Three Questions About the Panthers as Training Camp Gets Closer

Following a season in which the Panthers had success early but stumbled late and ended the season 7-9, good for second in the NFC South, there are plenty of questions about the team as 2019 approaches.

Now that the calendar has turned to July, the start of training camp is closing in and things are ramping up for the franchise to get ready for 2019.

Today we take a quick look at three questions about this team as they get set to embark on what they hope will be a season playing into the postseason.

1. The Future of Ron Rivera

There’s plenty of eyes on Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, who since being named the team’s head coach in 2011 has won two Coach of the Year awards.

Last season there were plenty of fans calling for his head after the club started 6-2, and then lost seven straight before finishing the year with a win over the Saints on the road in a game that was more like a preseason affair due to the Saints sitting all their starters.

The Panthers under Rivera have never had back-to-back winning seasons, and in his time with the franchise boasts a mark of 71-56-1.

He needs to have a good camp to install confidence into this franchise once again and set things straight with those that want him out of his job.

2. Can Cam Regain His Form Before His Injury?

While it’s a make or break season for Ron Rivera, quarterback Cam Newton may not be far behind, with plenty of fans ready to move on from the 30-year-old thrower.

Newton did not look like the same QB he always was in the second half of the season, and the team eventually shut him down for the final two games of the season as he dealt with a lingering shoulder injury.

After the season, it was revealed that Newton had undergone another surgery on the same shoulder had had surgery on in early 2017.

Newton’s injury was the main factor in the Panthers’ seven-game losing streak, and the franchise needs him to be 100 percent if they are going to contend with the likes of the Saints and Falcons in the NFC South.

Last season Newton threw for 3395 yards with 24 scores and 13 interceptions.

3. What Wide Outs Will Step up in 2019?

The Panthers have a burning question at the wide out position in 2019, and that is what receiver will lead the team?

Last season it was 21-year-old D.J. Moore leading the way with 55 catches for 788 yards and two scores. Moore has the talent to be even better this season.

Devin Funchess and Curtis Samuel are two other pass catchers that will get plenty of chances during camp, and both of them could have big roles in 2019 for the team.

The Panthers top pass catcher in 2018 was running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end Greg Olsen is another top target for Cam Newton.

Jarius Wright and Ian Thomas (tight end) are two more possible targets at the wide out spot for Newton. Camp will go a long way in determining who will be a top wide out on the team in 2019.

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