Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Carolina Panthers

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Carolina Panthers

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Ron Rivera
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Shula
Defensive Coordinator: Sean McDermott

Key Additions

• DT Paul Soliai
• C Gino Gradkowski
• DT Vernon Butler (1st round)
• CB James Bradberry (2nd round)
• CB Daryl Worley (3rd round)

Key Departures

• CB Josh Norman
• CB Charles Tillman
• DE Jared Allen
• G Amini Silatolu
• S Roman Harper
• CB Cortland Finnegan
• C Fernando Velasco
• DT Kyle Love

Preseason Power Ranking - No. 2

With the return of Kelvin Benjamin canceling out the loss of Josh Norman, this is pretty much the same 15-1 team that went to Super Bowl 50 - only more experienced. More...

Projected Starting Lineup

Questions to Answer

• Can Cam Newton carry his MVP form into 2016?
• How will rookie cornerbacks James Bradberry and Daryl Worley make up for losing Josh Norman?
• Will Kelvin Benjamin rebound after missing 2015 with torn ACL?

Best-case Scenario

Newton repeats as MVP as the Panthers lead the NFL in scoring again. Luke Kuechly wins Defensive Player of the Year, and a ferocious front seven makes up for an inexperienced secondary as Carolina goes 14-2. The Panthers avenge their Super Bowl 50 by capturing the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

Worst-case Scenario

Newton regresses badly in 2016 with defenses figuring out how to fluster him inside the pocket. Benjamin, Funchess, and the Panthers' receiving core are neutralized and the offense completely stalls. Carolina's two rookie cornerbacks fail to transition to the professional game while Kuechly's and Short's heroics aren't enough to keep the Panthers afloat, and they barely miss the playoffs.