Is Carolina a Super Bowl contender??

[Clayton]

Carolina offense is top third in NFL in passer rating (#11), passing yards per play (#11), rushing yards per carry (#10), rushing ypg (#10), rushing TD (#5)

I was going to make a post about how people were sleeping on their offense a little bit but they still lack big play ability outside of Steve Smith. Their offense is good enough but when you look at their competition being Seattle and NO and the homefield advantages and playoff experience advantages, you have to think they're #3 in the NFC power rankings right now

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Panthers are in the conversation without a doubt.

 

[fastforward]

The Panthers are a potential Super Bowl winning team. They might not be come the playoffs. Then again they could be the favourites. They're a good team that's playing well but i'm not rushing out to wager money on them. I wouldn't wager on them in a re-match with a healthy 49ers team.

 

[Golden Spur]

I am keeping my fingers crossed and would love to make the super bowl but for now I will settle for the playoffs, but who knows with a perfect storm maybe...

^^^ This. We don't have enough on O to win the Super Bowl, imo. We've had a ton of injuries on OLine, and Steve Smith and Olsen are excellent, but behind them, Lafell and the rest have yet to show big-time abilities. Cam has been up-and-down, but has def shown improvement. Still think he needs one more off-season to truly arrive.

 

[JDM]

Hey JDM, just a little reminder of one of your predictions from last week:

I was wrong

 

[douggie]

If the Panthers can beat a Super Bowl contender on their home turf, and be winners of five straight games in the League, I believe you've answered your own question.

 

[Wolvie]

Carolina is only a game behind the Saints right now and have yet to play them. There is no reason why Carolina isn't in a good position to be a #2 seed and earn themselves a bye. Pretty sure they control their own destiny for a playoff bye (they are tied with Detroit record-wise right now)

 

[Arizona_Sting]

If they are then the Cardinals are, right? We beat them! That's how it works, right?!

 

[Clayton]

If they are then the Cardinals are, right? We beat them! That's how it works, right?!

Arizona is probably the worst team that has a shot at winning the Super Bowl imo but they need to get Fitz on track and Ellington the ball more

 

[ATL96Steeler]

There defense is elite, but there offense isn't to that level yet. With that said, I'd be afraid to play the Panthers.

Not elite imo, but strong across the front line with 2 very good LBs...back 4 are not that great imo...DEN would would put up 28+ on CAR on the road. In terms of the NFC...I don't see them winning the DIV, so 5th seed is the best I would project...I would be afraid as the NFCE DIV winner facing them.