Carolina Panthers 2019 Season Preview - NFL Picks & Predictions

The Carolina Panthers come into the 2019 season with one major question mark, the health of QB Cam Newton’s shoulder. Newton has reportedly changed his throwing motion and is looking good in training camp. The Panthers signed C Matt Paradis to bolster what was an already talented bunch. Carolina ranked 10th in total offense a season ago and that was tih Newton missing plenty of time in the second half.

Third-year RB Christian McCaffrey rushed for close to 1,100 yards and caught 107 passes in 2018, making him an elite fantasy player. Veteran TE Greg Olsen will continue to be Newton’s security blanket in the passing game. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera knows to be a Super Bowl contender, he needs a power running game and a top-tier defense. The Panthers ranked in the middle of the pack defensively a season ago and will transition to a 3-4 scheme in 2019. Rookie Brian Burns and newly signed Bruce Irvin will be expected to boost a pash rush, that has been mediocre the last few years.

The anchor of the Carolina run defense is All-Pro LB Luke Kuechly, who has racked up 255 tackles over the last two seasons. The Panthers lack high quality talent in the secondary and are counting on second year DB Donte Jackson to show continued growth.