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The NFL lockout has dampened the usual offseason analysis of each team's comings and goings. But, lockout or not, the league will still be moving on at some point -- hopefully in time for the regular season to start on time Sept. 8. And during the labor impasse, USA TODAY will focus back on the field by breaking down the five biggest questions facing each team for the 2011 season.
Up today: The Carolina Panthers.
1. Will rookie QB Cam Newton be the starter this season?
Cam Newton was the draft's No. 1 pick, but will he be the Panthers' No. 1 QB by Week 1?
At some point, Newton -- the new face of the Panthers after being drafted No. 1 overall -- will be handed the starting job because the position is one of the weakest areas for the NFL's worst team (Carolina was 2-14 last season). In workouts organized by the players during the lockout, Newton has impressed teammates with his work ethic, personality and skill. And he's saying and doing all the right things. Panthers CB Captain Munnerlyn told the Mobile (Ala.) Press-Register recently: "I'd say he's a workaholic. I didn't think he could throw at first, but I was wrong. I watched him in the seven-on-seven drills, and he looks great. He's a big dude and a great athlete. I hope we can make something happen with him." But don't expect Newton to start the season because the lockout has stripped his opportunities to learn the offense, study film, work with coaches and get his reps in real practices. Either second-year QB Jimmy Clausen, who was treated like a human pinata (33 sacks in 11 starts) last season and could be trade bait, former starter Matt Moore (who is unsigned) or a veteran free agent (maybe Marc Bulger and Kerry Collins?) will likely be the Week 1 starter.
2. Is new head coach Ron Rivera the right man for the job?
As a defensive coordinator and position coach, Rivera ranked among the best in the NFL with the Bears, Eagles and Chargers. Several teams passed on him as a head coach before the Panthers hired him to turn around their moribund franchise, which in 2010 ranked last in the NFL on offense and allowed more points defensively than all but six teams. So Rivera has plenty to fix in order to disprove his doubters. But he is highly respected among the league's coaches, and learned under some of the best, including Lovie Smith in Chicago and Andy Reid in Philadelphia. And the fact that Rivera will be starting with a prized rookie quarterback in Newton may actually be a good sign. Some other recent rookie coach-quarterback combos fared quite well -- Matt Ryan and Mike Smith with the Falcons, John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco with the Ravens and Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez with the Jets -- so the odds for success aren't completely far-fetched. Rivera and Carolina GM Marty Hurney have hired a young staff to work with the young team, including bringing Rob Chudzinski from San Diego (the Chargers were No.1 offensively in the NFL) as offensive coordinator and getting Sean McDermott, who also learned under Reid, among the 18-person staff to run the defense.
3. Where will DE Charles Johnson and WR Steve Smith be playing in 2011?
Johnson figures to be a free agent once a new CBA is struck, while Smith is under contract through 2012. Signing Johnson seems a must. When DE Julius Peppers left as a free agent last year, Johnson didn't miss a beat, out-sacking Peppers (11.5 to 8) in 2010 while racking up 81 quarterback disruptions. If Johnson leaves, the Panthers will likely need to dip into the free-agent pool themselves to shore up an otherwise weak defensive line. Smith, 32, has said he would like to play for a contender before his career ends, but he has not publicly demanded a trade thus far. He had his worst season in 2010 (46 catches, 554 yards, 2 TDs) since his rookie year of 2001 minus his injury-aborted 2004 (one game played). A veteran wideout could be helpful to the development of Newton. But if Smith is unhappy, the Panthers may be forced to unload him.
4. How can the Panthers improve their offense?
Re-signing RB DeAngelo Williams, who is currently a restricted free agent but could be unrestricted under a new CBA (much like Johnson), would be a good start. The platoon of Williams and Jonathan Stewart was one of the league's best before a foot injury limited Williams to just 361 yards last season. But he'll probably be the top tailback on the free-agent market, and teams figure to pursue him aggressively. C Ryan Kalil, who was given the franchise tag, had a tough year like the rest of his linemates. But this is not as bad an offensive line as the 50 sacks it allowed would indicate. The various parts, such as LT Jordan Gross (Pro Bowl), were better than the whole. And the return from injury of RT Jeff Otah should help greatly. And though he's on the downside of his career, if healthy, new TE Jeremy Shockey should do well in the Antonio Gates role in Chudzinski's version of the San Diego offense. If Smith departs, there could be plenty of top-notch wideouts available in free agency, and the Panthers should have plenty of available cap space. And owner Jerry Richardson may have to open his wallet as teams may need to spend up to 90% of the salary cap under the next CBA.
5. Can the Panthers escape the NFC South cellar?
Carolina should be improved, but unless injuries and free-agent defections plague their division rivals, it's unlikely this season. This is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The Falcons (13-3) and Saints (11-5) were playoff teams, and the Buccaneers (10-6) just missed out by a tiebreaker. Each of them has a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and far more offensive weapons than the Panthers. They all were better than the Panthers defensively in 2010 as well. Add to that the fact the Panthers have the league's toughest schedule next year (142-114 opponents' record), and chances of escaping the cellar look dim.
