Carolina Panthers 2007 Preview

Steve Smith and Julius Peppers Look for Playoff Return

Aug 14, 2007 Jeffrey Lane Boswell

Panthers will probably battle New Orleans for NFC South division, barring the catastrophic injuries that marred a mediocre 2006 season.

Expectations are high in Charlotte, but aren’t they always? The Panthers feature two players, wide receiver Steve Smith and defensive end Julius Peppers, who arguably present the most difficult matchups for opposing defenses and offenses than any other stars in the league. Much of Carolina’s success hinges on the performance of these two superstars, but a return to the playoffs lies more in consistency from quarterback Jake Delhomme and a defense that was at times dominant, while other times uninspired, often in the span of one game.

A Panthers optimist would call Delhomme "streaky;" a pessimist would say "erratic." Erratic could just as well describe the entire team’s performance. Carolina was anything but consistent last year. But for a four-game winning streak between weeks 3 and 6, the Panthers could build no momentum (two two-game losing streaks, plus a four-game losing streak) and finished 8-8. One more win would have meant the playoffs. Blame the coaches directly for one of those loses; a lateral on a punt return, called by the staff, at Minnesota in week 2 backfired, resulting in a 16-13 overtime loss. The players were equally as guilty in a 37-3 blowout loss to the Steelers in week 15.

Offensively, the Panthers will look for production from the usual contributors, as well as newcomers via the draft and free agency. Most of the pressure lies on Delhomme to be more than adequate, and the presence of David Carr looking over his shoulder may be the motivation Delhomme needs. His primary target is, and has been, Steve Smith, who, when healthy, may be the most dominating receiver in the game. Last year, Smith had 1166 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns in 14 games; if the Panthers are to challenge for the NFC South crown, they will need 10-12 touchdowns and at least 1,200 yards from Smith. Rookie Dwayne Jarrett from USC, likely to be Smith's starting counterpart, has the size (6'5," 213 pounds) of the departed Keyshawn Johnson, but obviously will lack Johnson's experience and craftiness. DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster will again split time at tailback, with Williams getting the majority of the carries this year. Williams' breakaway speed give the Panthers big play ability on the ground, and the success of the running game will deter opposing safeties from double-teamming Smith. On the line, second-round draft pick Ryan Khalil will bring depth to a line that lost two starters, Travelle Wharton and Justin Hartwig, in 2006’s first week. Those devastating injuries set the tone for last year’s disappointing season.

With the retirement of safety Mike Minter, defensive end Julius Peppers assumes the title of official leader of the Panthers defense. There should be no added pressure, since Peppers has been the unofficial leader for some time. He is undoubtedly the most athletic defender in the game, and often his presence alone creates problems for offenses. Peppers will no doubt be motivated for a huge year by some of the recent, massive contracts signed by other linemen, such as the Colts Dwight Freeney. Peppers will be joined on the line by veterans Kris Jenkins, Mike Rucker, returning from knee surgery, and nose tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu. Minter's place in the defensive backfield will be filled by Chris Harris, obtained in a trade with Chicago in July. Joining Harris in the backfield will be Nate Salley at safety and athletic but unpolished cornerback Chris Gamble. Ken Lucas, who lost his starting job at cornerback last year, hopes to regain the form he displayed in Seattle two years ago before the Panthers made him what was then thought to be a free-agent prize. The linebacking corps, with Dan Morgan, Na’il Diggs, Thomas Davis, James Anderson, and first-round pick Jon Beason from Miami, gives the Panthers a deep and talented unit. Morgan’s history of concussions make him unlikely to last a full year.

The outlook for the Panthers in 2007 is unclear; while they won’t strike fear into opponents, they clearly have the talent and coaching to compete with any team in the league. Right now, Carolina looks like the second-best team in the South. Injury-free, they can challenge the Saints for the division. Should the quantity and severity of injuries strike again, Carolina again will struggle to reach .500. But in the wide-open NFC, that may be enough to make the playoffs.

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