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2005 Team Report: Carolina Panthers
Quarterbacks
Starter: Jake Delhomme
Starting QB: Despite losing his top receiver from 2003 Steve Smith to injury in the first game of the season last year, Jake Delhomme posted the best numbers of his career. Jake ripped off almost 3900 yards passing and racked up 29 TDs on only 15 INTs. He also added 70 yards rushing and scored a rushing TD as well. Although his leading receiver Muhsin Muhammad has moved on to Chicago, Steve Smith should make a healthy return, and 2nd year WR Keary Colbert will be looking to improve on his outstanding rookie performance (754 yards, 5 TDs). Despite entering his eighth season, it is also important to note that Delhomme only threw 86 passing during his first five years with New Orleans. Look for Delhomme to flirt with 4000 yards passing again in 2005 as he tries to bring the Panthers back to the playoffs after they missed it with a 7-9 record last year.
Backup QB: Last season's backup Rodney Peete has retired, leaving Chris Weinke as the primary reserve QB for the Panthers. Weinke is only entering his fifth NFL season, but due to his late start, he is already 33 years old. His rookie career was a disaster, and he was benched shortly into that 2002 season. He has not throw a regular season pass since December 2002. Stefan Lefors, who led an impressive offensive attack at Louisville, has drawn comparison to Delhomme in camp and seems destined to be the principle backup by 2006 at the latest. He's got a fluid release and makes smart decisions, and his physical limitations may have been overstated by draft pundits having watched him this preseason.
Running Backs
Starter: Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster
Starting RB: Just when you thought DeShaun Foster was going to get his chance, Stephen Davis comes back from microfracture surgery and immediately resumes the starting job. Davis is the definition of workhorse back, the kind of power runner who thrives when given 20+ carries right up the gut of opposing defenses. If he's healthy (a HUGE if), the Panthers have declared the starting job his to lose. Foster may still get his shot, which is more than he has a right to expect having missed 30 games in the last three seasons. Foster has size, speed and vision; he looks the part. But one can't ignore the significant injury issues and, to be fair, the fumbling problems. Assuming Davis can't defy medical opinion and fails to remain healthy, Foster has enough talent to be an impact player running behind the Panthers line. Ultimately neither he nor Davis should be considered reliable options, but they're all the Panthers really have with 2nd round pick Eric Shelton on IR with a broken foot. Backup RBs: The Panthers used a 2nd round selection on Eric Shelton in hopes he would give them an heir apparent to Stephen Davis and, at worst, a reliable insurance policy should neither Davis nor Foster stay healthy. He is a Jerome Bettis type of runner who possesses a nice balance of power and acceleration to hammer his way through the holes. Unfortunately, after struggling mightily in training camp, Shelton broke his foot and has been put on IR for the season. So all of a sudden Nick Goings is back in the picture. Goings has more of a fullback build, but faired well last year starting the last eight games of the season for the Panthers. He topped the 100-yard mark in five of those eight games.
Fullback: Nick Goings was expected to play more fullback this year, but with Eric Shelton lost to IR, he has re-entered the halfback conversation. That leaves Brad Hoover as the team's lead blocking back. Hooever is an interesting fullback in that he can carry the ball, but also catches well out of the backfield (he had 21 receptions last year).
Wide Receivers
Starters: Steve Smith, Keary Colbert
Starting WRs: With Steve Smith sidelined for almost the entire season, Muhsin Muhammad put out a career performance of 1400 yards and 16 TDs. He quickly turned that into a multi-million dollar free agent deal with Chicago and moved on. Steve Smith returns to the starting role opposite second year standout Keary Colbert, who posted 754 yards and 5 TDs as a rookie. The Smith-Colbert combo may cause a shift in the Carolina offense as neither Smith (5'9", 185 lbs.) or Colbert (5'10", 193 lbs.) has the same build as Muhammad does (6'2", 217 lbs.). This may or may not be an issue as Smith is more of a speed receiver, and Colbert is more of a 'possession' receiver. With Delhomme looking to put up another 3800-4000 yards in 2005, both Smith and Colbert will have a chance to post solid WR numbers. Backup WRs: The team desperately wanted another receiver to solidify the rotation and finally got their man by acquiring Rod Gardner from the Redskins. Gardner has fantasy physical skills, but has struggled with inconsistency in the last few seasons and was deemed expendable by Joe Gibbs. But Gardner's size is something the Panther covet given Muhsin Muhammad's departure. Neither Steve Smith nor Keary Colbert have the physical presence to emerge as consistent red zone targets, and Gardner could well end up starting instead of Colbert depending on how training camp progresses. Ricky Proehl is like the Energizer Bunny. He keeps going and going and going. Proehl is entering his 16th season, and he's already penciled in as the #3 receiver for Carolina. He has posted more than 300 yards receiving every year since 1996 and usually reaches the end zone three or four times a season as well. Expect the ultra-consistent Proehl to turn in a similar performance in 2005 as well. Karl Hankton was resigned over the summer and begins 2005 as Carolina's #4 wide out. He has never had more that ten receptions in any of his first eight seasons, and he probably won't do much in his ninth.
