2009 NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers

By 49er16:

The Carolina Panthers seem to be at a crossroads. Despite the fact the Panthers had the 2nd best record in the NFC last year, they were embarrassed at home in the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals. Jake Delhomme was especially embarrassed by the Cardinals defense.

So here we are today. The Panthers will have to look at this season as their barometer for their future. John Fox is back for his eighth season as the head coach. Delhomme is back for 10th season. Steve Smith and Julius Peppers are also both back. So the talent is there for the Panthers. And that's how they look at the situation. The Panthers spent a lot of money in the off season to keep their players and they also traded away their 2010 first round pick to San Francisco to make this team competitive. But if everything falls apart during the season, I think there will be some drastic changes made in 2010 for the Panthers.

Coaching Staff: After last year's debacle against the Cardinals in the playoffs, John Fox and defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac parted ways. In comes former Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks. Fox has also made the point that he will be more involved with the defense this season. The offense will probably not change from it's ground-and-pound attack.

What About Julius Peppers?: Peppers bitch and complained that he wanted to be traded from away in the off season. Unlike the Denver Broncos, the Panthers didn't give in to his demands and eventually placed the franchise tag on him. Since all of this happened, Peppers has struggled early in the pre season. And then he angered a lot of people by saying the pre season doesn't mean anything. Needless to say, he's unhappy playing for the Panthers and could become a distraction as the season moves on.

Can Delhomme recover?: Delhomme completely fell apart against the Cardinals in the playoffs last season. Delhomme committed six turnovers in the game. So can he recover from that game? He should be able to because he is a veteran who has been down before. Plus the Panthers showed faith in him by giving him a contract extension.

The Best Offense in the League?: The Panthers actually have a shot at being one of the best offenses in the league this season, despite Delhomme's implosion in the playoffs. The Panthers return all 11 starters on offense, including all-world receiver Steve Smith. Also the running tandem of Jonathon Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will continue to improve. The Panthers averaged 25.9 points a game last season, and they could have a greater average this season.

Breaking Tradition?: It's been a tradition for a long time for NFL teams to hold their training camps in small towns at small colleges. I remember when the 49ers used to hold their training camp at a Junior College that I used to attend in Rocklin, California. But that tradition has started to change over the years. More and more teams are starting to hold their training camps at their regular facilities. And the Panthers could be next.

For 15 years the Panthers have held their training camp at Wofford College in South Carolina. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is a graduate of that school and was very prideful that the Panthers represented both Carolina's. But that might all come to a change. Their contract with Wofford has expired and with the recent economic troubles, the Panthers might leave Wofford. I personally think it's sad that NFL teams are leaving the small towns and holding their training camp at their regular facilities.

Schedule: Well the Panthers get three early tests before their bye week. They play Philadelphia at home then travel to Atlanta and Dallas for the opening of Taj MaJerry. And their schedule doesn't get easier. They have to play AFC East teams including a trip to New England. And they have to play NFC East teams which means a late trip to New York. The Panthers definitely have one of the tougher schedules in the league.

Video: Steve Smith is one of my favorite NFL players. And this video is evidence as to why.



Prediction, 11-5, 1st NFC South: Thankfully for them Tampa Bay is rebuilding, New Orleans is inconsistent, and Atlanta is still playing with a young quarterback. They could realistically go 5-1 against division opponents. It won't matter if Delhomme is inconsistent or that they have a tough schedule, they are playing in one of the weaker divisions this season.