The top 3 #Panthers storylines i’ll be watching as the 2013 season gets underway: 1) It doesn’t take a genius to put Cam Newton at the top of any list. He has the most to prove, by far, than any other player on this team. Yes, it’s a make or break season for HC Ron Rivera, but if Newton can get it together and lead this team ... that will take some pressure of Rivera (who is 13-19 in his first two season’s as head coach, that includes 13 games decided by 7 points or less). I always wonder who is the voice of this team that each player respects, that when the player talks, everyone listens. Steve Smith? Jon Beason? Jordan Gross? The greatest teams would say, there quarterback is the voice of the team. (OK, unless your Ray Lewis) But look at Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers. Cam Newton has yet to prove he can lead, he’s had his moments of leadership, but also immaturity. And I get that, he’s young. But this is his 3rd season. A season that could make his career. And without Newton’s leadership, I can’t see anything good for the Panthers. 2) DEFENSE DEFENSE! The line is expected to be incredible, as defensive end Greg Hardy says ... they should be called “Monsters Inc”. Hardy and fellow DE Charles Johnson both notched double-digit sacks in 2012, I can’t wait for 2013. The addition of 1st rounder Star Lotulelei will help provide a strong inside presence. I’m not so worried about the linebackers. Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly if healthy can hold it down .. and hopefully Jon Beason (shoulder/knee) is just as successful as Davis was when he returned return from injury last year. It’s the secondary that is the biggest concern on defense. Captain Munnerlyn ... lost his starting job to rookie Josh Norman last season .. then Norman lost his starting job towards the end of 2012. Keep an eye on newcomer D.J Moore to make his presence known in training camp. He comes to the Panthers after 3 seasons with the Chicago Bears. Obviously there are dozens of things to watch as we approach the 2013 NFL season, but I’m just picking MY top 3) So at number 3, I had to decide between the running game or wide receivers. There are veteran stars at each position. I’ve decided I am most interested in seeing who can establish themselves as another top target for Cam Newton ... Steve Smith and TE Greg Olsen can’t do it all. Though coach told me during minicamp that Brandon LaFell is the No.2 wide-out. I am not sold. I’ll be eyeing his consistency and chemistry with Cam Newton & looking to see whether newly acquired Dominik Hixon or Tedd Ginn Jr. could take that over that spot. Not to mention David Gettis is returning from Injury. This position is deep. WR’s Joe Adams and Armanti Edwards, I think, are on the bubble for making this years roster.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 23:55:08 +0000
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