The Carolina Panthers' "Dream Team"

Eric Quackenbush by Senior Analyst Written on February 22, 2009

Slide 1 of 15

Display_image

If there was no salary cap in the NFL, and the Panthers could take any player from any roster as an upgrade to positions that are weak or failing, I would envision these athletes to make up the Panthers dream team.

If there are any players on the Panthers whom I believe would be on the dream team, I will post them as well.

Quarterback

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01:  Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a sack against Antonio Smith #94 of the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Jami

Ben Roethlisberger is the Hulk at quarterback.

This guy is probably one of the toughest, if not the toughest to bring down. His size and strength allows him to evade would-be tacklers, he's mobile in and out of the pocket, and on the rare occasion he is brought down, he has an uncanny ability to chuck the ball off to the waiting hands of a receiver.

He is a defining character of toughness and durability.

Running Back

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 10:  Running back DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 10, 2009 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N

All it seemingly took for DeAngelo Williams to have an MVP-caliber season, was a farewell chat with former Panthers quarterback, Vinny Testaverde.

Whatever was said in that conversation had a great impact on Williams the person, Williams the player, and the Panthers.

Fullback

SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 28:  Jacob Hester #22 of the San Diego Chargers runs with the ball after a catch past Josh Bell #34 of the Denver Broncos during the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 28, 2008 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the

Jacob Hester had a very productive season in 2008 for the Chargers.

I followed his college career at LSU as well, and he's becoming as big of a name in the NFL as he was at LSU.

During the '08 season, Hester had 19 carries for 95 yards, his longest carry of 28 yards, and a touchdown. He also had 12 receptions for 91 yards, his longest catch for 16 yards, and a touchdown.

Not bad numbers for only missing three games.

Tight End

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 21:  Bo Scaife #80 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball during the game against the Houston Texans at LP Field on September 21, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Bo Scaife had a very good season in the AFC South.

There are a lot of good tight ends with some impressive numbers to choose from, but I took into consideration the strength of schedule and strength of conference.

Any team that has to face the Colts twice a year and Jacksonville (when they're playing on target), will have middle-of-the-road numbers; nothing too flashy.

Scaife had 58 receptions for 561 yards; 9.7 yards average, and two touchdowns.

Add to this that the quarterback was Kerry Collins, who relied heavily on the Titans' running game, I would say Scaife had a great season.

Wide Receiver

Display_image

Steve Smith plays with the heart of a champion.

He has skills, he has toughness, he's tenacious, and he's only 5'9", 185 pounds.

Smitty will go for the catch wherever you put the ball. He's short in stature, but when it seems like the ball is too high, like a Panther, he leaps for it and 99.9 percent of the time comes down with the catch.

Offensive Line

Display_image

Can't really ask for a better group of cats than the ones we have already.

The Panthers offensive line is dominating, creates gaps for the running game, and does a good job of protecting the quarterback.

Middle Linebacker

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 05:  Jon Beason #52 of the Carolina Panthers enters the field during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America on October 5, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jon Beason had a great '08 season, and as far as MLB's go, with 138 tackles and three interceptions, he is definitely coming into his own and creating a name for himself.

Safety

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 4:  Safety Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens intercepts a pass against the Miami Dolphins in an NFL Wildcard Playoff Game at Dolphins Stadium on January 4, 2009 in Miami, Floirda.  Reed ran for a touchdown with the interception. (Pho

Ed Reed has great hands, good ball awareness, good size and leaping ability, and plays against the Steelers twice a year.

Reed also had some good stats for a safety in the '08 season with 41 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and nine interceptions.

Corner Back

Display_image

I still say Asante Samuel is one of the premier corners in the league. I know the Raiders have that Nnamdi-whatever guy.

I like Samuel's elusive speed, and ability to make a play seemingly out of nowhere.

My other pick would have been Ricky Manning Jr., from the '03 Panthers team.

Kicker

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 07:  Place kicker John Kasay #4 of the Carolina Panthers kicks a field goal from under the hold of punter Jason Baker #7 while taking on the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on October , 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Panther

I know Kasay has had his share of "oops" kicks and kickoffs, but Ihave to give the man respect, as he is the only remaining original Panther from the inaugural season.

He has pulled the Panthers through a lot of game winning situations.

Punter

DENVER - NOVEMBER 23:  Punter Shane Lechler #9 of the Oakland Raiders punts the ball to the Denver Broncos during week 12 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on November 23, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 31-10.  (Photo by

Shane Lechler would have to be the punter on this team.

He had 90 punts in '08, with a punt average of 48.8 yards, his longest punt of 70 yards, and 33 punts inside the 20 yard line.

Coach

Display_image

Bill Belichick, a student under Bill Parcells, has the credentials I like.

He's a defensive coach, has three Super Bowl titles, and is short and to the point with the media, usually with responses that are very vague but humorous.

Who Would You Pick?

Display_image

I'm interested in your opinion and who you like or would change on this list.

(2)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

14 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

623
reads

14
comments

written on February 22, 2009 Opinion

The best newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.