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Biggest offseason decisions facing Atlanta Falcons, rest of NFC Sorth

By Freddie Boston

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) following a win in a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) following a win in a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off the field after Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks off the field after Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos at Levi /

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers exceeded expectations in 2015, by not only rolling through the regular season with a 15-1 record, but also charging all the way to the Super Bowl despite losing star receiver Kelvin Benjamin in training camp.

Can the Panthers make another Super Bowl run in 2016?

Biggest offseason question: How can the passing game be improved?

Notable free agent: Josh Norman

Biggest needs: DE, WR, T, DB

Outlook: The two areas that were greatly exposed by the Broncos in Super Bowl 50 were the wide receivers and offensive tackles. Von Miller dominated Mike Remmers and put Cam Newton under constant duress. Outside of Greg Olsen, the Panthers lacked a game-changing pass-catcher.

Getting Benjamin back will be a major boost for the passing game and Devin Funchess’ development will be key. The Panthers would still benefit from adding another receiving option in the draft.

Defensive end is also a need for the NFC champions to bolster the pass rush. Jared Allen has retired and the Panthers could benefit from another talent who can get after quarterbacks. Shoring up the secondary is another key. Josh Norman will almost certainly return to Carolina, but Charles Tillman’s future is in doubt.

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