The Carolina Panthers' ascending roster needs a few more tweaks during the offseason to enter legitimate contention. They are much further ahead than anyone envisaged right now, but general manager Dan Morgan should know they are a little way off the elite-level franchises around the league.
Carolina can beat everyone when everything clicks, as evidenced by wins over the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers. When one unit underperforms, the entire operation crumbles. Although the defense has made encouraging strides, it still lags in some areas.
A massive offseason awaits, even if the Panthers have their sights set on making the playoffs right now.