Tight Ends
Starters: Kris Mangum, Mike Seidman
Freddie Jones was signed as a free agent to give the Panthers a boost in the receiving department, but after one week of training camp decided he was done with football. With his surprise retirement, the Panthers are left with Kris Mangum and Mike Seidman, the main options from a season ago. In 2004, Panther TEs had less than 500 yards receiving as a group, so don't expect big numbers from anyone at the position. Although he's known more for his blocking, Kris Mangum posted some of his best receiving numbers last year with 393 yards and 3 TDs. Despite only 13 receptions last season, Mike Seidman turned two of them into points on the board. This third year player out of UCLA will presumably have a chance to show the Panthers fans exactly why he warranted a 3rd round selection. Place Kicker John Kasay : Once again Kasay did not play a full 16 games. He was injured during a game which punter Todd Sauerbrun then finished, and the next two in which Jeff Chandler subbed. When healthy, he's one of the better kickers, averaging around 85% on FGs in recent years (19 of 22, 86.4% last year). He's also has a solid team presence, something not often associated with kickers. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Rod Smart, Jamal Robertson, Steve Smith, Deshaun Foster In 2003 RB Rod Smart led the team in kick returns (23.1 avg, 947 yards, 1 TD), however he missed most of 2004 with a leg injury. The Panthers fantasy return ranking dropped from seventh to last. Smart is back and signed a four-year contract extension. RB Jamal Robertson looked good during preseason and will probably serve as the primary backup. Steve Smith and Deshaun Foster can also handle returns if needed. Punt Returners: Steve Smith, Chris Gamble In 2003 WR Steve Smith led the team in punt returns (10.0 avg, 440 yards, 1 TD), however he missed most of 2004 with a leg injury. Despite his workload on offense, the team would like to get him in on punt returns. He is probably their most explosive player. During Smith's absence, it was punt return by committee, including CB Chris Gamble (9 returns, 7.7 avg) and WR Eugene Baker (8 returns, 6.1 avg). Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Jordan Gross, RG Tutan Reyes, C Jeff Mitchell, LG Mike Wahle, LT Travelle Wharton
Even without newcomer Pro Bowl guard Mike Wahle, this was a decent unit. With him they should have a strong season. There are three all-star caliber players among this group now in Wahle, center Jeff Mitchell and young, improving tackle Jordan Gross, so the Panthers are in good hands going forward. Gross struggled at left tackle last year, but moves back to the right side where he dominated as a rookie. He has awesome athletic ability combined with an aggressive, hard working approach to the game. As a rookie last year, Travelle Wharton struggled at times, but he earned valuable experience and had a lot of positive moments. Center Jeff Mitchell is in the prime of his career and brings experience and leadership to the table in addition to heart and tenacity. The depth is also quite good, and the only real question mark is at the one guard position with Tutan Reyes being a marginal starter at best. Team Defense HC John Fox did a characteristically brilliant coaching job, holding the team together after a horrific start snakebitten by injuries to key players. The reigning NFC Super Bowl reps closed out 2004 with a historic 6-2 finish after a brutal 1-7 start, narrowly missing a playoff berth (would have been an NFL first). Carolina was middle-of-the-pack statistically in the NFC... ninth in total defense (336.4 YPG), seventh against the run (119 YPG), eighth against the pass (217.4 YPG) and seventh in scoring defense (21.2 PPG). The Panthers tied for first in the NFL in turnovers (35) and were first in INTs (24). Sacks suffered a drop from top ten in the NFL in '03 (40) to bottom ten in '04 (34). Drafting SS/OLB Thomas Davis (1.14) ahead of WLB Derrick Johnson was one of the more intriguing story arcs of the '05 first round. As intriguing will be what position the Georgia All-American junior plays (a difference maker wherever he lines up)... and who emerges as the better pro. The rare Uhrlacher-like college safety to NFL LB conversion could maximize his strength of attacking the LOS, best positioning him for success. As of press time, we can report that Davis lined up at SS for the first mini-camp... he has stated a preference to play there (also that he would be happy to play wherever the coaches want him to), and the team acknowledged that he he has a comfort zone there. The important point is he has the rare talent and physical gifts to emerge as a star at SS or OLB. Defensive Line
Starters: DE Julius Peppers, DE Mike Rucker, DT Kris Jenkins, DT Brentson Buckner
Starting DL: Peppers has had antecedents at his position who redefined the position (like Deacon Jones and the late Reggie White) yet he may have no positional peer as an athlete in NFL history. Beginning to use his smarts and become more of a technician... no longer relying on his freakish natural talent to be a dominant pass rusher. Making up for lost time in strength training from his stint at N.C. as one of the nation's top power forwards... reflected in his solo tackle ascent (30-41-56) since his rookie year. A few yards shy of three defensive TDs, which would have been a historic outburst for a DL. Rucker followed up a career year in sacks (12) with only 3.5 last season, and solo production is going the wrong way from Peppers (62-52-36). Should benefit from attention received by his supremely gifted counterpart. Recently turned 30, when skills can fade in a hurry. Jenkins (also 25) already had a near top five finish in sacks among DT in '02 (7)... '04 was a washout with only four games before season-ending shoulder surgery. Buckner is a workmanlike run stuffer who turns 34 in '05 and is nearing the end. Backup DL: Wallace came up the hard way as an undrafted free agent with the Eagles. He is 31, yet has only played five seasons, partly due to a three season gap in his NFL resume between '99-'01 when he was on IR or not on an NFL roster. He had been productive in a situational, third DE role, and CAR thought enough of him (and the quality depth he afforded at a vital position) to sign him to an extension prior to last season. Unfortunately, he seemed to be under the same malaise or general funk as Rucker, and had his lowest sack total (1) since his rookie season in '97. Moorehead is in the mix via the DL rotation, and put up a respectable 33 solos in Jenkins' absence. He also shares some accountability for the Panthers uncharacteristic struggles and breakdowns in the run game during their 1-7 start, as it happened partly on his watch as Jenkins replacement... though he also shares credit for the turnaround.
