5 questions facing the Panthers in training camp
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The Carolina Panthers captured the NFC South in consecutive seasons, and this year's team may be the best of the Cam Newton era.
The division was poorly contested throughout the 2014 campaign and the Panthers punched their ticket to the postseason with a 7-8-1 record. With improvements made across the board, Carolina will have to be better in 2015 if it is to make its third-straight playoff appearance.
Here are five questions facing the Panthers in training camp.
Are Josh Norman and Bene Benwikere the real deal?
Antoine Cason and Melvin White were the Panthers' Week 1 starting cornerbacks in 2014, but were quickly supplanted by Josh Norman and Bene Benwikere, who were excellent leading up to the Panthers' playoff run.
Benwikere was selected in the fifth round in 2014 and excelled in the latter half of the season, missing just seven defensive snaps during the Panthers' two playoff games. The 23-year-old held passers to a mere 72.9 passer rating, but also surrendered catches on 66 percent of attempts headed in his direction, according to Pro Football Focus.
Norman wasn't as anonymous during his breakout season, but for all the wrong reasons. The 27-year-old was benched during his rookie campaign in 2012 and played sparingly throughout the 2013 season. However, after Cason and White proved they couldn't be reliable contributors on a team with playoff aspirations, Norman took full advantage of his second chance, amassing 48 tackles and two interceptions.
Whether Benwikere and Norman prove to be one-year wonders or long-term starters remains a question for the Panthers. If the latter proves to be true, the Panthers' secondary woes won't exist for the first time in recent history.
Who will emerge as Jonathan Stewart's primary backup?
Jonathan Stewart put together some of the best football of his career in 2014, becoming the team's feature back as the Panthers rattled off a four-game winning streak to enter the playoffs.
Carolina opted to release DeAngelo Williams, Stewart's long-time backfield partner, and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a result, the Panthers' democratic running back system may undergo some revisions, with opportunities for a host of players to emerge as Stewart's backup.
Mike Tolbert may take more carries, but he's nominally listed as a fullback and specializes primarily as a blocker, though he can also be used in goal-line situations.
Fozzy Whittaker was used sparingly last season, and it remains unclear whether he's a viable long-term backup. Veteran Jordan Todman provides some depth after coming over from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie Cameron Artis-Payne, who was selected in the fifth round of this year's draft, could be a darkhorse in the Panthers' backfield.
Will Devin Funchess be ready to contribute immediately?
Kelvin Benjamin emerged as the Panthers' best receiver in his first year with the club, and Devin Funchess was selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft to provide him with a legitimate running mate.
Funchess openly stated he's aiming to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the Michigan product will give the Panthers two 6-foot-5 receivers to contend with, fitting in perfectly with the team's brute style of play.
At this stage of their careers, Ted Ginn and Jerricho Cotchery aren't expected to be major contributors, and Funchess' ability to adapt to the offense could steer the Panthers' playoff hopes. Funchess may also be able to draw attention away from Benjamin, and if all goes as planned, the Panthers would've developed a strong receiving duo in the span of 12 months.
Can Ryan Kalil return to Pro Bowl form?
Ryan Kalil was named to the Pro Bowl four times in his career, but his play dropped off dramatically last season, allowing 20 quarterback hurries and three sacks. Kalil was the long-time anchor of the Panthers' offensive line and will need to continue to excel as a run blocker if the team is to maintain its stranglehold over the rest of the division.
Although guards Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell both performed well in 2014, Kalil sets the tone for the rest of the club. Kalil regressed badly as a pass blocker and though Newton is one of the best quarterbacks under pressure, the 30-year-old center is imperative to keeping drives alive.
With Dallas' Travis Frederick and Pittsburgh's Maurkice Pouncey establishing themselves as the new standard bearers at the position, Kalil may never see a Pro Bowl again. However, at 30, Kalil may have time for one more renaissance performance.
How will the Panthers utilize Shaq Thompson?
Shaq Thompson entered the 2015 NFL Draft as one of the most unique prospects available, and the Panthers snapped him up with the 25th overall pick. Listed as an inside linebacker, Thompson possesses the speed to play strong safety and could hide next to Tre Boston in blitz packages.
A five-star recruit coming out of high school, Thompson was listed as the nation's best safety before committing to Washington. In his final collegiate season, Thompson was presented with the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation's most versatile player.
Carolina boasts two outstanding inside linebackers in Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, and the 21-year-old could be used similar to Arizona's Deone Bucannon as a hybrid safety/linebacker.