Expectations for the Panthers are much lower going into 2019 than they were last year, when they went 11-5 and made the playoffs despite a brutal NFC field of contenders. The even-numbered year curse struck Carolina yet again in 2018, beginning with a series of injuries to the offensive line before the season even began.
The Panthers started the year hot anyway though, getting out to a 6-2 start before a blowout loss to the Steelers destroyed both their confidence and their quarterback’s good health. After a 7-9 finish and the exits of several key players, it’s worth debating if they’re even an average NFL team right now. According to ESPN, they are not.
In a new batch of way-too-early power rankings for 2019, ESPN has Carolina ranked as the 19th-best team in the league.
Harsh as that number sounds, it’s also difficult to argue with.
The x-factor is how strong Cam Newton’s throwing shoulder is. If he makes a full recovery from his recent surgery and is healthy by the beginning of the season, the Panthers should have every opportunity to at least be an 8-8 team. If Newton’s soreness returns though it’s very tough to see Carolina staying competitive in the NFC South.
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