Linebackers
Starters: WLB Will Witherspoon, MLB Dan Morgan, SLB Chris Draft
Starting LBs: Witherspoon is a gifted athlete with rare speed (10.9 as prep) and ball skills for a LB. His four INTs were one shy of the NFL lead for LBs and he tied for second in the league from his position with 14 passes defensed. He set another career high in solo tackles with 88; the third consecutive year of improvement in that statistic. MLB Dan Morgan is an extension of the Miami MLB lineage, embodied in iconic Ray Lewis and culminating in prodigy Jonathan Vilma. He has it all -- speed, strength, smarts, instincts, toughness -- except resiliency (22 scratches in 64 possible games since '01). Morgan exploded out of the gate last season and was tracking to easily shatter his career high in solos before a blow to the head shelved him for four games. Recurring concussions could abort a promising career. With Mark Fields again sidelined with injury, Chris Draft will start on the strongside. The ex-Falcon is two years removed from a 105 solo season when a switch from WLB to MLB ravaged his stats (47 solos) in '04. Backup LBs: In May it was learned that Mark Fields would sit out the 2005 season due to a recurrence of Hodgkins disease which he battled in '03. He called it a "blip" and minor setback in his recovery, and that he intends to return to the field for the 2006 season. Brandon Short is a well put together 6'3" 253 lbs., and hasn't missed a game in four seasons. He had almost as many tackles as Fields in limited action in '04, and had 88 tackles in '02 and 75 in '03, his last two years as a starter (NYG). Don't expect a lot of big plays, with no career sacks or INTs. HC Fox is familiar with him, and knows his strengths and weaknesses from their stint with the Giants. Rookie Adam Seward has a future as a starter, but will probably be a special teams contributor exclusively in 2005.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Ken Lucas, CB Chris Gamble, SS Thomas Davis [r], FS Mike Minter
Starting DBs: Lucas parlayed a career year with SEA (six INTs tied Gamble for NFC lead) into a $36 million contract. Fox likes his physical presence in run support. Gamble eased concerns that he was too raw by getting better each game (five of six INTs in last eight games). His 70 solos led CAR DBs and were #12 among NFL CBs. A winner at every level he has competed at... state championsips in basketball and football (FL) and a national title with Ohio State. Cyborg-like endurance, took more two way snaps in college than Woodson and Bailey. Pedigree and size recommend both Gamble (1.28 '04... 6'1" 181) and Lucas (2.09 '01... 6'0" 205)... this is an athletic duo. Rookie Thomas Davis looks to start at SS. He is bigger (230 lbs.) than Derrick Brooks was as a rookie and faster (4.4) than Roy Williams. Davis is a dominant athlete with telepathic instincts who should be able to shed blockers. He's got an inate sense of pursuit angles but isn't good in coverage (which is why he may be better suited to play LB). Minter prepares for his ninth season, all with Carolina... unusual in the FA era. He just turned 31 and just signed a four-year contract extension. He has sub-optimal size (5'10" 195), but not toughness. Solos dipped from 80 in '03 to 64 last season. There are some rumors suggesting Minter is a cap casualty, but we believe they team the leader Minter with the rookie Davis and play Minter at the FS spot. Backup DBs: Manning was a revelation as a rookie in 2003, with some huge INTs during the Super Bowl run. He is a terrific athlete (baseball player in the Twins organization), but the Panthers were disappointed with him in run support and think he is a better fit at nickle CB covering slot WRs. Bashir was a four year starter for IND, though habitually injured... 10 missed games since '03 sealed his fate. He is more natural and experienced in pass coverage than Branch. Not a ballhawk (five career INTs). If Minter is a cap casualty, or if they decide to bench him,Bashir could start at FS. McCree backs up at SS.
Last modified: 2005-09-05 18:54:41
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