Carolina Panthers: 6 Bold Predictions for the 2018 season

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 17: Cam Newton #1 and teammate Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers react after a third quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 31: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is pressures by Kawann Short #99 of the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Kawann Short will lead team in sacks

It isn’t common for a defensive tackle to lead a team in sacks however this is something Kawann Short accomplished in 2015 when he had 11. This season could be shaping up as another year the defensive tackle could lead this team in this category.

The Panthers’ defensive ends are getting older as Mario Addison and Julius Peppers are on the wrong side of 30, even though they did each finish with 11 sacks last year. However, Short was not far off from them as he finished with 7.5 sacks.

The other reason Short could see a bump in this category is he is playing alongside Dontari Poe. The defensive tackle free agent signing is a big body that clogs lanes and usually requires two offensive linemen. This could create a favorable matchup for Short and if he only has to beat one guy, that should spell a big season for him.

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