The Carolina Panthers finished the 2021 season with a 5-12 record, which was food for fourth place in the NFC South and the sixth worst record in the league. They dealt with a lot of injuries last season and they’re hoping their key players can stay healthy this season and lead them back into the playoffs.
The Panthers averaged 17.9 points per game last season, which was 29th in the league. They gave up 23.8 points per game, which was 21st.
Sam Darnold completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Chuba Hubbard led the team with 612 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while DJ Moore led the team with 1,157 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The team traded for former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Who expected to compete with Darnold for the starting quarterback job. They also drafted former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral. Who is expected to be in the mix for the starting job.
Their offensive line wasn’t very good last season, with their quarterbacks getting sacked 52 times. They signed Austin Corbett and center Bradley Bozeman and drafted former. NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu in the first round of the draft. And are hoping they can provide better protection for the quarterbacks.
Christian McCaffrey, who played only seven games last season, is expected to be ready for the start of the season. And will be a big part of their offense.
Defensively, the Panthers added Brandon Smith, Amare Barno, and Kalon Barnes through the draft. They also added Xavier Woods in free agency. With the loss of Stephon Gilmore and leading pass rusher Haason Reddick. They won’t be as good as they were last season. So expect them to compete with the Falcons for the worst record in the division. Which is why Super Bowl 2023 predictions are giving them +5000 odds to win the Super Bowl.
