Carolina Panthers Betting – Panthers Future In The Hands Of Franchise Quarterback
It appeared as though a two-win season was just what the Carolina Panthers’ owner Jerry Richardson needed to come to the realization that this is a quarterback league, where games are won and lost based on the talent a team has under center. Richardson watched as veteran Matt Moore and rookie Jimmy Clausen fumbled and bumbled their way through one of the worst seasons in franchise history a year ago, but it may have been just what was needed for a Panthers’ team that was desperate for change. Carolina’s futile ways earned them the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL betting lines draft, and with that selection they may have very well set the franchise course for the next decade.
The Panthers were set on drafting national champion and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton from the sports betting bonus outset, and after watching him work out in person the team was even more convinced that he has all of the intangibles of the player that they want leading their team going forward. But despite a strong arm, mobility, and a passion for success, Newton remains a raw prospect that scouts project will have a steep learning curve at the professional level. Carolina has been impressed with what they have seen from him in training camp early on, and despite the lack of experience it appears as though he could be the starter from day one.
There are obvious concerns about a franchise that is coming off of a two-win season with a rookie quarterback and a rookie head coach in Ron Rivera, but all of the buzz out of the state is that the Panthers are looking very good this preseason. Rivera has brought a renewed energy and focus to the team that it lacked under Jon Fox in his final season, and the outlook on both sides of the ball will be different. On offense, Carolina will benefit from the return of right tackle Jeff Otah on a strong offensive line, and with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both in the backfield the running game should be better. Wide receiver Steve Smith has looked like a man on a mission, and the team signed a couple of tight ends with Pro Bowl potential in Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen to help with Newton’s transition. Defensively, the Panthers will be a lot more aggressive this season with more pressure up front and different blitz looks. Defensive end Charles Johnson resigned, but the key to the defense will be how well a thin secondary holds up if Carolina can’t get pressure up front.
The Panthers will compete in one of the toughest sports betting divisions in football with the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all looking to improve on winning seasons. A .500 record could be a reach for a team with so many question marks, while three or four wins might be a more realistic goal as Carolina brings along Newton and looks to build towards the future.