USA TODAY
Up today: The Carolina Panthers.
1. Will rookie QB Cam Newton be the starter this season?
Cam Newton was the draft's No. 1 pick, but will he be the Panthers' No. 1 QB by Week 1?At some point, Newton -- the new face of the Panthers after being drafted No. 1 overall -- will be handed the starting job because the position is one of the weakest areas for the NFL's worst team (Carolina was 2-14 last season). In workouts organized by the players during the lockout, Newton has impressed teammates with his work ethic, personality and skill. And he's saying and doing all the right things. Panthers CB Captain Munnerlyn told the Mobile (Ala.) Press-Register recently: "I'd say he's a workaholic. I didn't think he could throw at first, but I was wrong. I watched him in the seven-on-seven drills, and he looks great. He's a big dude and a great athlete. I hope we can make something happen with him." But don't expect Newton to start the season because the lockout has stripped his opportunities to learn the offense, study film, work with coaches and get his reps in real practices. Either second-year QB Jimmy Clausen, who was treated like a human pinata (33 sacks in 11 starts) last season and could be trade bait, former starter Matt Moore (who is unsigned) or a veteran free agent (maybe Marc Bulger and Kerry Collins?) will likely be the Week 1 starter.
2. Is new head coach Ron Rivera the right man for the job?
As a defensive coordinator and position coach, Rivera ranked among the best in the NFL with the Bears, Eagles and Chargers. Several teams passed on him as a head coach before the Panthers hired him to turn around their moribund franchise, which in 2010 ranked last in the NFL on offense and allowed more points defensively than all but six teams. So Rivera has plenty to fix in order to disprove his doubters. But he is highly respected among the league's coaches, and learned under some of the best, including Lovie Smith in Chicago and Andy Reid in Philadelphia. And the fact that Rivera will be starting with a prized rookie quarterback in Newton may actually be a good sign. Some other recent rookie coach-quarterback combos fared quite well -- Matt Ryan and Mike Smith with the Falcons, John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco with the Ravens and Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez with the Jets -- so the odds for success aren't completely far-fetched. Rivera and Carolina GM Marty Hurney have hired a young staff to work with the young team, including bringing Rob Chudzinski from San Diego (the Chargers were No.1 offensively in the NFL) as offensive coordinator and getting Sean McDermott, who also learned under Reid, among the 18-person staff to run the defense.
3. Where will DE Charles Johnson and WR Steve Smith be playing in 2011?
Johnson figures to be a free agent once a new CBA is struck, while Smith is under contract through 2012. Signing Johnson seems a must. When DE Julius Peppers left as a free agent last year, Johnson didn't miss a beat, out-sacking Peppers (11.5 to 8) in 2010 while racking up 81 quarterback disruptions. If Johnson leaves, the Panthers will likely need to dip into the free-agent pool themselves to shore up an otherwise weak defensive line. Smith, 32, has said he would like to play for a contender before his career ends, but he has not publicly demanded a trade thus far. He had his worst season in 2010 (46 catches, 554 yards, 2 TDs) since his rookie year of 2001 minus his injury-aborted 2004 (one game played). A veteran wideout could be helpful to the development of Newton. But if Smith is unhappy, the Panthers may be forced to unload him.
4. How can the Panthers improve their offense?
Re-signing RB DeAngelo Williams, who is currently a restricted free agent but could be unrestricted under a new CBA (much like Johnson), would be a good start. The platoon of Williams and Jonathan Stewart was one of the league's best before a foot injury limited Williams to just 361 yards last season. But he'll probably be the top tailback on the free-agent market, and teams figure to pursue him aggressively. C Ryan Kalil, who was given the franchise tag, had a tough year like the rest of his linemates. But this is not as bad an offensive line as the 50 sacks it allowed would indicate. The various parts, such as LT Jordan Gross (Pro Bowl), were better than the whole. And the return from injury of RT Jeff Otah should help greatly. And though he's on the downside of his career, if healthy, new TE Jeremy Shockey should do well in the Antonio Gates role in Chudzinski's version of the San Diego offense. If Smith departs, there could be plenty of top-notch wideouts available in free agency, and the Panthers should have plenty of available cap space. And owner Jerry Richardson may have to open his wallet as teams may need to spend up to 90% of the salary cap under the next CBA.
5. Can the Panthers escape the NFC South cellar?
Carolina should be improved, but unless injuries and free-agent defections plague their division rivals, it's unlikely this season. This is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The Falcons (13-3) and Saints (11-5) were playoff teams, and the Buccaneers (10-6) just missed out by a tiebreaker. Each of them has a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and far more offensive weapons than the Panthers. They all were better than the Panthers defensively in 2010 as well. Add to that the fact the Panthers have the league's toughest schedule next year (142-114 opponents' record), and chances of escaping the cellar look dim.
USA TODAY