Panthers Season Review (2016)
by Crimsion | 9 years ago | 2 Comments
The Carolina Panthers clawed their way back into the playoffs during the 2016 season, but a familar foe was able to triumph over them once again.
Capping off their 2015 season with a wildcard loss to the Minneosta Vikings wasn't what the Panthers had truly hoped for, but instead of sulking over this they used it as fuel to the fire to reach the post season once again. Cue 2016. the lights are bright and the Panthers are on centre stage once again in a wildcare match-up. They once again met the team that handed them their early exit a season before, the Minnesota Vikings, but this time they gave them a run for their money.
A late touchdown by Johnathan Stewart put the Panthers up 17-16, and the run game proved to be big for both teams as neither Quarterback found the endzone. With momentum on their side the Panthers' defence took the field for one last stand, where they fell flat and gave up a game clinching 50-yard catch and run to second-year Running Back, Delray Mason, setting up game-winning field-goal.
The Panthers could have taken this loss to heart and decided to change directions with new personnel and even potentially a new scheme, but you don't fix what isn't truly broken and Coach Future Hendrix noted that he would be "reloading" and not "rebuilding."
"Reloading" as Hendrix says, began with the Panthers resigning 9 of their own.
DT - Kawann Short - 4yrs/$26.8M ($6.8M Bonus)
This big man in the middle may not have put up the greatest numbers last season, recording only 26 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but Carolina knows that with Short and his partner in crime, Star Lotuelelei, side by side, this Panthers' D-Line will clog up the middle with ease.
C - Ryan Kalil - 4yrs/$25.2M ($7.2M Bonus)
The renewal of this contract was a no brainer for the Panthers. Kalil has been a staple in this offense for years now and received yet another Pro Bowl selection last season. Kalil will be needed to keep Cam Newton upright and allow the Panthers' rushing attack to flourish.
RE - Mario Addison - 4yrs/$18M ($4M Bonus)
Although the Panthers have talent they could develop at the DE position Mario Addison and Charles Johnson will once again lead this defence line this upcoming season. Addison saw a significant amount of playing time, but only recorded 4.0 sacks on the year as opposed to his 8.0 from 2015, regardles the Panthers' pass rusher did help this next man secure his new contract with his constant pressure.
FS - Kurt Coleman - 4yrs/$7.6M ($1.2M Bonus)
Last season Kurt Coleman was one of Carolina's most treasured defenders and it's no surprise he's earned himself an extension. With the help of the Panthers' pass rush Quarterbacks were forced to test him and he passed with flying colours. Coleman recorded a career-best 7 interceptions while recording his first career sack as he played out of the Strong Safety spot with Jeromy Miles out for the first few weeks.
Coleman may pressure Miles for the starting job this upcoming season, but is a shoe-in to cut into a good percentage of the snaps in the secondary.
Other Noteable Signings
P - Jon Ryan - 1yr/$1.9M ($400k Bonus)
OLB - A.J. Klein - 5yrs/$8M ($1.5M Bonus)
WR - Corey Brown - 2yrs/$1.8M ($200k Bonus)
TE - Scott Simonson - 1yr/$1.15M ($50k Bonus)
CB/KR - Teddy Williams - 1yr/$900k ($0 Bonus)
