Carolina Panthers: Key stats to improve for 2018 season

The Carolina Panthers were able to make the playoffs last year with a 11-5 record. However, if they want to return to the playoffs, these are four stats that must improve.

There has been a lot made about the Carolina Panthers’ inability to put together consecutive winning seasons, a feat that has never happened in their franchise history. This is something they hope to change in 2018 after coming off an 11-5 season that ended with a loss to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round.

There is plenty that has changed for the Panthers this year, mainly along the offensive and defensive line. The team lost guard Andrew Norwell and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei in free agency this offseason. They were able to replace Lotulelei with Dontari Poe, a player who could be considered an upgrade to the former first round pick.

At left guard there is a little more uncertainty. The team did add free agent Jeremaih Sirles but he will compete with Amini Silatolu and possibly even Taylor Moton for the starting job.

The biggest change, and the one that could have the biggest impact, will be on the sidelines for the Panthers. The team will enter the season with a new offensive coordinator (Norv Turner) and defensive coordinator (Eric Washington).

For Turner and Washington, along with head coach Ron Rivera,  they will need to focus on improving these four stats as they try to get this team back to the playoffs in a tough NFC.