Better than people realize...

[pantherj]

Most of the o-line is a liability in pass blocking, and some of the o-line is poor at run blocking. Unless the o-line has drastically improved I wouldn't expect us making the playoffs. 

Now we could work our rookies into the o-line to replace two of our extremely bad o-linemen, but that has yet to happen. And there is no guarantee that either Christensen or Deonte will be ready to play at some point this season. 

Given the transitional state of the o-line coupled with Darnold's lack of experience in our offensive system (Darnold is still working on the mechanics of turning to go through his progressions ect) I would not expect a playoff birth.

[Chaos]

7 hours ago, hepcat said:

The Panthers will have a good season if two things happen:

The defense can get off the field on 3rd downs unlike last season

The offense can sustain drives and score more consistently in the red zone

Thats really it. Those two areas improve over last year this could be a playoff team.

This is the key.  Imagine just converting TD's in the red zone last year instead of settling for a Slye kick.

[glenwo2]

2 hours ago, pantherj said:

Most of the o-line is a liability in pass blocking, and some of the o-line is poor at run blocking. Unless the o-line has drastically improved I wouldn't expect us making the playoffs. 

Now we could work our rookies into the o-line to replace two of our extremely bad o-linemen, but that has yet to happen. And there is no guarantee that either Christensen or Deonte will be ready to play at some point this season. 

Given the transitional state of the o-line coupled with Darnold's lack of experience in our offensive system (Darnold is still working on the mechanics of turning to go through his progressions ect) I would not expect a playoff birth.

We should expect Sam to scramble a lot this season and it's going to be up to the receivers to make sure they make themselves available for Sam to have an outlet to throw to during that inevitable O-Line breakdown.

[ncstatekwi]

9 hours ago, hepcat said:

The Panthers will have a good season if two things happen:

The defense can get off the field on 3rd downs unlike last season

The offense can sustain drives and score more consistently in the red zone

Thats really it. Those two areas improve over last year this could be a playoff team.

Agree....HERE HERE HEPCAT!!!

[panthers55]

If we had split our 1 score losses last year we were an 8 win team.  Darnold should be better than Teddy in the 4th and in the redzone.  I think we could do well enough early to contend and be a tough out for anyone.

[Camp Fodder]

16 hours ago, Clicheking said:

7 win floor 10 win ceiling.......We play the NFC East and AFC East two bad divisions. We still need another draft with a influx of talent like we did this year, except focused on OL, LB, and DB before we can really contend

(Provided Sam works out)

 

I wouldnt call the AFC East bad. Buffalo is one of the best teams in the NFL. Miami and NE are playoff contenders

[ladypanther]

Last year's team nearly beat KC and GB.  I am more optimistic than most here.  I agree with the title of this thread.  Also think a wild card spot is within reach.  Injuries and covid could change the course of the season obviously, but with a little luck there...I see playoffs.

[*FreeFua*]

The OL will be the root of all our issues this season. As it stands right now, it’s awful. Not ideal when you’re trying to fix a 23 year old QB.

With Moton locked up, Brady and Deonte waiting to be eased in there’s some hope. Hopefully sooner than later they make the move to the young guys. Address the remaining holes in the off-season and have it all come together next year 

[Clicheking]

7 hours ago, Camp Fodder said:

I wouldnt call the AFC East bad. Buffalo is one of the best teams in the NFL. Miami and NE are playoff contenders

Your right. The NFC East is bad, the AFC historically has been bad in years past outside of the Patriots but they' ll be solid this year. 

[SmittysLawnGuy]

17 hours ago, panthers55 said:

If we had split our 1 score losses last year we were an 8 win team.  Darnold should be better than Teddy in the 4th and in the redzone.  I think we could do well enough early to contend and be a tough out for anyone.

Not to split hairs but splitting our one score games would have made us a 9 win team. Not sure if that would have made the playoffs but damn close.

[panthers55]

1 hour ago, SmittysLawnGuy said:

Not to split hairs but splitting our one score games would have made us a 9 win team. Not sure if that would have made the playoffs but damn close.

There you go. It won't take much improvement to realistically be an 8 or 9 win team.

Edited September 7, 2021 by panthers55

[MHS831]

On 9/6/2021 at 8:41 AM, 45catfan said:

Me as well.  I've said 9-10 wins earlier on.  One of those games was a Joey Slye contingency, he was good for at least a loss.  I'm solid at 10 wins now.

I am firm at 10 as well.  You have my word.