for his team. But did he try too much? With a busted shoulder, Newton still managed to pass for 3395 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 67.9 percent of his passes. When he’s on, he’s one of the best.
For the Panthers to make a run this year, Newton must return to his 2015 form. If the shoulder is healed, then the rest is on his mechanics and talent. If the pocket breaks, he is the most lethal QB in terms of improvising. Newton rushed for 488 yards last season, and there is no need to think he will slow down in 2019.
Is Ron Rivera On The Hot Seat
Since 2011, the Carolina Panthers have taken on the personality of their head coach Ron Rivera. A throwback player from the ’80s who prides himself on winning football games one yard at a time. It doesn’t matter if it’s offense or defense, Rivera wants to play smash-mouth football. But is that approach coming to an end in Carolina? Rivera has led the Panthers to a 71-56 record, one Super Bowl appearance, and four NFC South Championships. He has a great resume.
But the NFL is a what have you done for me lately league and Ron has to put up or shut up. He’s dealt with injuries, a revolving door on the WR side and a totally reconstructed defense, and yet, he keeps winning. No, he’s not on the level of a Bill Belichick, but as one of the longest-tenured coaches in the NFL, he deserves more. This Training Camp will be the perfect time to tell if he had lost the team or not.
Do They Rest Luke Kuechly
With a history of concussions under his belt, should the Panthers take it easy with Luke Kuechly? Although he missed no games in 2018, the window for another concussion is still there. If the Panthers are to make a run, it will be Kuechly leading the defensive unit. In 2018, Kuechly totaled 130 tackles to up his mark of 100+ to seven straight seasons. This is the production the unit will need to remain as one of the best in the NFL.
With Kuechly healthy, that makes it easier for the pass rushers to get to the QB. Running on Carolina is no easy task. In the last three season, they have ranked in the top 5 in that department. The secondary, which used to be their weakest link, has improved and with a healthy and productive Kuechly in the middle, that will only boost the young secondary’s confidence. Is he a sack machine-like Khalil Mack in Chicago? No. But Kuechly is just as important.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
