Panthers' Turnaround: NFC South Title & Strong Draft

0:00It's April 27, NFL news today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. The Carolina Panthers just snagged the NFC South title with an 8-9 record, their first division crown in years despite a long 8-year. Draught without a winning season. Under head coach Dave Canalis and president of Football Operations Dan Morgan, they're finally building momentum after inheriting a 2-15. Disaster last year. Canalis came over from offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay and turned things around starting 1-7 but rallying to 5-12 overall. That's a real progress showing the squad's got fight, especially after that brutal stretch. Morgan stepped up as general manager early last year and has run the last 3 drafts with balance in mind, 10 offensive picks including 3. First rounders and 12 on defense. For him, the team leaned too often heavy or all defense, leaving gaps everywhere. This year's draft hit both sides hard, offensive tackle Monroe Freeling at 19th overall plus

1:05a wide receiver and center, then defensive tackle, cornerback, safety and linebacker later on. They also grabbed free agents like Ed rusher Jalen Phillips, linebacker Devon Lloyd and tackle Rashid Walker to boost the roster. With this foundation, the Panthers looked prime to climb higher next season, shaking off years of mediocrity and charging toward contention.