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Today we break into the second quarter of our 2017 Detroit Lions season preview. In the fifth week of the season, the Lions will face off against the Carolina Panthers. It has been three years since the two teams have faced off. Back in 2014, the Panthers pulled away from the Lions late in the game, winning by a score of 24-7.
Since then, a lot has happened to both franchises. The Panthers have made a Super Bowl then followed it up by finishing last in their division last year. The Lions have made the playoffs twice since that matchup, but have swapped out their general manager and offensive coordinator along the way.
At the moment, the Lions are favored by just two points in this matchup. So let’s take a look at how this Panthers team has changed since their disappointing 2016 season. Thanks to Cat Scratch Reader for the inside info.
Notable free agent additions: DE Julius Peppers, CB Captain Munnerlyn, OT Matt Kalil, S Mike Adams,
Notable free agent departures: WR Ted Ginn, OT Mike Remmers, FB Mike Tolbert, DT Paul Soliai, LB AJ Klein
Trades: None
Draft picks expected to contribute as rookies: RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Curtis Samuel, OT Taylor Moton, DE Daeshon Hall.
While the Panthers continue to say veteran RB Jonathan Stewart will get the bulk of the work I think they will have a hard time not putting the ball in McCaffrey’s hands. I think he’s going to be electric as a rookie.
Biggest offseason addition: DE Julius Peppers - The Panthers all time sack leader returns home. So far the fans have welcomed him home with open arms.
Biggest storyline heading into training camp: QB Cam Newton’s continued recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. He is expected to be ready for training camp but had only begin throwing recently.
Under-the-radar storyline heading into training camp: LB Shaq Thompson looks ready for a breakout season as the third All Pro LB in the Panthers starting line up.
Notable injuries heading into training camp: None beyond Newton’s rotator cuff.
The Lions have just a 2-5 all-time record against the Panthers. How do you think this year’s matchup will shake out?