2012 Two-a-Days: Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Cam Newton
RB - DeAngelo Williams
RB - Jonathan Stewart
WR - Steve Smith
TE - Greg Olsen

Defense
DE - Charles Johnson
OLB - Luke Kuechly (rookie)
MLB - Jon Beason
CB - Chris Gamble
CB - Captain Munnerlyn

Greg Olsen TE

Breakout: Greg Olsen  - The former Chicago Bear has been consistent in his performance over his six year career and while his 500 yards and 5 TDs is solid, this could be the year Olsen doubles those numbers. As Newton's safety valve and Red Zone target Olsen could establish himself as top tier tight end.

Training Camp Question: Having Jon Beason back from a torn Achilles Tendon will do wonders for the defense, but that unit is clearly the one under the microscope this season. The offense has the most skilled weapons they have had in a while and if the defense can find ways to get off the field, the Panthers could become an elite team.

Last year's record: 6-10

Projected finish: 7-9 (Third in the NFC South)

Offense
QB - Jay Cutler
RB - Matt Forte
WR - Brandon Marshall (acquired in trade)
WR - Alshon Jeffrey (rookie)
WR - Devin Hester

Defense
DE - Julius Peppers
OLB - Lance Briggs
MLB  - Brian Urlacher
S - Major Wright
CB - Chris Tillman

Brandon Marshall WR

Breakout: Alshon Jeffrey - The focus of the nation is on the reuniting pass and catch combo of Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, but I think it is another receiver that could be a difference maker. The South Carolina standout has the chance to become the big play wide receiver the Bears cubbard has been bare of since Marty Booker and Mushin Muhammad.

Training Camp Question: Last year Brandon Marshall admitted to having split personalities and this year his new fans of the Windy City just want to know which wide-out they will get. Will it the be the mediocre man from South Beach or the unstoppable beast from his Bronco days when Cutler was his quarterback? Only time will tell.

Last year's record: 8-8

Projected finish: 9-7 (Second in the NFC North)


**Check back tomorrow for the Bengals and Browns**