This is the time of year when I tend to get overly optimistic as a Panthers fan.
As new players join the Panthers roster through free agency and the draft I start talking myself into how the upcoming year will be better than last year.
For example, as things stand now I’m hopeful Carolina’s offense can take a big step forward with the additions of center Bradley Bozeman, guard Austin Corbett, and rookie tackle Ikem Ekwonu to revamp what was a porous line. Christian McCaffrey should be healthy and back to his All-Pro ways. If quarterback Sam Darnold can be just 10 percent better in Year 2 in Charlotte than he was last year, this represents at least a modest upgrade from the Darnold-Cam Newton-PJ Walker fiasco from a season ago.