2015 Team Preview: Carolina Panthers

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Updated on June 23, 2015 5:53PM EST

STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

The Panthers advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs once again last season, albeit in rather unconventional fashion. To start, the Panthers' lackluster 7-8-1 record was good enough to win the NFC South for the second consecutive season, but only after a Week 6 tie and a subsequent six straight losses were followed by four straight wins to finish the campaign.

Additionally, quarterback Cam Newton missed Carolina's season-opening win due to ankle and rib ailments, which preceded him suffering two transverse process fractures in his back during a December car accident. While that scary scene forced Newton out of Week 15 action, the Panthers still managed another win in his absence. Carolina also played all but one game without Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy, who spent the season on the commissioner's exempt list.

Heading into 2015, the Panthers boast fantastic building blocks on both sides of the ball. Besides Newton, Carolina's offense is led by tight end Greg Olsen, who is coming off a career-high 1,008 yards last season. Impressively, rookie wideout Kelvin Benjamin matched that total exactly, and at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, the 2014 first-rounder also hauled in nine touchdown passes. Speaking of first-round picks, the Panthers released franchise-leading rusher DeAngelo Williams this offseason, but hope Jonathan Stewart can parlay his resurgent 2014 return into another healthy, productive season.

Along with their established offensive threats, the Panthers added depth this offseason, mostly to better protect and provide for Newton. To that

STATE OF THE FRANCHISE

Along with their established offensive threats, the Panthers added depth this offseason, mostly to better protect and provide for Newton. To that point, veteran linemen Michael Oher and Jonathan Martin were signed to keep defenders off Newton, while Carolina bought low on receivers Jarrett Boykin and Ted Ginn to help their passing game. Moreover, the Panthers traded up to draft 6-foot-4, 232-pound wideout Devin Funchess in the second round to give Newton another potential matchup problem outside.

On defense, linebacker Luke Kuechly followed his Defensive Player of the Year campaign by leading the NFL with 153 tackles last season. Meanwhile, teammate Thomas Davis put together his third straight 100-tackle year, and Charles Johnson added 8.5 sacks for the league's 10th-ranked defense. Nonetheless, that standing fell from Carolina's second-place rank in 2013, possibly influencing this year's first-round selection of linebacker Shaq Thompson. A versatile playmaker, Thompson presents an intriguing skill set for coach Ron Rivera, who also brought aboard experienced cornerback Charles Tillman this offseason. Tillman figures to mentor rising second-year defensive backs Bene Benwikere and Tre Boston this season, while the Panthers target a third consecutive NFC South crown.

OFFSEASON MOVES

Key Acquisitions

Charles Tillman – CB, Bears
Dealt with injuries over the last two years, but forced 42 fumbles and 36 interceptions during his tenure in Chicago.

Ted Ginn –WR, Cardinals
The speedster caught a career-high five touchdowns with the Panthers during the 2013 campaign.

Michael Oher – OT, Titans
The Panthers' projected starting left tackle despite carrying an arthritic toe condition.

Shaq Thompson - LB, Washington (ROUND 1, 25th Overall)
A hybrid outside linebacker who doubled as a running back in his final college season.

Devin Funchess – WR, Michigan (ROUND 2, 41st Overall)
A physically imposing target with the versatility to create defensive mismatches.

Cameron Artis-Payne – RB, Auburn (ROUND 5, 174th Overall)
The All-SEC runner gained 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns during his senior season.

Key Losses

DeAngelo Williams – RB, Steelers
The 32-year-old was released this offseason as the Panthers' all-time leading rusher.

Greg Hardy – DE, Cowboys
Racked up 15.0 sacks in 2013, but suspended for 10 games this coming season.

TEAM NOTES

SUPER CAM TO THE RESCUE
Between offseason ankle surgery, a slight preseason ribs fracture and two off-field back fractures in December, quarterback Cam Newton was plenty banged-up without considering his 103 rushing attempts behind Carolina's subpar offensive line last season. Factor in a renovated receiving corps and two missed games, and there's little wonder why Newton endured career-low numbers in most statistical categories. However, as Newton approaches the upcoming season, there's still plenty of reason to buy the 26-year-old's fantasy stock. Along with a fully healthy offseason that brought new linemen to Carolina, Newton now has an understanding with his newer receivers, including red zone terror Kelvin Benjamin. Additionally, tight end Greg Olsen is at the peak of his career and rookie Devin Funchess is another big-bodied target. Moreover, Newton finished the 2014 regular season with a rushing touchdown in three straight games, maintaining his unique dual-threat ability that should offer itself toward a resurgence.

STEWART & CO. CARRYING SERVICE
Jonathan Stewart enters this season as Carolina's unquestioned starting running back. Last season, Stewart matched his combined total of 15 appearances over the previous two seasons and dominated down the stretch. In fact, Stewart rushed for 679 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry over the Panthers' final seven games, including two playoff performances. With Stewart penciled in the starting lineup with mobile quarterback Cam Newton, coach Ron Rivera also returns short-yard specialist Mike Tolbert and sleeper tailback Fozzy Whittaker to last season's seventh-ranked rushing attack. Furthermore, offseason signing Jordan Todman and fifth-rounder Cameron Artis-Payne present extra options behind Stewart, who according to Rivera's ideal scenario, would handle around 15 carries per game this season.

THE KUECHLY COMMITTEE
Since finishing 27th in total defense in 2011, coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott have built the Panthers into a top 10 unit in each of the last three seasons. That span also coincides with middle linebacker Luke Kuechly entering the league in 2012 and averaging over 157 tackles since then. Arguably fantasy's best defensive player, Kuechly and fellow linebacker Thomas Davis comprise the heart and soul of a Panthers defense that parted ways with troubled pass rusher Greg Hardy this offseason. Without Hardy, the Panthers dropped from first to 13th in sacks last season and struggled to begin the campaign. However, as young players grew accustomed to their roles, Carolina's defense steadily regained its luster. Now, the Panthers welcome rookie Shaq Thompson to the fold, as they look to remain among the league's best defensive teams.

VALUE METER

Rising:Jonathan Stewart is now the Panthers' clear starter at running back following the offseason departure of DeAngelo Williams.

Declining:Charles Johnson's 52.5 sacks since 2010 suggest remarkable consistency, but without Greg Hardy opposite him last season, Johnson's 8.5 sacks were his fewest over the past five seasons.

Sleeper:Devin Funchess could quickly displace veteran Jerricho Cotchery as the Panthers' No. 2 receiver and is gifted with physical attributes similar to last season's breakout rookie Kelvin Benjamin.

Supersleeper:Fozzy Whittaker's 39-yard touchdown catch helped seal last season's playoff victory and followed 205 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry during limited regular season action.

IDP WATCH

Luke Kuechly - LB
The All Pro registered an NFL-best 153 tackles and career-best three sacks last season.

Thomas Davis - LB
The 32-year-old has accumulated 328 total tackles since returning healthy in 2012.

Shaq Thompson - LB
An undersized yet athletic rookie, who could start immediately and fill multiple roles.