(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.
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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