In a season where Carolina hoped to build on optimism created by Cam Newton’s electric rookie season, the Panthers stumbled to a 1-6 record out of the gate in 2012. Newton himself started slowly as well, throwing just five touchdowns to go with eight interceptions through those first seven games.

But the Panthers and Newton both went on a run during the season’s second half. The team won five of its last six to finish at 7-9 and Newton improved to 14 touchdowns and four picks in the second half of the season.

Furthermore, seven of Carolina’s nine losses were by six or fewer points. So what do the Panthers have to do to start winning some of those close games and turn themselves into a playoff contender? Slate Schwertner, freelance Panthers analyst and former editor of Cat Crave, shared his thoughts on what has to happen before that can become reality.

Zoneblitz: Cam Newton was a different quarterback the second half of the season than he was the first. What are your thoughts about his development and how good he can be?

Schwertner: Cam is his own worst enemy. In the beginning of the season we saw him acting immature in press conferences and he truly showed his age. As he matures, he will develop into an elite passer in the NFL. I have a feeling that Cam could end up being one of the best quarterbacks of the next 10 years. His biggest development will come as he evolves into more of a pocket passer. He needs to rely heavily on his arm and less on his legs. Overall, I think he has the biggest upside of the young quarterbacks in the league.

Zoneblitz: It sounded like Ron Rivera’s job was in jeopardy toward the end of the season. Do you agree with the decision to keep him and how much job security does he have heading into 2013?

Schwertner: I think in terms of developing this young team it was a solid move, but as far as developing a playoff team, it was a bad move. He was passed up for somewhere around eight head coaching jobs for a reason. If he can continue to trend up with the team, he’s likely to stay around longer, but don’t expect him to be there at the end of the season if the team starts 2-7 again.

Zoneblitz: The Panthers lost Rob Chudzinski to Cleveland. How big of a loss is he for Carolina?

Schwertner: His loss is and will be the biggest of the year. He’s the reason Cam is evolving and putting up sick numbers. If Shula can continue what Chud started, then the loss won’t hit as hard.

Zoneblitz: Steve Smith is aging but still very good. And the team has a collection of running backs. What is your assessment of the talent the Panthers are putting on the field to work with Newton?

Schwertner: The Panthers are an extremely talented team with some deep holes in a few positions. The offensive line, running backs, quarterback and linebackers are solid. Our biggest weaknesses are at wide receiver and defensive back. Steve Smith is a freak of nature, but there isn’t another wide receiver to start opposite him. Eventually, he will retire and someone will have to replace him as the number one, and I can tell you that player isn’t currently on the Panthers. Brandon LaFell is a great number two and that’s about it. As far as defensive backs go, well we just lost Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn may not return, so currently the team is relying on two very young cornerbacks. If the team can draft a few solid defensive backs, you’ll see a major improvement.

Zoneblitz: The defense improved in points allowed by 66 points between 2011 and 2012. What were your thoughts on that unit’s play in 2012 and how does it still need to be improved?

Schwertner: As I said already, defensive back will be the biggest place to improve upon. The corners and safeties were beat so many times that it led to the humiliating last minute losses that we endured through this season. Also, watch out for the Panthers on the defensive line. They are looking to shore up the middle of the line through the draft. If they can draft a solid defensive tackle and hold onto Dwan Edwards, they will do a ton better against the run.

Zoneblitz: The Panthers, the Bucs and the Saints all finished 7-9 in the NFC South this year. How far are the Panthers from taking a step toward playoff contention?

Schwertner: Honestly, the Panthers are one defensive tackle and one cornerback away from the playoffs in my opinion. If they would have held on defense last season, they would have been 10-6 or 11-5.

Zoneblitz: Who on the roster right now could you see having a big breakout season in 2013?

Schwertner: Cornerback Josh Norman is set to explode next season. He won a starting job as a rookie, but eventually lost it due to a number of things. If he can improve on his man-to-man coverage, and against the deep ball, he can replace the void left by the release of Gamble.

Zoneblitz: With the cap issues the team is facing this offseason, how much can the Panthers improve this offseason?

Schwertner: The Panthers won’t make a ton of noise, but they will get short contracts for second-tier players. They will probably look to bring in some veterans to challenge the younger players on the roster. Other than that, they can only improve in draft.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Panthers do in the draft and free agency?

Schwertner: As a former Texas Tech student, I saw West Virginia’s Tavon Austin first hand. I would love for the Panthers to draft Austin in the first round, and finally give Steve Smith some help. They could also learn a thing from Danny Amendola and Wes Welker, and take a wide receiver such as Alex Torres from Texas Tech late in the draft. I like the signing of Drayton Florence, and would like to see them sign a few more veteran defensive players.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Schwertner: The Panthers are an up and coming team, and will be a force in the future. It’s a matter of time until Cam Newton really comes into his own and becomes the pocket passer he has the ability to be.

Follow Slate Schwertner on Twitter at: @catcraveslate
Follow Zoneblitz.com on Twitter at: @zoneblitzcom

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