Why the Carolina Panthers Will Win the Super Bowl

(Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers know they are close to another Super Bowl run, and no one on their team is more aware of this fact than defensive end Julius Peppers.

Peppers, the quiet leader of this team, has reached the big game once in his career, falling short to the New England Patriots by three points. Perhaps without the added benefit of un-nameable tactics used by the Pats during this time frame, the ensuing outcome would have been different.

The experienced Panthers team re-signed Peppers late in June and are poised for another run at the Lombardi trophy.  Las Vegas odds makers have the Panthers at 22:1 to win the biggest football game of the year. 

Your local coach at Bleacher Report couldn’t disagree more, and predicts the Carolina Panthers will win the Super Bowl in Miami, Florida on Feb. 7, 2010. 

Place your bets now because I’m only going to give this information out one time.

Here are the top reasons the Panthers will earn their first ever title.

Continuity

In 2009, the Panthers will return 21-of-22 starters after cutting only linebacker Ken Lucas.  In a league filled with men jumping from one team to another, having a stable core of returning teammates is a factor which cannot be ignored.

Strength of Schedule

While college football judges strength of schedule in a way of determining how other teams match up, the NFL is much different.  The current trend in the NFL seems to be that the perception of a teams upcoming schedule will dictate their run towards the playoffs. 

While some teams set their goals on just the playoffs, other teams expect to make the playoffs and set their sight on the Super Bowl.  The Carolina Panthers are that sort of organization. 

NFL teams tend to analyze their schedules, and many seem comfortable admitting whether or not they feel their schedule is tough or simply competitive.  Road games in tough climates toward the end of a schedule are the kinds of factors that are taken into consideration when analyzing a schedule. 

Looking at the Panthers' schedule for the upcoming season reveals some very polished opponents.  While the casual fan looks at a tough NFL schedule and gets nervous, someone who understands football realizes that these types of games are the recipe for a postseason run.

Offseason Mindset

Last season, the Panthers' schedule was less than difficult, and perhaps this had an effect on the final outcome against the Arizona Cardinals. 

In 2008, the Panthers lost only four regular season games, all on the road.  They maintained a perfect record at home during the season, but when Arizona rolled into town in the playoffs, QB Jake Delhomme and the Panthers were defeated soundly 33-13. 

The game got out of hand early, as the Cards were up 27-7 at the half, essentially taking the Panthers dominating running game out of the picture.  Delhomme threw five interceptions, and the Panthers fumbled once, totaling six turnovers all together. 

The Cards' game plan that particular Sunday was executed almost to perfection, running the ball early and often as the time of possession for the Cards was 40 minutes to the Panthers' 20. 

After having a great regular season, this team ended the year with an eye-opening defeat.  While in the moment, this could appear as negative. When one looks objectively at a situation in fast-forward,  we can notice that this type of loss to a closely knit team can have a great benefit in preparation for the following season.

With the evolution of free agency continuing to change the sport of football, teams who can remain together while having moderate success can become a more cohesive unit.  Adding a tough schedule to the mix is a combination for success. 

This season will include road games in Dallas, New England, and New York.  When considering the improvement of Atlanta last season, as well as New Orleans and Tampa Bay, the Panthers' division schedule and other opponents will help to build a team poised for a run at the big game.

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