Offensive Line

Needless to say, the are among the list of optimum teams in the NFC as well as a legitimate contender to achieve the 2006 Super Bowl. The Panthers have made several sensible acquisitions this offseason and can be primed for making an additional robust run on the Super Bowl.

They've got a battle tested playoff team filled with veterans and young talent alike - and need to be a year wiser immediately after final year's playoff run. Now, all they have to undertake is stay healthier and centered.

Here is my 2006 preview about the Carolina Panthers.

Quarterbacks
I extremely like quarterback Jake Delhomme. Not just is he a fine quarterback, but he possesses the moxie that it takes to lead a workforce to victory inside the NFL. If Delhomme is healthy, the Panthers definitely have a possibility in just about every game.
Backup quarterback Chris Weinke is definitely a strong quarterback who will not make the major blunder to obtain his team beat, that is most likely his most beneficial attribute.

Running Backs
Starting operating back, DeShaun Foster is quite superb - when he is balanced, which, however, certainly not seems to be the case for exceedingly prolonged. I don't always think he is fragile, but Foster has suffered 1 damage right after a further.

Then again, the Panthers wisely went out and chosen operating back DeAngelo Williams with their 1st round draft choose this 12 months. Even though Foster doesn't go down with an damage this season, Williams will undoubtedly get his share of carries this season.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

I predicted in advance of final season began that wide receiver would possess a breakout year and that is exactly what he did. All the same, the Panthers noticed out final season, that they wanted not less than 1 competent broad receiver over the discipline with Smith to assist get many of the strain off within the mega-talented star and wisely went out and picked up zero cost agent, Keyshawn Johnson who need to be a wonderful compliment to Smith. Keary Colbert, will likely be the Panthers third receiver but must get a good deal more consistent. The Panthers tight ends really are a collective group of blockers who catch a pass about once a month.

Offensive Line
The Panthers usually seem to be able to move the ball for the ground for that most element, so I cannot badmouth this unit in any respect, while the Panthers have in no way had the cohesiveness that they've wanted.

Carolina can have a fresh center this season in, Justin Hartwig, who will join veteran guards Evan Mathis and Mike Wahle combined with tackles Travelle Wharton and Jordan Gross in Carolina's commencing unit.

Defensive Line
The Panthers have one of the many greatest defensive lines in all of football - and one particular that received better this past offseason.

Defensive finish Julius Peppers is actually a freak of nature that must be accounted for on each and every down. Defensive tackle, Kris Jenkins returns right after missing two consecutive seasons and can be paired with new tackle, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, a 350-pound room eating run stuffer. Carolina's other defensive end, Mike Rucker ninja fairing kit, is known as a fine player himself who's sound towards the run and pass.

Linebackers
Middle linebacker Dan Morgan is definitely the only starter who returns in 2006 and he's also damage susceptible himself. Carolina's outside positions are tenuous at most effective. Three players, Thomas Davis, Keith Adams and Na'il Diggs will compete for two positions.

Defensive Backs
Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble may not have the huge names of a lot of the other far more publicized cornerbacks during the league, every one of the pair does is shut down opposing wide receivers on the weekly basis.

Veteran cost-free security Mike Minter, is still a large hitter even when he can not move the way in which he employed to a couple of years in the past. Robust safety, Shaun Williams will have to fight to help keep his starting place from Colin Branch, but needs to be up to the challenge.
Veteran Reggie Howard and rookie Richard Marshall should certainly both see plenty of action within the Panthers' nickel packages.

Unique Teams
The Panthers have a reliable kicking game with veterans, John Kasay, despite the fact that he is aging, and punter, Jason Baker, who led the NFC which has a net typical of 38.9 yards in 2005. Kick returner, Jamal Robertson was reliable last season but Carolina will want an individual to stage up and grad a strong hold of their punt returning position.

Coaching
The Panthers wisely gave head coach John Fox a contract extension which may continue to keep him in Carolina through the entire 2010 season. Anyone who is aware of me, knows I believe really highly of Fox and the career he is performed seeing that he took over as Carolina's head coach. Fox at all times manages to acquire just about the most out of his teams, which can be the sign of the fabulous coach.

If Carolina can keep healthy on each sides on the ball, there exists certainly no explanation this crew cannot be a major factor during the NFC - along with the final a single standing when the dust settles.