4 Takeaways From the Preaseason

1. The Front Seven will be Outstanding

Source: SB Nation

During the offseason, the Panthers added defensive tackles Star Lotulelei out of Utah and Kawann Short our of Purdue, quickly turning one of the team's biggest weaknesses into one of its biggest strengths. Along the defensive line, the Panthers already had two of the best pass rushers in football in Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, who combined for 23.5 sacks last season. The Panthers also boast one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL, led by Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly. Kuechly solidified himself as an elite middle linebacker with a huge performance in the first half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he had 7 tackles, forced a fumble, and also had an interception. Flanking Kuechly are outstanding outside linebackers Thomas Davis and Jon Beason.  Beason is making the switch from the middle to the weakside after two injury-riddled seasons, but when healthy, Beason can be one of the most dominant linebackers out there. Throughout the preseason, the front seven has looked absolutely wonderful, gobbling up opposing running backs and applying solid pressure on the quarterback. It has led to an abundance of turnovers for the team, something that will most likely carry over to the regular season. If their play in the preseason was any indication of things to come, the Panthers will likely have one of the NFL's top defenses.

2. Josh Norman (and the Whole Secondary) is Ready

Source: Boston Herald

Young cornerback Josh Norman looked like a true playmaker during the preseason, racking up a league-high four interceptions, including one which he took back for a touchdown in the first game against the Chicago Bears. The Panthers defense as a whole totaled 10 interceptions during the preseason, which also led the NFL. Norman has displayed a nose for the ball and a tenacity that the Panthers desperately need in their young secondary. With an extremely strong preseason showing, Norman looks ready to start at cornerback opposite of either Josh Thomas or Captain Munnerlyn, both of whom had solid outings in the preseason.

3. What to do at Wide Receiver?

When I originally started writing this article, I used this space to heap praise on David Gettis, claiming he had a chance to be the Panther's number two wideout by season's end.
Then he got cut.
Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Truthfully I thought he looked great during the preseason, hauling in 11 passes for 164 yards. He seemed to be getting off the line quickly and running crisp routes, the only mistake I saw him make was a drop on a third down. But you don't cut a guy based on one play, it's based on a whole body of work. I suppose the coaching staff must not have been as enamored with him as I was. Anyways, the Panthers now carry Steve Smith, Brandon Lafell, Armanti Edwards, Ted Ginn Jr., and Domenik Hixon at wide receiver. Brandon Lafell will likely start opposite of Steve Smith, but after that things get tricky. None of the remaining three guys seem like true number three receivers. Edwards is a converted quarterback but seems to have potential, Ginn is more of a return specialist, and Hixon battled injuries throughout his career with the Giants. It will be interesting to see how the team rotates those three in the slot.


4. The Offensive Line Needs to Improve

Like most quarterbacks in the league, Cam Newton is a much better passer when he has time in the pocket. And like all running backs in the league, DeAngelo Williams is a better running back when his offensive line is opening up holes for him up the middle. I didn't see much of either of those during the preseason from the Panther's offensive line, but some of that can be contributed to injuries. At left tackle, Jordan Gross is still a top lineman, but he's aging and it is beginning to show. At the guard position, Amini Silatolu has been banged up since training camp and fourth round pick Edmund Kugbila is on injured reserve, so the team signed Travelle Wharton, a former Panther, to help add depth. Assuming Silatolu is healthy, he will likely start at left guard, with Garry Williams or Wharton manning the right guard. Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil will of course start at center, and he figures to be as dominant as always. At right tackle, Byron Bell returns as the starter, but he's still fairly inexperienced. Overall, the group is okay but nothing special. I think with proper coaching they can be a solid unit, but it will take time.