Baldinger Says Panthers Will Be the NFC's Cinderella Team in 2023

Are you buying the hype?

There is a real opportunity for the Carolina Panthers to make a serious jump next fall and become a true contender in the NFC. From all of the additions they've made on the offensive side of the ball in free agency to returning a young, talented defense to having the No. 1 pick in the draft, there's a lot of optimism surrounding the organization for the first time in years.

During a recent segment on NFL Now discussing who could be the cinderella team in the NFC, analyst Brian Baldinger chose the Panthers.

"I think the Carolina Panthers could be a playoff team this year. It starts to me, they had to fix their offensive line. Like, whoever is going to be the quarterback is going to play behind a quality offensive line. Taylor Moton, Ickey [Ekwonu], [Bradley] Bozeman. I mean it's a good group. I feel like Carolina can make that jump this year."

With Tampa Bay losing Tom Brady and the Falcons having some questions marks at quarterback, the division could come down to Carolina and New Orleans. If Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or whoever the first overall pick is finds success early, the Panthers could be in prime position to win their first divisional crown since 2015.

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:

Facebook - @PanthersOnSI

Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.