The 2011 Carolina Panthers NFL season was all about change. Virtually everything was different and most people would call that improvement after a horrible 2010. They had a brand-new head coach in Ron Rivera, not to mention a whole new offense and defense to learn. Cam Newton, the number one pick out of Auburn University, was starting his first season in the NFL under center. For long-time fans like me, all of this change was welcome indeed. The Panthers improved offensively in every way and are now considered to be a team on the rise. Here is a look at how the offense grades out now that the season is over:
Quarterback
Cam Newton – Nobody knew for sure what would happen with Cam Newton coming into the 2011 season, but they certainly know what he is about now. Cam Newton is the future of the Carolina Panthers and that future looks awfully bright. His rookie season was not only among the greatest rookie seasons for a quarterback ever–it was among the best period.
Final Grade – A
Running Backs
DeAngelo Williams – Williams started the season a bit slow, but he came on as the year progressed. As usual, he ended up with a solid 836 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns. He also averaged better than five yards per carry once again.
Final Grade – B
Jonathan Stewart –Stewart had a fine season as well and actually added another dimension to his game by catching 47 passes out of the backfield. On the ground, he had his typical solid season with 761 yards and four touchdowns. It is hard to imagine that he could have done more with the touches that he had, but I guess that is also true of Williams.
Final Grade – B
Cam Newton – Mr. Newton is here again simply because he was such a huge force on the ground. His 706 yards were impressive but his touchdown total of 14 was groundbreaking for a quarterback. It appears that we now have Triple Trouble in the backfield.
Final Grade – A
Wide Receivers
Steve Smith – Smitty became the dominant receiver that he always was in the past with the awesome Newton under center. With accurate balls coming his way, suddenly Smith was racking up yardage like a pinball game does points. I sure hope Smith has a few more years of this type of production. If he does, we might just get a Super Bowl win in Carolina.
Final Grade – A
Brandon LaFell – LaFell also came into his own this season and showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. LaFell not only made catches–he made big time catches at important moments in the game. With David Gettis returning in 2012, LaFell will likely improve even more.
Final Grade – B
Legedu Naanee – Naanee had his moments, but overall I was less than impressed. He dropped a ton of passes at particularly bad moments to start the season, but he improved as the year progressed. By the end of the year, he was doing okay. Still, I find him to be less than desirable for 2012.
Final Grade – C
Tight Ends
Greg Olsen- Olsen showed flashes of being exactly what we thought he would be, but then he disappeared over long stretches as well. As frustrating as that might be, his numbers were right in line with what he did during his first four years in Chicago. He had 540 yards and five touchdowns. I am not sure why we expected more, but he did what he always has done. I think he can do more in the future, however.
Final Grade – B
Jeremy Shockey – Shockey too was very similar to his last couple of seasons in New Orleans as far as production. His 455 yards and four touchdowns were welcome additions, but they were not the numbers I thought we might get. Part of that is because Cam was better than expected at going through progressions. Still, the Shockey/Olsen combination brought nearly 1000 yards and nine touchdowns. When you think of it that way, you have to like your odds in 2012.
Final Grade – B
Offensive Line
The offensive line certainly started out the season roughly and much of that was due to the continued woes of Jeff Otah. As much as I love his bulldozing ways at tackle, it may be time to move on from the constant injuries. He has spent more time on the sidelines it seems than on the field. Regardless the line pulled it together by the second half of the season and that rushing attack started looking like the days of old. If they can stick to this group and continue to add depth, the Panthers will have a special offensive line in 2012.
Final Grade – B
*Southern is a rabid Carolina Panthers fan that has followed them since their birth. Before the Panthers were around, he was a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan and still finds it hard to cheer against them. His favorite players include Cam Newton, Steve Smith and former Eagle, Randall Cunningham.