|
Carolina Panthers - NFC South Preview |
|
|
|
|
Written by Brad Marchetti
|
|
Friday, 17 August 2007
|
|
 Before last season the Carolina Panthers were the ultra popular pick to win the SuperBowl. Now after last years 8-8 dissapointment expectation are low and pressure is hight for Head Coach John Fox to produce a playoff run. Three assistant Coaches were canned by Fox including the firing of his offensive coordinator after the Team finished 27th in scoring. SportsBetting.com has Carolina Panthers 25 to 1 odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl.
The offense must score more points. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will implement a zone blocking scheme to accommodate the slasing running backs and undersized linemen. Also expect special plays to be drawn up to get the ball in Steve Smith's hands. QB Jake Delhomme is a tough gunslinger with lots oieverf heart. Delhomme however took far too many chances last year trying to squeeze the ball into tight spots resulting in interceptions. 1-2 punch of Deshaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams should be a good one with the new blocking scheme. Williams especially could have a huge year with his ability to slash between the tackles.
WR Steve Smith is the best reciever in the NFL. The key for Smith this year will be to get a competent #2 Receiver to divert some attention away from him. Last year too often Secondaries were loading up against him. #1 Draft pick 6-4 Dwayne Jarret might be the answer. Jarret can make the difficult grab and gain yards after the catch. The Offensive Line felt the impact of LT Travelle Wharton's knee injury last year and will be glad to have him back. Overall the line is a small athletic unit that should thrive in the zone blocking scheme.
The Carolina Panthers first priority has always been to stop the run. But last year the front four was unable to get enough pressure on Quarterbacks so expect more blitzes from the speedy linebackers. The Carolina D-line is a team strength. Julius Peppers is the NFL's best Defensive End. Peppers has a freakish combination of speed, strength and intelligence. On the inside DT Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu can shut down running games with their ability to track ballcarriers. The Linebackers can all run and hit. The key this year as usual will be Dan Morgans health. When Morgan is on the field the Panthers defense is a different animal. #1 Draft pick Jon Beason like Morgan is a University of Miami backer with gret speed and versatility.
Converted Safety Thomas Davis is a lights out hitter that has been steadily improving while getting used to his new position. The Secondary played too soft last season to be productive. Cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall are both young players with loads of talent. Marshall made some huge plays last year however, while Gamble got smoked by receivers frequently. Veteran CB Ken Lucas will battle for a corner position after an injury marred 06'. Former All-Pro Safety Mike Minter retired and has been replaced by the unproven Chris Harris. Harris is a physical player that is a liability in coverage. Placekicker John Kasey is coming off a great year that included 4 field goals from beyond 50 yards. Punter Jason Baker led the NFL in Punting last year with his powerful pooches. Overall the coverage and return units need vast improvement in all areas. With all the talent on this team a healthy Carolina Panthers squad should be able to produce 10 wins. John Fox has made some good draft picks and necessary coaching changes for improvement to be made. Brad Marchetti Opening Day Carolina Panthers Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale 20- Poor 30- Well Below Average 40- Below Average 50- Average 60- Above Average 70- Very Good 80- Great Coaching: 60 Quarterback : 60 Backs : 65 Receivers : 65 Offensive Line : 55 Defensive Line : 70 Linebackers : 65 Secondary : 55 Special Teams : 60
Arizona Cardinals
45 - 1
Atlanta Falcons
60 - 1
Baltimore Ravens
20 - 1
Buffalo Bills
100 - 1
Carolina Panthers
25 - 1
Chicago Bears
15 - 1
Cincinnati Bengals
15 - 1
Cleveland Browns
150 - 1
Dallas Cowboys
20 - 1
Denver Broncos
20 - 1
Detroit Lions
75 - 1
Green Bay Packers
45 - 1
Houston Texans
100 - 1
Indianapolis Colts
8 - 1
Jacksonville Jaguars
30 - 1
Kansas City Chiefs
60 - 1
Miami Dolphins
55 - 1
Minnesota Vikings
50 - 1
New England Patriots
5 - 2
New Orleans Saints
15 - 1
New York Giants
30 - 1
New York Jets
40 - 1
Oakland Raiders
75 - 1
Philadelphia Eagles
20 - 1
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 - 1
Saint Louis Rams
45 - 1
San Diego Chargers
6 - 1
San Francisco 49ers
20 - 1
Seattle Seahawks
20 - 1
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
50 - 1
Tennessee Titans
60 - 1
Washington Redskins
50 - 1
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 September 2007 )
|
