20-Nov-2009 17:35pm
 
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Carolina Panthers
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

It was a pretty quiet offseason for the Panthers, which isn't unusual when you are coming off a very good season. The Panthers were close last year. The Panthers did let starting cornerback Ken Lucas go, which is a hole to fill. Lucas will be missed. He has been a mainstay in the Panthers secondary for the last several seasons.

The biggest additions for the Panthers came in the draft, taking defensive end Everette Brown and safety Sherrod Martin in the second round. Both could be impact players early in their careers, especially Brown, who gives the team another top pass rusher to pair with Julius Peppers.

STRENGTHS

The Panthers running game might have been the best in the game last season. DeAngelo Williams emerged as a big-time star, rushing for over 1,500 while scoring 20 touchdowns. Backup Jonathan Stewart had a solid rookie season, rushing for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns in a reserve role. The two backs combined for 30 total touchdowns last season. You can expect the Panthers to once again rely on these two to carry the offense most weeks.

Carolina boasts a solid pass rush with Julius Peppers leading the way. The team had 37 total sacks last season while allowing just 20. And their sack total could improve this season with another legit pass rusher at the other end spot - rookie Everette Brown. The Panthers pass rush should be a handful for opposing offensive lines this season.

WEAKNESSES

The Panthers pass defense was just middle of the pack last season, but the loss of Lucas makes this unit take a little bit of a step back. We would expect teams to throw at new starter Richard Marshall often. He could give up some big plays. Chris Gamble is a legit No. 1 corner, though, which helps. But the rest of the corners have some question marks, which is a concern for this unit.

OUTLOOK

The Panthers have the talent in place to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season. We think the big wild card is the play of Jake Delhomme. He had some games to forget at the end of last season. If he can sustain solid, consistent play all season, the Panthers could win it all.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 19, 07:15 PM Williams is active for the Week 11 game.
Nov 19, 07:15 PM Stewart is active for the Week 11 game.
Nov 19, 07:13 PM Jason La Canfora, of the NFL Network, reports Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith was involved in a minor car accident when he was traveling to Bank of America Stadium for the team's Week 11 game. He is fine and will be able to play in the game.
Nov 19, 07:13 PM The Carolina Panthers have declared QB A.J. Feeley, FB Brad Hoover, FS Charles Godfrey, DL Charles Johnson, OG Duke Robinson, LB Hilee Taylor, WR Kenneth Moore, RB Mike Goodson inactive for Week 11.
Nov 18, 03:13 PM Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18. He is listed as questionable for Week 11.

Fantasy Impact: Williams should be ready to go for the Thursday game. He followed a similar pattern last week and played.
Nov 18, 03:13 PM Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers FB Brad Hoover (ankle), DE Charles Johnson (pectoral) and FS Charles Godfrey (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18. They are listed as doubtful for Week 11 and will not play.
Nov 18, 03:13 PM Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers DT Damione Lewis (shoulder) participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 but will be able to play.
Nov 18, 03:03 PM Steve Reed, of CarolinaGrowl.com, reports Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles') participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 but will be able to play.
Nov 17, 09:53 PM Andrew Mason, of Panthers.com, reports Carolina Panthers OT Jordan Gross (ankle) has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.
Nov 17, 04:13 PM Carolina Panthers FS Charles Godfrey (ankle), FB Brad Hoover (ankle) and DL Charles Johnson (pectoral) did not practice Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Nov 17, 04:13 PM Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles') did not practice Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Nov 17, 04:13 PM Carolina Panthers DL Damione Lewis (shoulder) was limited in practice Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Nov 16, 05:33 PM Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (hand) was limited during practice Monday, Nov. 16.
Nov 16, 05:23 PM Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) did not participate in practice Monday, Nov. 16.
Nov 16, 05:23 PM Carolina Panthers FS Charles Godfrey (ankle), FB Brad Hoover (ankle), DE Charles Johnson (pectoral) and DT Damione Lewis (shoulder) did not participate in practice Monday, Nov. 16.
Nov 16, 05:23 PM Carolina Panthers TE Dante Rosario (knee) was limited during practice Monday, Nov. 16.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Marcus Monk, WR; Justin Geisinger, G. 

Losses:
Adam Seward, LB; Ken Lucas, DB; Geoff Hangartner, C; Nick Goings, RB; Jeremy Bridges, G; D.J. Hackett, WR. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 2  11 Everette BrownDL
 # 2  27 Sherrod MartinDB
 # 4  11 Mike GoodsonRB
 # 4  28 Tony FiammettaRB
 # 4  36 Terrance TaylorDL
 # 5  27 Duke RobinsonOL
 # 7  7 Captain MunnerlynDB
 Undrafted Tyrell SuttonRB
 Undrafted Jamall LeeRB

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 13 1:00PM      Philadelphia
2     Sep 20 1:00PM      at Atlanta
3     Sep 28 8:30PM      at Dallas
-- Week 4 Bye --
5     Oct 11 1:00PM      Washington
6     Oct 18 1:00PM      at Tampa Bay
7     Oct 25 4:05PM      Buffalo
8     Nov 1 4:15PM      at Arizona
9     Nov 8 4:05PM      at New Orleans
10     Nov 15 1:00PM      Atlanta
11     Nov 19 8:20PM      Miami
12     Nov 29 1:00PM      at New York Jets
13     Dec 6 1:00PM      Tampa Bay
14     Dec 13 1:00PM      at New England
15     Dec 20 8:20PM      Minnesota
16     Dec 27 1:00PM      at New York Giants
17     Jan 3 1:00PM      New Orleans