By Gerald Porter
The Carolina Panthers have NFL nation on its toes. On a 6 game winning streak, the Panthers look very dangerous and have started to become a serious playoff contender. While saying they could make it all the way to the Super Bowl is a stretch, the Panthers do have what it takes to finish out this season strong and take a number 2 seed behind the league best, Seattle Seahawks. But why have the Panthers been able to win so many games for so long? Well it’s partly because of a fairly easy schedule, along with a controversial MNF call, but the main contributing factors has been the consistency and defensive play. The Panthers don’t have the best offense in the league, but Cam Newton has thrown for 200+ yards the past three weeks while DeAngelo Williams has been able to pick up yards on the ground, as the Panthers are 10th in the NFL in Rushing YPG with 125.3. But with a silent but deadly offensive attack, the Panthers defense is what’s really been making noise. Led by 2nd year linebacker Luke Kuechly, the Panthers have been on the prowl, causing major problems for NFL offenses with the number 5 defense in passing YAG with 209.5 and the number 3 defense in rushing YAG with 84.5. With one of the most complete defenses in the league, the Panthers look to be a problem as they’re hunt to be a top team in the NFL has only just begun.
Beneath The Helmet 