Help me, I'm feeling optimistic.

[onmyown]

3 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

I've got a feeling we're going to watch an improved offense only to see the defense go backwards.

I think the defense was overrated. Shaq played above expectations and I don’t expect a repeat. Reddick is gone. Strong feeling Brown still digging in his ass on the line. And Horn is still an unknown.

I feel the defense will overachieve if they play to last years’ level but I don’t see how they are going to compete with that dline.

Regardless, this defense doesn’t feel saavy enough for me. It’s missing that key price and is going to be flimsy imo. We will see.

[poundaway]

3 hours ago, trueblade said:

I keep looking at the schedule and it's hard for me to see more than 5 to 6 wins.

 

I see 7 winnable games: Browns (wo Watson),2x Atlanta, Seattle, Giants, Steelers, Lions

I'm not saying we're going to win those 7, but it isn't unreasonable that we can beat those teams.

We need a 2 upsets among these to make the playoffs:  
2xSaints, 9ers (w/essentially rookie  QB), Cards, Broncos, Ravens

Its very improbable from this vantage, though not impossible.  It would help if Lance stinks and the Saints take a hit without Payton. 

If we get 2020 Mayfield, we could be pretty good.

[pantherj]

We have enough talent to have a winning season if Baker plays really well. If not, then we're looking at 6-7 wins imo. We'll know in the first 3 games how the season is going to go. We need to start 3-0.

[The Lobo]

Nothing wrong with being positive, it can be infectious. 

[Mr. Scot]

2 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

This. I don't want to further taint my memory of what Cam was on his prime. Signing him last year was worth it for that first game. That was the most excitement I've had as a Panthers fan since 2015. But it's over. We gotta let it go.

General concensus is the Mayfield trade "slams the door" on Newton being a Panther again.

That's probably reasonable to conclude.

[ForJimmy]

Reddick and Burns on the field together was a big run defense liability. One of them had to go in order to make this defense more balanced. I don’t necessarily see Reddick leaving as a bad thing. 

[MrBubba]

[Mr. Scot]

1 minute ago, ForJimmy said:

Reddick and Burns on the field together was a big run defense liability. One of them had to go in order to make this defense more balanced. I don’t necessarily see Reddick leaving as a bad thing. 

Who replaces him that's better against the run, though?

General read is that the pass rush opposite Burns is "by committee" at this point.

[ForJimmy]

Just now, Mr. Scot said:

Who replaces him that's better against the run, though?

General read is that the pass rush opposite Burns is "by committee" at this point.

YGM, we also looked at a few vets like Carlos Dunlap. I wonder if signing Baker makes up more prone to sign a player like Dunlap…

[ThPantherFan]

4 hours ago, Zod said:

Decent QB. Improved OL. Healthy CMC (for now).

 

Could the Panthers be watchable and actually win some games?

A couple at least.

[ThPantherFan]

4 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

I've got a feeling we're going to watch an improved offense only to see the defense go backwards.

Probably.  rule will mess it up some how.

[ThPantherFan]

4 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

No more free passes.

That is for sure.  I don't even want to talk about rule.

[Mr. Scot]

11 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

YGM, we also looked at a few vets like Carlos Dunlap. I wonder if signing Baker makes up more prone to sign a player like Dunlap…

I'm hopeful on Gross-Matos, but not convinced yet.

[ThPantherFan]

4 hours ago, rayzor said:

But as long as that guy has control my optimism has the mute button pressed.

rule needs to be fired, PERIOD.  I think we will have a better season this year but not by much.