Carolina Panthers 2008 Season Preview

Carolina Panthers Preview: Overview

The Carolina Panthers have proven to be an inconsistent team in the past few years. Entering 2007 the Carolina Panthers were expected to have a double-digit win season, but instead the Panthers sank to a 7-9 record and failed to make the playoffs after losing QB Jake Delhomme to a season-ending elbow injury. Despite his partner-in-crime Jake Delhomme out with injury, WR Steve Smith still managed to have a stellar season. Steve Smith finished with 87 catches for 1,002 yards and seven touchdowns, but the Carolina Panthers offense finished 2007 ranked as the 29th offense in the NFL.

Carolina Panthers Preview: Moves

By selecting Jonathan Stewart with their first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers did not address their needs, but their draft was solid overall. Jonathan Stewart is expected to step in and rev up the Carolina Panthers running game, to give WR Steve Smith more space downfield. The Carolina Panthers look to open up the field for their offense even more with the addition of veteran WR Muhsin Muhammad and WR DJ Hackett. The Carolina Panthers also acquired LB Landon Johnson to add some depth at the linebacker position and highly touted draft pick Dan Connor is also expected to help at the linebacker position. With a beefed-up offense and a quicker, more athletic defense, the Carolina Panthers enter 2008 confident about their chances this season.

Carolina Panthers Preview: Offense

2008 will see one of the NFL’s most productive pass-and-catch tandems, in QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith, return to the field together. With a huge offensive line, expect Jake Delhomme to have time to sit in the pocket and look downfield for Steve Smith. The revamped offensive line including mammoth rookie tackle Jeff Otah has been a big story for the Carolina Panthers this season and is expected to open up the Carolina Panthers ground game which should anchor the Carolina Panthers offense.

The new-look offensive line will give solid RB DeAngelo Williams and rookie RB Jonathan Stewart space to maneuver. The RB tandem is expected to share the load equally, giving the Carolina Panthers a versatile running game and a nice balance between the power of Jonathan Stewart and the speed of DeAngelo Williams. Veteran wide receivers Muhsin Muhammad and DJ Hackett were added to open up the field for Steve Smith. With new receivers and a revamped running game, expect the Carolina Panthers offense to soar in 2008!

Carolina Panthers Preview: Defense

Finally boasting some depth at the linebacker position, the Carolina Panthers spent the offseason getting smaller and more athletic to raise the effectiveness of their pass rushing. Julius Peppers, the defensive anchor, is coming off of a career low 2.5 sacks last season and is making the move to right DE, the position he played in college. Julius Peppers is expected to be joined on the left side by DE Charles Johnson who will pester offenses with his quickness. Third round draft pick Charles Godfrey practiced with the first team at free safety next to Chris Harris.

Carolina Panthers: Special Teams

Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart is expected to take over WR Ryne Robinson as the primary kick returner for the Carolina Panthers in 2008. The speedy Ryne Robinson will likely reprise his role as the leading punt returner. Jonathan Stewart has the power and balance to break tackles and gain yardage after contact which is necessary for a successful kick returner. P Jason Baker is expected to continue giving the defense plenty of room to work. Expect veteran PK John Kasay to put up monster numbers in 2008 since he will be supplementing a more reliable Carolina Panthers offense. 

Carolina Panthers Preview: Outlook

The Carolina Panthers failed to pick up a solid back up for Jake Delhomme at quarterback. After last season, many thought that they would make finding a solid second-string quarterback a priority this offseason. With a healthy Jake Delhomme in the pocket, the Carolina Panthers are a sure bet for the playoffs but if back-up QB Matt Moore has to step in to start, things look a little less bright for the Carolina Panthers. With a balanced RB tandem and five players over 325 pounds on the offensive line, the Carolina Panthers ground attack is reminiscent of the 2003 Super Bowl team. It is that former prominence that the Carolina Panthers hope to recapture in 2008. Fans can catch all Carolina Panthers 2008 season home games inside Bank of America Stadium.