On Wednesday's edition of the "Around The League Podcast," we pondered this season's collection of 0-2 teams and asked which loveable loser has the best chance to bounce back.
Scanning this sorry lot, my choice is the Panthers.
It starts on defense, where Carolina's front seven has outstanding talent. Rookie nose tackle Star Lotulelei already is dominating offensive linemen and makes for an overpowering duo with fellow tackle Kawann Short. Luke Kuechly might be the best middle linebacker in the NFL. There's an excess of talent to build on here.
The Panthers were nipped by the Seahawks 12-7 in Week 1 and lost to the Bills in Week 2 on a fevered, game-winning drive led by rookie quarterback EJ Manuel. It's a tough way to start the season, but the blame falls on the offense. I posited Wednesday that if coordinator Mike Shula was to be replaced by someone with even an ounce of appreciation for moving the ball creatively, we'd be staring at a different team.
Chris Wesseling agreed, choosing the Panthers as his bounce-back candidate while acknowledging deep-seated concern about Shula's attack. Gregg Rosenthal picked the Giants. Dan Hanzus selected two teams -- the G-Men and the Redskins. Prodded to play by the rules, Hanzus settled on Robert Griffin III and a Washington outfit that he picked to win the NFC East long before the season began.
Naturally, you disagree with us. Take it to the comment section below.
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