Three Questions 1. How big a distraction will Greg Hardy’s offseason, off-thefield troubles be? Greg Hardy and the Panthers would like to limit the damage from the talented DE’s offseason domestic violence issues but a public backlash, a possible message-sending response by the NFL, as well as pending legal action awaiting after the season could serve as a distraction. The Panthers need a focused and effective Hardy to keep the rush coming from both ends. 2. How big a loss will Steve Smith be on and off the field? Love him or hate him, Steve Smith was as much of a leader in the locker room as he was on the field. The 13-year veteran’s intensity and leadership in the locker room, on the practice field and on the sidelines will be difficult to replace but is a void that needs to be filled, ideally by a more mature Cam Newton. Then they can work on replacing Smith’s production on the field. 3. Does money change everything? Hardy wasn’t the only Panther to receive a hefty pay raise during the off-season. Several Panthers were rewarded with hefty raises as a reward for superb 2013 seasons. Among them are DE Charles Johnson and PK Graham Gano. The team hopes that financial security won’t breed complacency and a drop-off in desire and production. potentially big problem hanging over the unit. That is the cloud hanging over Hardy from his offseason arrest. Carolina is also well-stocked at linebacker, led by middle linebacker and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly (156, 93) and strong side linebacker Thomas Davis (123, 85). There are new faces in the backfield, which must replace the loss of its top three tacklers last season in corner Captain Munnerlyn, safety Mike Mitchell and strong safety Quintin Mikell, who tied for the team lead with two picks. The Panthers went within the division to find help and hope they’ve fixed things with the additions of veteran safety Thomas DeCoud, who played his first six season in Atlanta, and Roman Harper, who played his first eight years with the Saints and will battle 2013 starter Robert Lester at strong safety. Rookies Bene Benewikere and Tre Boston could challenge for playing time at corner and safety right away. Defensive Player to Watch The Panthers’ first-round pick in 2012 (ninth overall) out of Boston College, Luke Kuechly has been a big hit (and a big hitter) since he arrived in Charlotte. He was voted Defensive Rookie of the Year then followed that up by being named 2013 Defensive Player of the Year. Heading into year three, Kuechly is anything but satisfied. The Panthers’ leading tackler each of his first two seasons, with 199 in two years, Kuechly stepped up, doubling his sack total in 2013 (2.0) and interceptions (four, tied for the team lead). He’ll be counted on to continue to anchor the defense in the middle. Already the heart and soul of the team on the field, he’ll also be counted on as a leader in the locker room. TEAM ROSTER PANTHERS DEPTH CHART OFFENSE QB Cam Newton Derek Anderson RB DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart Kenjon Barner FB Mike Tolbert Richie Brockel WR Kelvin Benjamin, Jason Avant, Jerricho Cotchery, Tiquan Underwood TE Greg Olsen Ed Dickson LT Byron Bell Kevin Hughes LG Amini Silatolu Derek Dennis C Ryan Kalil Brian Folkerts RG Trai Turner Garry Williams RT Nate Chandler David Foucault DEFENSE LDE Charles Johnson Kony Ealy LDT Kawann Short Colin Cole RDT Star Lotulelei Dwan Edwards RDE Greg Hardy Mario Addison LLB Thomas Davis Jason Williams MLB Luke Kuechly D.J. Smith RLB Chase Blackburn A.J. Klein LCB Melvin White James Dockery SS Robert Lester Roman Harper FS Thomas DeCoud Charles Godfrey RCB Antoine Cason Josh Thomas SPECIAL TEAMS K Graham Gano P Brad Nortman KOR Kenjon Barner PR Kenjon Barner
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