Panthers training camp questions: What can Norv Turner do for Cam Newton?

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption What to watch entering NFL training camps: Holdouts, QBs SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones on the three things NFL fans should keep an eye on heading into training camps.

In the lead-up to training camps, USA TODAY Sports will be breaking down the key questions facing each NFL team. Today, we look at the Carolina Panthers

Will Norv Turner's offense provide needed help for Cam Newton?

Turner, the newly hired offensive coordinator, already set a high bar for Newton this offseason by saying the quarterback was capable of a completion rate in the "mid-to-high 60s." That would represent quite a leap for Newton, who has not converted 60% of his passes in any of the last four years. Two years removed from his MVP campaign, he has accounted for the two lowest passer ratings (75.8 in 2016 and 80.7 last year) of his career.

But after head coach Ron Rivera quickly abandoned plans last season to take much of the burden off Newton and make him more of a distributor, Carolina might now be in a position to enact such a plan.

First-round pick D.J. Moore could have a significant role as a rookie, especially if Curtis Samuel is slow to recover from ankle injury. Moore and second-year running back Christian McCaffrey, who led the team with 80 catches last year, can provide the short-area options that will keep defenses from teeing off on Newton. The biggest boon for the passing game might be the full return of tight end Greg Olsen, who missed nine games in 2017 with a foot injury.

More: Ranking NFL backup QBs by team: Who has best contingency plan?

More: Buccaneers training camp questions: Can Jameis Winston bounce back from suspension?

How will the running game shape up?

Carolina finished fourth in rushing yards last season, but there's still room for improvement. Newton led the team on the ground, and no other player had more than one run longer than 20 yards.

C.J. Anderson steps in for Jonathan Stewart after a 1,000-yard season with the Broncos, and the 27-year-old could provide an upgrade in the power-back role. But McCaffrey could be in line for more carries as well after he logged just 117 as a rookie. He added five pounds this offseason, and Rivera said the former Stanford standout was capable of handling a larger workload.

The Panthers took a hit up front, however, with the loss of all-pro guard Andrew Norwell, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

What will a shifting defense produce?

Julius Peppers is back for another ride, and so is Thomas Davis. But after the Panthers released safety Kurt Coleman and DE Charles Johnson, the team left little question the defense still is in transition. And Davis' four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancin­g substances highlights the challenge for first-year defensive coordinator Eric Washington.

Carolina will need another stellar season from Peppers and Mario Addison, who had 11 sacks each as the pass rush generated 50 total. Perennial Pro Bowler Luke Kuechly should help keep the third-ranked rush defense in top form, but the outlook is less certain in the secondary. With little resolved at the starting cornerback spot opposite James Bradberry, rookies Donte Jackson and Rashaan Gaulden might be forced into action though Kevon Seymour, Ross Cockrell and Captain Munnerlyn could also take on the role. The bigger concern could be at safety, where the Panthers are counting on Mike Adams, 37, and special teams standout Colin Jones.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.