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Carolina
Let's Get it Started
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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
Offseason Keys
2009 Draft Class
2009 Schedule
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