Carolina Panthers

Franchise Mode Strategy Overall Team Rating: 88 Offense: 93 Defense: 95 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3 Strengths: QB, TE, DT Weaknesses: RT, LOLB CB 2015 Team Rankings 1st NFC South (15-1-0) Passing Offense: 24th Rushing Offense: 2nd Passing Defense: 11th Rushing Defense: 4th 2015 Team Leaders Passing: Cam Newton: 3,837 Rushing: Jonathan Stewart: 989 Receiving: Greg Olsen: 1,104 Tackles: Luke Kuechly: 118 Sacks: Kawann Short: 11 INTS: Kurt Coleman: 7 Key Additions ROLB Thomas Davis Sr. FS Kurt Coleman DT Paul Soliai Key Rookies DT Vernon Butler CB James Bradberry CB Daryl Worley Coach Ron Rivera Level: 17 Offensive Scheme: Balanced Offense Defensive Scheme: Attacking 4-3

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Cam Newton is in for the long term and has given a face for the franchise with his ability to utilize a unique scheme. Derek Anderson is a decent backup who can spell Newton, but you should focus on keeping him upright and out of harm’s way.
• HB Jonathan Stewart has a unique blend of strength and elusiveness that makes him a good back for the Panthers’ scheme. The real key is keeping him healthy. FB Mike Tolbert is an excellent option to get the most out of your scheme, especially in the red zone and catching passes out of the backfield.
• The Panthers have a true #1 WR in Kelvin Benjamin. He’s a threat in the red zone with a 6’5” frame and a 97 CIT rating. He is also excellent against press coverage, so don’t worry about facing physical corners. Benjamin is the only reliable target for QB Cam Newton; everyone else has flashes, but you need to put them in the best spot for their talent to take over. At TE, Greg Olsen is the best target you have for third downs. He’s also a solid run blocker.

Defensive Scouting Report

• The Panthers’ defensive line is very balanced across the board. Players like Star Lotulelei will stuff the run while Kawann Short will get after the passer.
• Nothing needs to be said about MLB Luke Kuechly, as he is one of the best all-around players in football. Another one of our favorite players, however, is Thomas Davis, who has been playing at a high level for years now. He has excellent play recognition and won’t get fooled on play-action fakes. Allow those two to roam free and focus on rookie Shaq Thompson to make plays and get him XP.
• The Panthers’ secondary is actually built pretty nicely for a player who likes to use zone coverage. Tre Boston is quickly becoming a solid defender and should be much improved as you boost his play recognition. While the starting CBs might not be household names yet, they both have great size and should be rock solid in either flat or deep zone coverage.

SCHEDULE

Key Players

• Newton has excellent strength, agility, and acceleration, which allow him to be a threat on the ground.
• Newton is best when throwing passes between 20 and 40 yards, so look to your TEs and WRs on crossing routes downfield.

• Kuechly will get himself in position to make big plays for your defense consistently.
• The scary part is that he is still developing. Add a little more hit power to his game for even more turnovers.

• Butler is extremely talented and has a high Pursuit rating, which will come in handy against the outside run.
• Vernon has a great Power Moves rating, which allows him to get through the line and put pressure on the passer.

• Funchess is a great complement to Kelvin Benjamin and can hopefully relieve some pressure. Upgrade his Catch in Traffic and Route Running ratings.
• Work on developing the 6’4” Funchess over Stephen Hill, because there’s more long-term upside.

Offensive Depth Chart

Defensive Depth Chart

Special Teams

Best Offensive Plays

best RUN: Gun Trey Y-Flex – Outside Zone

Running Plays

best PASS: Singleback Tight Slots – PA Panther Post

passing Plays

Best Defensive Plays

Best RUN D: 5-2 Normal – Fire Zone 2

Run Defense

Best PASS D: Dollar 3-2-6 – Cover 4 QB Contain

Pass Defense