Panthers’ training camp is right around the corner. But first, we’ll take stock of Carolina’s offseason and look ahead to the storylines to watch for in training camp. Plus, I have some bold predictions, and I took a crack at what the Panthers’ depth chart will look like when they open the season against the Atlanta Falcons on September 10.
Carolina Panthers Offseason Recap
Who’s In?
Who’s Out?
Meet the Rookies
2023 Outlook & Training Camp Storylines
I’ve said this before — but I wouldn’t say I like it because the Bears hold the Panthers’ 2024 first-rounder — but Carolina is a team that I feel their fan base should be plenty excited about. With their QB of the future and an excellent new coaching staff in tow, the Panthers’ arrow is firmly pointing up these days.
The Panthers aren’t there yet, but there is plenty of reason to believe the future is bright in Carolina after one heck of an offseason by GM Scott Fitterer.
Training Camp Storylines
Bryce, Bryce, and more Bryce — The Panthers have a new QB1 and its No. 1 pick, Bryce Young. Carolina turned the keys to the car over to Young a couple of weeks ago, and he will be taking all of the first-team reps in training camp next month. How will the Panthers QB of the future fare? All of the early returns from Minicamp have been great, and I can’t wait to get to Charlotte next month to see Young in person.
MORE: Panthers Make Bryce Young QB1
Frank Reich’s new coaching staff looks excellent — I said this earlier this week, but the staff that Frank Reich and the Panthers have put together is a dynamic mix of old-school and new-school coaching. It’ll be interesting to see how all of the dynamic personalities come together in camp next month.
Bold Predictions
Bryce Young Wins NFC Rookie of the Year — Bryce Young has been superb this spring, and we already know that he will be QB1 this season. ෴Will a whole training camp of first-team reps help Young gain an advantage over the field for this award? I think that Bijan Robinson is the favorite, but Young has an excellent shot as well.
Panthers Win the NFC South — The Saints and Falcons are the favorites to win the NFC South this season, but I wouldn’t count out the Panthers. Generally, when a team hits the reset switch, they won’t win a division the following season. However, Carolina has made an aggressive play at accelerating this reset. I think they’re a better team than they were last season, and let’s not forget they almost won this division in 2022.
Wins Over/Under (7.5)
As I said, Carolina almost won the NFC South in 2022, thanks to the Buccaneers being brutal as a division winner. Carolina is better than they were last season; this time, they have a direction and foundation in place for the future. In a cruddy division, the Panthers could make some noise. At 7.5, I’m taking the over for Carolina this season.
Prediction: Over
Note: 2023 NFL Win Totals via
Carolina Panthers Projected Starting Lineup
