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Carolina Panthers: Key stats to improve for 2018 season

By Brandon Croce

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers watches the game against the Chicago Bears from the sidelines at Soldier Field on October 22, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers watches the game against the Chicago Bears from the sidelines at Soldier Field on October 22, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers tries to stay inbounds after an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: James Bradberry #24 of the Carolina Panthers tries to stay inbounds after an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Interceptions

10 interceptions (T-24 in the NFL)

During the Carolina Panthers’ run to Super Bowl 50, the defense did an excellent job of forcing turnovers, specifically interceptions. However, the past few seasons it has been a struggle and without linebacker Luke Kuechly, this stat would look even worse.

This year, the team will unfortunately be without safety Kurt Coleman, who left in free agency, and was one of the best at his position in this category. This means the pressure will be on third-year cornerback James Bradberry, veteran safety Mike Adams, and newcomer Da’Norris Searcy to get this secondary back to being Thieves Ave.

These players are certainly capable of racking up interceptions but Bradberry will be the key player in getting this group over the hump. The former second-round pick has been put in a prominent role and is expected to be the team’s shut down corner. One way to become a shut-down corner is to capitalize on opposing quarterback’s mistakes.

If Bradberry can show an ability to grab interceptions, teams will think twice about throwing his way and help him really become that top cornerback this team needs.

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