NFL Football Preview 2009 Carolina Panthers
Team Looks To Build Off Of 12-4 Finish From Last Season
Throughout the entire offseason, nobody knew what to expect from Julius Peppers when camp approached. He expressed his desire to leave Carolina, as he felt he was "maxed out" from the Panthers 4-3 defense and wanted the chance to play outside linebacker for a 3-4 defense.
When a deal to trade Peppers fell through, the 29-year-old decided his best option would be to sign the one-year deal for $16.7 million the Panthers were offering him. It may not have been the long-term deal he had been looking for, but he figured it would work out for the time being.
What Can The Panthers Expect From Defensive End Julius Peppers?
The 6'7" Peppers enters 2009 coming off of his best season, in which he recorded 14.5 sacks for the Panthers. Despite his desire to be traded during the offseason, he claims that his desire to leave the Panthers won't be a distraction for the upcoming season.
Peppers has played a key role for the Panthers at defensive end throughout his career. In seven seasons, he has recorded 70.5 sacks and 25 forced fumbles. Hopefully, he will stay healthy enough to have another major impact in 2009 and help the Panthers improve off of their 12-4 record from last season.
Can Jake Delhomme Stay Consistent at Quarterback in 2009?
Even though there is no "I" in team, a lot of fans were disappointed with the way Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme performed in the Divisional Round against the Arizona Cardinals last season. In the 33-13 loss, he threw for 205 yards and a touchdown. However, he also managed to throw five interceptions in the Panthers only home loss of the season.
When Delhomme signed a five-year extension for $42.5 milion this offseason, there were mixed emotions from fans on whether or not he deserved this type of deal. He may have thrown for 3,288 yards last season, but he only managed to throw for 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Delhomme's inconsistency has seemed to be an issue over the last couple of seasons. However, part of the reason he may have struggled last season is because of an elbow injury he suffered in 2007, in which he had Tommy John surgery on his elbow.
Thanks to the dynamic-duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart at running back (last season they rushed for a combined 2,351 yards and 28 touchdowns), Delhomme's inconsistency last season wasn't as damaging as it could have been.
The Panthers are loaded at the wide receiver position for the upcoming season. With Steve Smith, Mushin Muhammad and the emergence of Dwayne Jarrett, the Panthers may have one of the most explosive offenses in 2009.
With all of the weapons on offense, there is no reason why Delhomme shouldn't perform well for the Panthers this season. Look for the Panthers to make another run for their second-straight NFC South title.
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