The Carolina Panthers - sleeper of the entire league?

[SoonerSons]

First let me say I'm a huge Cowboys fan, I think it will be tough for anyone to beat the Boys this year given their improvements in all areas over the past 2 years.

Now let me talk a little bit about my sleeper pick to make noise in the NFC playoffs, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have only been in the news lately for the Steve Smith incident, which was unfortunate. However, since the incident the team has been playing at an extremely high level and team morale has been higher than ever after the fight. Smith and CB Ken Lucas are now on great terms, and the event has become a rallying point for the team.

Morale aside, this team is loaded with talent. On offense they boast one of the best offensive lines in all of the league. Rookie Otah is going to be a stud, and many scouts are saying he is already at a probowl level of linemen. This improved line is going to be key in what is going to be a breakout season for Deangelo Williams (atleast 1300 yards rushing). This guy has all the talent you could ask for in a back, but with some injuries and not much help behind him, he hasn't blossomed completely yet. This is where rookie Jonathan Stewart comes in. Stewart is possibly the most dynamic player in this year's draft (besides Tenn's Chris Johnson), and will be able to step in and provide great help to Williams, creating a top 3 rushing attack in the league. WR's should be solid after Steve Smith returns, as he IMO is still one of the top 8 talents in the league at his position. Dwayne Jarrett has stepped up as well lately, and DJ Hackett might be able to share receptions if he can stay healthy. Jake Delhomme is a solid NFL QB, who given protection and a running game (which he will have this year) can turn out to be a great QB.

Defensively the Panthers were a letdown last year, Peppers seemed to have given up on some games when he knew the team was going to lose. I expect a real improvement by Julius this year, and as Peppers improves the team improves. The Panthers secondary is one of the most athletic in the league, and solid at every position. Ken Lucas and Chris Harris are great players, and will be tough for any passing attack. Linebackers are solid, Jon Beason in particular is a monster. The weakness of the D and the team is the interior. If they cannot improve here this team might fall short of my expectations.

In summary, the Panthers are going to be incredible at running the ball this year, and if the Defense improves they will be one of the most balanced teams in the league. Prediction: 11-5, with a good shot at making the Superbowl.

[cuse_man]

you taking the points against the bolts ? i thknk D missing a couple linemen center and LT ? rjb ?

[BlueJaysMVP33]

With you all the way Sooners. Love the Panthers this week against the Chargers +9.5. I'm also expecting big things from them as well. Lots of talent on this team. They are going to blow some teams out this year I think. Nice post!!

[jordan19]

Nice post, I am with you guys...they will be a contender! I have Carolina plus the points this week!

[Mike2220]

Panthers always seem to be an underdog team every year....They play good D and they have a decent O, but they havent been the same since they had the tandum of Stephen Davis, and Co

[Romanowski]

deangelo is more patient with the holes he is getting

jonathon stewart & deangleo williams > davis & foster

key is if Delhommes can stay healthy

as for this particular game, chargers too good panthers may cover

[Jahred]

Originally Posted by SoonerSons

First let me say I'm a huge Cowboys fan, I think it will be tough for anyone to beat the Boys this year given their improvements in all areas over the past 2 years.

Now let me talk a little bit about my sleeper pick to make noise in the NFC playoffs, the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have only been in the news lately for the Steve Smith incident, which was unfortunate. However, since the incident the team has been playing at an extremely high level and team morale has been higher than ever after the fight. Smith and CB Ken Lucas are now on great terms, and the event has become a rallying point for the team.

Morale aside, this team is loaded with talent. On offense they boast one of the best offensive lines in all of the league. Rookie Otah is going to be a stud, and many scouts are saying he is already at a probowl level of linemen. This improved line is going to be key in what is going to be a breakout season for Deangelo Williams (atleast 1300 yards rushing). This guy has all the talent you could ask for in a back, but with some injuries and not much help behind him, he hasn't blossomed completely yet. This is where rookie Jonathan Stewart comes in. Stewart is possibly the most dynamic player in this year's draft (besides Tenn's Chris Johnson), and will be able to step in and provide great help to Williams, creating a top 3 rushing attack in the league. WR's should be solid after Steve Smith returns, as he IMO is still one of the top 8 talents in the league at his position. Dwayne Jarrett has stepped up as well lately, and DJ Hackett might be able to share receptions if he can stay healthy. Jake Delhomme is a solid NFL QB, who given protection and a running game (which he will have this year) can turn out to be a great QB.

Defensively the Panthers were a letdown last year, Peppers seemed to have given up on some games when he knew the team was going to lose. I expect a real improvement by Julius this year, and as Peppers improves the team improves. The Panthers secondary is one of the most athletic in the league, and solid at every position. Ken Lucas and Chris Harris are great players, and will be tough for any passing attack. Linebackers are solid, Jon Beason in particular is a monster. The weakness of the D and the team is the interior. If they cannot improve here this team might fall short of my expectations.

In summary, the Panthers are going to be incredible at running the ball this year, and if the Defense improves they will be one of the most balanced teams in the league. Prediction: 11-5, with a good shot at making the Superbowl.

11-5 based on "team is loaded with talent" . I could say the same for almost every team in the league.

-Delhome off a torn shoulder
-deangello williams break out year 1300 yards? huh i will give you props if this happens with or without a healthy stewart who they took 1st round.


I think the Panthers could easily win 9 games this year, I like the pieces they added at wr and rb but I dont know if playing at a high level in preseason means an 11 win superbowl season.

[Romanowski]

go raiders

[BigdaddyQH]

It is all up to Delhome. I do not think he has enough left to be effective for an entire season.

[Knockonwood]

Very Good writeup Sooner, I think you're dead on!!! I'm scared of the game this week though but it should show where the Panthers are really at!!! I make lines myself on every game and I think 9 is high, so that scares me a little bit!!! I'm a Big Panther Fan, matter of fact, I've had seats since day1!!! I do think if they stay healthy, they will have a shot at the Super Bowl!!! Good luck with the Cowboys, we just might see you in the NFC title game!!! Take Care, good to hear someone say how I feel!!! Knock!

[lucky 13]

Delhomme is key started off 8 td 1 int until he got hurt. Smith now has dj hackett, Muhammad and Dwanye Jarrett. Stewart and Williams nice duo. I personally like peppers Beason on D. Chargers hard game to start off with especially without Smith but have to run run run and then find Mush!! Panthers 11-5 and see your Dallas Cowboys in NFC championship. Hope ya'll are tired!!lol

[book killa 2005]

I happen to be from the Charlotte area, so I hear more than most about the Panthers and I couldn't agree more. I would love for them to live up to the expectations you have, and I definitely agree they have the talent.

I personally think they are a better team without Smith and would like to see him traded for more of a team player. I'm sure that will draw some nay sayers, but you know what they say about opinions.

Bottom line is they have the experience and talent to hang in there this year. The defense is the big question like I saw in another post, because I doubt our offense is going to put up more than 21-28 a game.

GL
Book Killa

[Bisket]

24-6 chargers

[Mike2220]

i read somewhere that there offense this year is very underrated, whereas there defense is very overrated

[SoonerSons]

bump, panthers looking good.

i was in shock all afternoon at how my contrarian ATL pick actually came through for once, to even notice how well carolina played. with steve smith back this team is gonna be tough. thanks for the replies guys, last i checked the thread didnt have any and i was worried no one even read it.