The Carolina Panthers, despite two consecutive quality outings and wins, remain the worst team in the league by most metrics. They are the only team to allow more than 30 points per game (exactly 31.0) and the third with the most yards. Injuries played a role, but the perfectly healthy Panthers D gave up 47 points and 379 yards to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. Many positions need to be corrected.
While the decision to not pay Brian Burns improved their cap situation, it dampened their pass rush. The Panthers have DJ Wonnum and Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney was ineffective and Wonnum played well in his debut. This should be the number one position needed on the entire roster.
The secondary right now is virtually Jaycee Horn and a bunch of random players. Cornerback is entirely dependent on Horn. If the Panthers can extend Horn, the position may not really be needed, but they still need a viable CB2. Otherwise, teams simply won’t target Horn and will take advantage of other players.
Josey Jewell has played well lately and Trevin Wallace has shown promise, but Shaq Thompson will be old, expensive and coming off a serious injury again. The linebacker position should be addressed, but probably in the draft so they can continue to develop him on the cheap.
Xavier Woods has made some plays during his tenure with the Panthers, but the team simply doesn’t have a reliable safety. Woods, this season, might have more unnecessary roughness penalties than big plays. If they can fix the back end, this team could be a lot tougher to play against.
Shy Tuttle has shown flashes inside, but he’s far from a dominant force. The depth behind him is non-existent and this team looks ready to build from the trenches. Adding talent to surround Derrick Brown inside is a smart idea for Dan Morgan and company.
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