2009 Carolina Panthers Football Preview

2008 Record: 12-4, First NFC South; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Arizona Cardinals

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Head Coach: John Fox; Eighth year

Key Additions: C Justin Geisinger

Key Losses: CB Ken Lucas, OT Frank Omiyale, OG Geoff Hangartner

1st Round Draft Picks: -

2nd Round Draft Picks: Everette Brown – Defensive End, Sherrod Martin – Defensive Back

2009 Carolina Panthers Schedule

Carolina Panthers 2008 NFL Season in Review

The Panthers looked primed to make a strong postseason run in 2008. They finished the regular season 12-4, in first place of their division and received a first round bye. However they ran into a hot Arizona Cardinals team that easily dismantled them. Despite their short playoff stint, the 2008 season was still a good one for the team.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme stayed healthy for the entire year and the team finished 7 th in the league in scoring. The running tandem was devastating with DeAngelo Williams and rookie back Jonathan Stewart. The two combined for 28 touchdowns and over 2,300 yards on the ground. After missing the first two games of the season, Steve Smith still caught nearly 80 balls for over 1,400 yards.

The defense finished 12 th in the NFL in points allowed, and Julius Peppers enjoyed a great season, finishing with 14.5 sacks. However, the unit was not strong against the run, giving up nearly 120 yards per game to rank 20 th in the league.

Carolina Panthers 2009 NFL Season Preview

The Panthers did not do much to change their roster from the 2008 club. Head coach John Fox is back and is ready to take the same punishing ground attack and the same defensive unit through the season once again. The NFC South is a competitive division, and it won't be easy to repeat as division champions again even with their strong cast of stars.

2009 Carolina Panthers Offense:

Will Jake Delhomme regain the form he once had as one of the premier passers in the game? He was consistent in 2008 but unspectacular, completing less than 60% of his passes and throwing just 15 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. The running game will continue be the strength of the attack. DeAngelo Williams emerged in 2008 as one of the best running backs in the entire NFL and averaged a stellar 5.5 yards per carry as he racked up a 1,500 yard and 18 touchdown season. Jonathon Stewart was also sensational, putting up another 10 TDs and 800 yards with a 4.5 YPC.

Steve Smith is still one of the most dangerous playmakers at wide receiver. Muhsin Muhammad is getting older but is a viable second option the passing game and his large body is perfect for picking up hard conversions and making plays in the red zone. If all of these players remain healthy, the Panthers will put a great deal of points on the board in 2009.

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2009 Carolina Panthers Defense:

Julius Peppers once again needs to play at a Pro Bowl – or better – level for the Carolina Panthers. The athletic defensive end also needs to make plays against the run, in addition to generating sacks and quarterback pressures. Linebacker Jon Beason had a great second season and Thomas Davis had a great third season, and both should continue to improve alongside one another. The Panthers will hope that both of their second round draft picks, defensive end Everette Brown and safety Sherrod Martin can play a big role immediately, which would go a long way towards rounding out the unit.

2009 Carolina Panthers Prediction: First NFC South

By Jake Emen
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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