(Photo by: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Defensive Line
The recent signing of Peppers helps to make the Panthers possibly the best all-around defensive line in the league. Peppers, the second overall selection in the 2002 draft, enters his eighth season as a Carolina Panther.
In 2008 he totaled 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles, which totals 70.5 sacks and 24 forced fumbles in his seven seasons. Peppers has been selected to four Pro Bowls.
Playing the run as well as the pass, Peppers has shown an ability to line up at every spot on the defensive front, making him a huge concern for opposing offensive coordinators.
In the draft in April, the first pick by the Panthers was Everette Brown, a defensive end from Florida State who has amazing quickness. Brown showed an ability to line up everywhere on the D-line in college, and should see plenty of one-on-one opportunities with Peppers in the game.
Tyler Brayton will add the kind of depth on the edge a team needs to keep the men on the line fresh and ready to play the run or the pass.
Interior tackles Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu return after a successful 2008 season.
All players are healthy and ready to contribute.
Offensive Run Game
The Panthers return all 11 members of an offensive machine which led the NFL in 2008 in rushing touchdowns, with 30. They ranked third in yards per carry, yards per game, and total yards from scrimmage.
Returning on the offensive line are left guard Travelle Wharton, left tackle Jordan Gross, center Ryan Kalil, right guard Keydrick Vincent, and right tackle Jeff Otah.
Versatile TE Jeff King returns as well as Gary Barnidge, who has shown athleticism in OTAs this summer.
The ball will be controlled by the speedy DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who, together, accounted for well over 2,000 yards rushing last season.
Mike Goodson (6’0", 212 lb) was drafted out of Texas A&M to provide some more speed in the backfield and has been playing some slot WR early in OTAs this summer.
While sharing touches at A&M, through three seasons, Goodson amassed 1,964 yards on 374 carries, a 5.3 average, with 13 TDs. He also caught 90 balls for 860 yards with 7 TDs in the passing game.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith’s breakthrough season is here.
After another great performance last year, Smith will look to shine this season. NFL defenses will make adjustments to the potent Panthers running attack, and this will give Smith the opportunity for an increase in big plays.
Look for Smith to have his best season to date. The Panthers would also benefit from the use of screens with Smith, as his yards after the catch ability is one of the best in the league.
Scheme and the NFL Norms
The NFL is a league filled with norms. Looking at the past two Super Bowl winners, the Giants and Steelers, shows teams with adaptable personnel.
Some years we’ll see a team predominantly pass the ball. Some might run it a bit more. The personnel groups have changed as time has passed and many more of the teams are built for speed and not for power.
Nickel packages and the smaller pass-rushing defensive linemen have allowed teams like the Panthers to benefit from the NFL curve.
The Carolina Panthers have the ability to beat you on offense or defense with either speed or power. This matches them up well against any opponent in any circumstance.
Roles Defined
The roles on the Carolina Panthers are defined. The offensive line knows the strength of the team is in the running game. There are capable running backs who can beat you with speed or power. The are big play possibilities at the wide receiver position.
This team has shown an ability to be dominant at home. They have a veteran quarterback.
They have a defensive line with an ability to play the run or rush the passer. This team has 21-of-22 returning starters. This team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to end the past season.
This team is hungry. This team is sound. This team is healthy. This team is disciplined. This team is a selfless group.
In an NFL which continues to reinforce the money-making decisions of the ego-driven men inside of this powerful sport, the Carolina Panthers have kept their pulse on the moral side of the game, attempted to build a team concept, and will win the Super Bowl.
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