2010 Panthers Young, Talented and off the Radar
Many are wondering whether the Carolina Panthers franchise was just being cheap, refusing to cough up the dough this offseason or whether it was just a case of rebuilding and going in a different direction.
The team has seen the end of an era this offseason in many ways. For one, Jake Delhomme, the franchise quarterback of the last decade is gone. One of the most talented defensive ends in the league is gone in Julius Peppers. Muhsin Muhammad, an experienced, sure-handed No. 2 receiver is gone, and long-time fullback Brad Hoover is also gone. As well as defensive tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu, linebacker Na’il Diggs and safety Chris Harris.
Peppers was let go into free agency where the Bears gave him a huge contract, 6 years $91.5 million. The rest were let go mostly due to health reasons and age.
However, this franchise is clearly on a tight budget as owner Jerry Richardson is crying poor. He is also playing a key role in labour negotiations, complaining players are getting too much money. The Panthers were even willing to let coach John Fox leave for another team due to the $6 million dollar salary he’s expected to make in the final year of his contract.
Fox decided to stay for the final year on his contract and he’ll head into the season with a young, talented team, but you have to wonder if the franchise is committed to winning. They don’t seem to be willing to give their star players the star player salary. running back (RB) DeAngelo Williams, linebacker (LB) Jon Beason and cornerback (CB) Richard Marshall are all entering their prime and management will have to give them new deals soon.
That covers the Panthers many problems off the field. As per the situation is on the field, the Panthers actually have a young, underrated team. Their season seemed to be heading for disaster last year when they started 4-7. Jake Delhomme was having a miserable season and the Panthers seemed to heading to the league’s basement. Things seemed to turn around though once a struggling Delhomme was injured and Matt Moore went 4-1 as the starter in the team’s final leg of the season. They even beat NFC powerhouses Minnesota and New Orleans to finish the season 8-8.
That gives reason to believe that if Matt Moore as the team’s new starting quarterback is able to continue avoiding turnovers and managing the game well, this team can actually be a playoff contender.
On offence, the running game is the team’s bread and butter. They possibly have the best two-back tandem in the league with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the backfield. Williams is the speedier of the two, but Stewart is pretty quick himself and at 235 pounds he can rumble past defenders. They’ll also have a new man as their lead blocker in Tony Fiammetta, who’s replacing Brad Hoover at fullback.
In the passing game, the team has one of the best playmakers in the league in Steve Smith. He’s one of the top ten receivers in the game and he’s now one of the few veterans on offence. He’s also a top competitor in the league and he’ll have to emerge as a great leader and help Moore adjust in the starting role.
Jimmy Clausen also seems to be the long-term solution at quarterback with his amazing arm strength and tremendous athleticism. However, Moore will still likely be the starter and will simply have to manage games well.
With questions about the offenses’ ability to score, the Panthers young defence will need to be a huge help. Jon Beason leads the way at linebacker (LB). The team has solid depth at linebacker with their young draft picks in Dan Connor and Thomas Davis.
The weakness hangs on the defensive line. With Peppers and other veterans gone, on the line will be Everette Brown, Charles Johnson, Tyler Brayton and fourth round-pick Eric Norwood; not very impressive unless Norwood makes an immediate impact.
In the secondary, the Panthers actually have very strong cornerbacks. Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall are both playmakers and can shadow receivers. Their coverage will be very important with the weak pass rush.
At safety, Charles Godfrey and Sherrod Martin are both good tacklers, but will have to make more plays this year.
On special teams, John Kasay has been with the franchise since it came into the league. At 40, he still has a long range. Punter Jason Baker is one of the best and he will attempt to take over kickoff duties as well. Captain Munnerlyn handles punts and Tyrell Sutton handles kicks. Armanti Edwards may get a look as neither returner was very effective last year.
This team is hard to figure out. The management may have saved money, but it may be very hard to win football games. They seem to be in rebuild mode and they still do have some great stars. It will ride on how their quarterback situation helps the team and if John Fox can improve and build this team quickly. Probably their best hope will be contending for the playoffs and grabbing a wild-card spot. The good news is that expectations are low for the Panthers and they may end up being one of those teams that seem to surprise people every year.
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