The Carolina Panthers lead the NFC in total points
Last year, the Panthers finished 14th in the NFC for total points at 340, while the San Francisco 49ers landed on top with 479. That seems like a far climb, but the Panthers made some interesting moves this offseason, which could see them shoot up the scoreboard.
For starters, the upgrade at the quarterback position is a gigantic one. Regardless of Kyle Allen’s shockingly good first couple of games, his entire season didn’t go as planned. Despite starting in seven more games, Allen only threw for eight more touchdowns than Teddy Bridgewater over the course of the season.
Even though conversions like this aren’t completely accurate, Bridgewater was on pace for a 28 touchdown season, which would place him fifth in the league last year.
The biggest discrepancy between the two is the turnovers. Allen accounted for 17 interceptions and 13 fumbles, which totals up to 30 turnovers in 12 starts; a 5:2 turnover to start ratio. While Bridgewater, who did only compete in five starts, only threw two interceptions and had one fumble. That brought his season total to three turnovers in five starts, a 3:5 turnover to start ratio.
The Panthers also brought in one of the biggest deep-threats in the league, Robby Anderson. With the addition of Anderson, Carolina rosters three players who were in the top 50 in receiving yards last year; Robby Anderson, Christian McCaffrey, and D.J. Moore.
Lastly, the running game, where the Panthers are the strongest. As far as solely rushing goes, McCaffrey is either the best or second best in the league alongside Derrick Henry.
McCaffrey was tied for first in total touchdowns last season at 19, and became the third player in NFL history to finish with over 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards.
The team also brings in LSU offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who deemed successful in coordinating one of the greatest college offenses ever.
You put all this together and the Panthers have a very strong offensive team. The biggest problem is their defense, where they lost nine key players from last year’s roster.
Carolina will be capable of scoring, but their defense will hold them back, resulting in what is likely going to be a poor season.
