With the 2021 NFL Draft over and the schedule officially being released, it’s time for my third annual 32 part series where the top three questions will be posed for each NFL team. Here are those three questions for the Carolina Panthers.
Be sure to check out all of Heller’s Three Burning Questions.
Was he a Steal or a Flop?
Last season’s new franchise quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, is one and done in Carolina. In his place is the New York Jets 2018 No. 3 overall pick, Sam Darnold. In New York, the new regime led by Robert Saleh wanted to go in a different direction. That direction was selecting Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, Darnold has received mixed reviews in his career.
In 38 career starts over three seasons, he only recorded 13 wins. He accumulated over 8,000 passing yards and threw 45 touchdown passes. But he also accounted for 39 interceptions and was sacked a total of 98 times. Darnold is reunited with receiver Robby Anderson, who was among his favorite and reliable pass catchers in their two seasons together, tallying 50 receptions in both of those seasons. If the answer to the next question is yes, Darnold will have a successful season and will be a big-time steal for the Panthers.
Will Christian McCaffrey Return to Form?
McCaffrey’s season in 2020 was marred by injuries. A high ankle sprain, shoulder, and quad injuries limited the running back to just three games in 2020. The offense struggled to find consistency without the guy, who in 2019, was such an intricate part. If he is back to form, the team will have the year they were expecting to have last season. McCaffrey and his success will help his new quarterback tremendously. In his three years with the Jets, Darnold never had the benefit of a consistent running game.
Did they add Enough Help on Defense?
The Panthers added Arizona Cardinal Haason Reddick to boost their front seven. They also improved the secondary with the additions of A.J. Bouye. On top of adding Bouye, the Panthers used the eighth overall pick in the draft on South Carolina’s cornerback, Jaycee Horn. For a unit that was inconsistent at best for most of last season, it’s a well-needed drastic change. First-year safety Jeremy Chinn was one of the few bright spots, after being selected in the second round. He recorded over 100 tackles and a pair of defensive touchdowns, each as the result of fumble recoveries. Chinn and Horn could be an exciting duo to watch this season.
[pickup_prop id=”7081″]
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Joe Heller on Twitter @JerseyJoe317
Main Image Credit:
2 Responses