The Carolina Panthers made a shocking move to bring back former franchise quarterback Cam Newton last week and followed that move up with a huge blowout win of the Arizona Cardinals by a final score 34-10. Newton did make a massive impact in that win with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown, although he didn't play a ton in his first game back in Carolina.

Looking ahead, the Panthers feel confident that they can be a serious contender in the NFC. They have an offense full of playmakers and a tough defense. If Newton can come in and play a huge role, Carolina might just be a dark horse team to watch.

Matt Rhule and company appear to have moved on from Sam Darnold already. After a strong start to the 2021 season, Darnold's play of late has been dismal. Now, he is down with injury and there is a very strong chance that even when he recovers the starting job will not end up being his anymore.

Defensively, the Panthers made a massive midseason addition with the trade to acquire star cornerback Stephon Gilmore from the New England Patriots. Gilmore has already made a major impact. Around him, Carolina has good talent in every stage of their defense.

All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three reasons the Panthers are legitimate contenders in the NFC.

Panthers Are Legitimate Contenders In The NFC

3. The offense is stacked with playmaking potential

Leaving out the quarterback position for now, the Panthers have to feel good about the talent they have accumulated on the offensive side of the ball. Christian McCaffrey has struggled with injury issues, but he is back healthy and putting up major production. With him on the field, they are always going to have a dangerous offense.

At the wide receiver position, the Panthers have both D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. They also have rookie wideout Terrace Marshall Jr., who hasn't made a big impact yet but is a very talented player.

With all of that talent and playmaking potential, Carolina will be a team that is hard to game plan against. Assuming McCaffrey can stay healthy, this team has an offense that should push them into playoff contention. It's all about health at this point in time, but the personnel situation looks great for the Panthers.

2. Defensively, the Panthers have what it takes

Defensively, the Panthers feel that they have the talent to be one of the best units in the entire NFL. Gilmore has already racked up two interceptions in the three games he has played with Carolina. Beside him, there are plenty of other high impact players on the roster.

Haason Reddick has compiled 9.5 sacks so far this season to go along with two forced fumbles, while Brian Burns has also come through with six sacks and a forced fumble. Even Shaq Thompson has been a threat as a pass-rusher with two sacks, all while coming through with two interceptions this 2021.

Across from Gilmore at the cornerback position, Donte Jackson has been stellar. He has intercepted two passes and broken up a total of eight. The playmakers are in place on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers to be a very tough team to beat come playoff time.

1. Cam Newton is back with a new purpose and elite leadership

Never in a million years did Newton or the Panthers expect to have a reunion following a fairly nasty breakup. However, that was exactly what happened last week and Newton made an impact immediately. He threw for a touchdown and ran for a touchdown in a blowout win over the Cardinals, and his leadership was on full display.

As a video from Will Kunkel of Fox Charlotte showed, Newton was the heart and soul for the Panthers already in his first game back.

No one is going to expect Newton to come in and look like an MVP candidate again. They also aren't expecting him to come in and single-handedly lead the Panthers to the Super Bowl. But, what he can do is lead, ignite passion and energy, and put together strong performances at the quarterback position.

Newton's ability to make plays with his arm or legs gives Rhule and Co. a new dynamic on the offensive side of the ball. His return could also spark the energy that the team has been needing to find.

With the Panthers having a strong roster on both sides of the ball, Newton could end up being the one piece that was missing. How perfect for the city of Charlotte would that be? The rest of the season should be very fun and intriguing to watch, but the Panthers are absolutely a team that should be taken seriously.