NFC South Preview: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers

Head Coach: John Fox
2007 Record: 7-9 (Second in NFC South)
Key Additions: WR D.J. Hackett, WR Muhsin Muhammad, RB Jonathan Stewart
Key Losses: DT Kris Jenkins

A normally dangerous Carolina team was hampered by injuries in the 2007 season, leading to a disappointing record. The biggest injury was to Jake Delhomme, the star quarterback, and leader of the offense. Because of the injury, Delhomme played in only 3 games. With his return this season, the Panthers will have the privilege of playing with their all-time leading passer (Delhomme), their all-time leading receiver (Muhammed), and the best coach they’ve ever had (Fox).

The team finished 26th in the league in scoring, but the defense was ranked 15th in points allowed.

Even though Delhomme was injured for most of the season, he was still the best quarterback on the team. In 3 games, Delhomme completed 64% of his passes, for 624 yards, 8 touchdowns, and only 1 interception. His quarterback rating was 111.8. Veteran Vinny Testaverde played most of the season, compiling a 2-4 record in 6 games. He threw for 952 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. Matt Moore came on at the end of the season, leading the Panthers to a 2-1 record in the games he started, even with a quarterback rating of 67.0.

The Panthers lost their all-time leading rusher in DeShaun Foster, but picked up a top recruit in Jonathan Stewart. Stewart ran for almost 3,ooo yards and 27 touchdowns in his college years. DeAngelo Williams will be returning for the Panthers, coming off of a 2007 season where he rushed for 717 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Returning to the team after four years with the Bears, Muhsin Muhammed will look to recapture the spark he once had. Last year he had only 570 yards, and 3 touchdowns. The Panthers also picked up D.J. Hackett, coming off of 384 yards, 3 touchdown campaign last season.

The defense will return Julius Peppers, the top lineman on their team. Peppers recorded 38 tackles, with 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Also returning is Thomas Davis, who was the top linebacker last season. Davis had 86 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. Overall, the defense recorded 23 sacks and 14 interceptions. One was returned for a touchdown.

After an injury maligned season, the Panthers look to return to top form in 2008. With their star quarterback returning, the offense should once again be a powerhouse.