The Sports Rumors

NFC South Preview: Team 2 of 4

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Preview and Prediction

2006 Record: 8-8

Division Ranking: Second

2006 Result: Missed Playoffs

The Carolina Panthers were perhaps the biggest underachievers of 2006. Coming off of a 2005 season in which they went all the way to the NFC Championship, the Panthers came into last year with more excitement and hope than ever before in their short franchise history. However, an early two losses in the first two weeks of the season set the tone for what would be a disappointing season. Ten games into the year, the underachieving Panthers still had hope for making the playoffs with a 6-4 record at that point. However they managed to lose their next four games in a row, three of which were to NFC teams, en route to a disappointing 8-8 season.

More scrutiny than ever before has been placed on quarterback Jake Delhomme this offseason. As most quarterbacks usually do, Delhomme was left to take most of the blame for falling short last season. To give you a sense of how important the upcoming season is to the Panthers and the job security of head coach Jon Fox, Carolina acquired former first overall pick David Carr.

Thus far, the talk has been all positive from both quarterbacks. Jake said he welcomed having a “second set of eyes” on the field. However, those second set of eyes will be waiting for Jakes first slip up come September; as will the fans. Delhomme has fallen out of the graces of the Carolina faithful as of recent. He was booed early and often last season after the Panthers were projected by many to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

A slow start early in the season might be all that it takes to bench Delhomme and put in Carr. Look for second year running back from Memphis, DeAngelo Williams to have a big season after he finished last year with 501 yards with 121 carries as a second stringer. The Panthers still have a very impressive set of wide receivers, highlighted by perennial pro bowler Steve Smith. Opposite Smith will be stiff competition between Drew Carter and USC rookie Dwayne Jarrett.

The defense should be sound and ready to go just as they were last year when they finished second overall behind the Chicago Bears. The line brings back a stellar group highlighted by Julius Peppers and Kris Jenkins. Chris Gamble and Mike Minter control the secondary and the Panthers attack-first aggressive style should keep them in plenty of games.

Without a question, the most pivotal position is quarterback. Jake Delhomme will not have a long leash this year if the Panthers get off to a rocky start. The defense and the fans will not allow it. All that being said, here are my 2007 predictions.

First Quarter: 4-0

@ St.Louis – Win

Houston - Win

@ Atlanta – Win

Tampa Bay - Win

Second Quarter: 2-2

@ New Orleans - Loss

@ Arizona – Win

Indianapolis - Loss

@ Tennessee - Win

Midseason: 6-2

Third Quarter: 4-0

Atlanta - Win

@ Green Bay – Win

New Orleans - Win

San Francisco – Win

Fourth Quarter: 2-2

@ Jacksonville - Loss

Seattle - Win

Dallas - Win

@ Tampa Bay – Loss

Final Record: 12-4

(Which Jake will we see this year? My money’s on the top one)