The Panthers are the lone unbeaten team in the NFL at 11-0, but if the mighty Patriots couldn’t get there in 2015, why should the surprising Panthers be able to? There are several reasons why Carolina can run the regular season table, and here they are.
Schedule
The Panthers’ remaining slate is not going to be too resistant to their chase for perfection. Here are Carolina’s remaining games: @ Saints, vs. Falcons, @ Giants, @ Falcons, vs. Buccaneers. None of those opponents rank better than 15th in the NFL in team defense; The Saints, Giants and Falcons rank 32nd, 20th, and 17th, respectively, meaning that all of the Panthers’ remaining road tilts come against defenses in the bottom half of the league.
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The Panthers have overcome some stiff opposition during the season and come out unscathed. Now they’re hitting the smooth part of the road, and simply need to keep their foot on the gas pedal.
Defensive Studs
Carolina’s defense has been one of the two best in football in 2015, and it’s no fluke. They are spearheaded by two studs -- LB Luke Keuchly and CB Josh Norman -- who are arguably the two best players at their positions in the NFL. Kuechly erases opposing running games, and is also one of the best coverage linebackers in football, helping snuff out the short passing game or limit opposing tight ends as needed.
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Norman, who has flown under the radar for most, has Carolina ranked No. 1 in the NFL against No. 1 wide receivers. Norman is no longer anonymous after holding Dez Bryant to two catches and 26 yards. This year Norman has recorded 40 tackles, four interceptions and scored two touchdowns. These two guys alone give opponents brain cramps, and they’re backed up by solid complementary parts.
The MVP
Then, on offense, the Panthers have the likely MVP of the league, quarterback Cam Newton. Newton’s passing stats are solid, but unspectacular. He does have a five-touchdown performance vs. the Buccaneers and one 315-yard game vs. the Saints, but overall they look pedestrian to slightly above average. Newton’s value is to the Panthers’ No. 5-ranked rushing game.
Newton has run 98 times for 427 yards and seven touchdowns. The tremendous threat he poses on the ground has opened up lanes for tailback Jonathan Stewart, who has rushed for 832 yards and four touchdowns this year.
Newton has thrown for 20 touchdowns and nine picks without his top receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, since training camp, and has accounted for 27 total touchdowns. For much of the season his No. 1 receiver was Ted Ginn Jr., a return specialist, and his No. 2 receiver was 33-year-old journeyman Jerricho Cotchery. Tom Brady has had an amazing season, but Newton has won more games with a quarter of the surrounding talent.
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