Panthers Strong Candidate To Return To Playoffs

[Untouchable]

In 2017, just like in our 2015 Super Bowl season, the Panthers won a lot of close games that statistically are really just a toss up (7-1 and 6-1 respectively).  One of the fears going into this last season was the regression back to the mean in those close games and it of course happened as the team went 2-7 in close games.  Fast forward to next season and we are a strong candidate to bounce back (strongest according to the link below). Teams losing 5 more close games have improved their record the following season every single time since 2006 and by an average of 4.6 games.

http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/close-game-records-and-teams-to-highlight-for-the-

After watching this season's playoffs littered with poor QB play, I would not even be surprised if the team could turn back into a serious Super Bowl contender next season with a healthy Newton, an average OL and another pass rusher.

[SmittysLawnGuy]

Vegas seems to disagree but Ill take some of your happy pills. Go Panthers!

[PantherPhann89]

I'd like to see what we can be with a healthy Newton and a very good o-line

[Seltzer]

19 minutes ago, SmittysLawnGuy said:

Vegas seems to disagree but Ill take some of your happy pills. Go Panthers!

Vegas cares about reality, but only to a point... they also have to try to factor in bias and homerism for specific teams...

That is why you always see large market teams, especially the Cowboys, with better odds than you might expect as a more objective fan.

Of course there are limits, but in a nutshell, Vegas is not solely based on who they truly think has what percentage chance- there is always some psychology wrapped up in there

And obviously the numbers right now are almost solely based on last year in a league that can dramatically change in a year.

The Bears were down there with the Browns last year for worst odds, now they are near the top... at least one of them is due for a drop, but that is not Vegas' concern.

Vegas is trying to gage where the betting public is at this moment in time

[mc52beast]

Weren’t that far from making it this year. If we can improve the defense and the o-line I’m calling it a lock

[usmcpanthers]

Odd year, so somehow we will be good, its the law.

[RumHam]

well we play the AFC south this year and we traditionally do well when we do, but it's b/c that division was poo for so long. Now they're all playoff caliber teams. Just don't see it happening.

[hepcat]

If Cam's shoulder holds up for a full season I have no doubt the Panthers are back in the playoff mix. The Saints are going to fall back to mediocrity after two heartbreaking playoff exits, who knows what Atlanta will do, and Tampa will always be the bottom feeder.

[CatTower]

Gotta get a stud OL and DE.

[MountaineerChemist10]

When you think about it, 5 of those close games (Lions, Seahawks, Bucs, Browns, Aints) were with Cam & his injured shoulder. If TJ Watt had never knocked Cam's lights out, we very well could have won those 5 games. Cam played like crap vs. Saints in Week 15 & we still could've won.

When you have at least an average o-line, a healthy Cam & mediocre WR roster = 2013 Panthers

When you have an above average o-line & a healthy Cam & an above average WR roster = 2015 Panthers

Next season's WR roster should be VERY good. Just need to beef up our o-line & we just might be on our way to SB 54. Ask yourself; did you really think we were going to reach the SB in 2015? or 2003? Hell no.

Do you really think we could make the SB next season? Hell no.

That's why I totally agree with this article. We just might be on our way to SB 54.