Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera enters his eighth year at the helm and may have his most talented team to date. That’s not to say the Panthers will be Super Bowl bound or ride into the playoffs on the heels of a 15-1 regular season, but top to bottom, this may be the most dynamic group of playmakers on both sides of the ball in recent memory.
On defense, captains Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis return in the middle of a group with plenty to prove. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei exited during the offseason but was replaced up front by Dontari Poe.