Top 10 Moves the Carolina Panthers Must Make to Reach Playoffs

The 2011 Carolina Panthers gave Panther nation one thing that the 2010 version did not: HOPE.

Thanks to prolific runner and passer and number one draft pick Cam Newton, the Panthers finally have a franchise quarterback to build around. They tripled their win total from 2010 to go 6-10, but it was Newton that energized a dead franchise and it's fans.

The Panthers have a lot of pieces to build from, but to beat the guy shaking Cam's hand above, the Panthers need to take the next step up to get to the playoffs in a division that features the powerful Saints and Falcons.

Here is one writer's top ten list to get the Panthers somewhere they have not been in three years: THE PLAYOFFS!

Jon Beason Back

The heart and soul of the porous 2011 defense was lost in the first game of the year. Not only is Jon Beason the heart and soul of the Panthers defense, he is the only Pro Bowl talent on that side of the ball.

A healthy Jon Beason running sideline to sideline makes the Panthers better on the field and in the locker room. Get him back in 2012 and you can start rebuilding a defense around him the way you can build an offense around Cam on the other side of the ball.

DRAFT HIM

Morris Claiborne is exactly what The Panthers need with their first pick. Sure there are tons of other needs to address, and we will do that, but none more important than a shut down corner who can cover. Claiborne has the size, speed and skills to help CB Chris Gamble who had a decent year. Enough with the Captain Munnerlyn experiment, we need a top cover corner, NOW.

ROUND TWO

Josh Chapman is exactly what the Panthers need in round two and he should be available. A big, stocky tough to block inside player, he should fit perfectly with the Panthers who were woeful against the run and pass in 2011. Getting back Ron Edwards, as well as promising rookies this year, Sione Fua, and Terrel McClain will make the Panthers much more stout inside.

Broyles Round Three

Although the Panthers will get WR David Gettis and TE Gary Barnidge back in 2012, they need another play maker as commentator Troy Aikman said on the last broadcast of The Panthers vs. Saints.

Broyles is exactly the type player that they need, a slot receiver who can stretch the field, is fearless going across the middle and can return punts. Make Armanti Edwards the third Quarterback behind Derek Anderson because he is obviously not a receiver or a punt returner.

Sign Robert Mathis

When was the last time the Panthers signed a really good free agent? Well, that time is now. The Panthers desperately need another pass rusher opposite Charles Johnson.

Did you see Drew Brees in the last game versus the Panthers? No sacks and no QB hurries as Brees picked apart The Panthers defense.

With developing Greg Hardy and Johnson and Mathis, the Panthers could have a good DE rotation and Mathis would also help the younger guys develop. Come on Marty Hurney, do something aggressive now to make this team a contender next year.

Re-Sign Shockey

OK, next year might be his last and he is a step slower but he brings a swag the Panthers need and he helps Barnidge and Greg Olsen (last year's best free agent pickup) develop. Bring him back for one last hurrah.

Sign Laron Landry

One of the top strong safeties available, the Panthers desperately need safety help. At age 27, he has youth, and experience. OK, you might have to let someone go, but pair Landry with a healthy Charles Godfrey and you would have two hard hitting safeties. That with the young fast corners will give the Panthers hope in the defensive backfield.

MORE!

Jonathan Stewart and De Angelo Williams might be the best pair of backs in the league. A great combination of power and speed, the Panthers were more creative in getting both players on the field more in 2011. A great running game is a QB's best friend, and utilizing Stewart and Williams more will take pressure of of Cam. They are both in their prime and dangerous, use them!

Keep Chud Coach

Rob Chudsinksi, the Panthers offensive coordinator, took a last place offense in 2010, to one of the most dynamic in the NFL (THANKS CAM!). No more John Fox three yards and a cloud of dust. A punt is not a bad play offense. The Panthers were innovative and actually used players strengths on offense. Coach Chud will be a valuable commodity in the off season. Let's hope Coach Rivera can keep him around for 2012.

Get Healthy

The Panthers had a record 17 players on IR this year. Besides getting Beason, Edwards, Gettis and Barnidge back, here's hoping Thomas Davis, Geoff Schwartz, Jeff Otah and Zack Williams can get back and healthy. Good young pickups like Jordan Senn, Antwan Applewhite, Ledadu Naanee, Byron Bell and Thomas Keiser hopefully will give the Panthers much needed depth next year!