2009 Expert NFL Picks Preview: Carolina Panthers

The 2008 season was successful overall for the Carolina Panthers. They managed to get through the regular season with a 12-4 record and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

They combined one of the best ground games in the league with a stellar defense to bring a punishing brand of football.

However, ultimately they did not take home the prize that everyone wants. They lost their first game in the playoffs and got to enjoy their vacations a little earlier than expected.

Most of the 2009 NFL football picks that you see out there have the Panthers back in the playoffs again. Let's look at what they have to look forward to this year.

The Good News

The good news is that they already had a pretty solid team last year. They really didn't need to make a lot of changes. They had an awesome offensive line, two great running backs, a couple good wide receivers, a solid quarterback, and a stiff defense. They really were a good team last year.

Many people thought they could have went all the way in the NFC. However, they never saw what hit them against Arizona. They also added another good pass rusher in Everette Brown out of Florida State.

DeAngelo Williams emerged as one of the top running backs in the league last year with 18 touchdowns. If you had him on your fantasy team last year, let's just say you were pleasantly surprised.

They also had a good 1-2 punch with rookie Jonathon Stewart. He put up 10 touchdowns himself as a first-year player.

The defense was again led by Julius Peppers, who had 14.5 sacks. Peppers, one of the most talented players in the league, has the ability to dominate the competition if he asserts himself. They'll need every bit of that talent on display if they're going to go all the way this year.

The Bad News

The bad news is basically the same as the good news. They didn't really make any changes. While this should make for a good team again this year, it probably won't be enough to make it all the way. If they couldn't make it last year, why would they be any better this year?

Adding another year to Jake Delhomme isn't about to help anything. His complete meltdown in the playoffs is a big part of what went wrong for the Panthers.

Without any upgrade at the quarterback position, they probably won't go any farther than last year. Yes, they'll probably win their division, but I don't see them getting to the Super Bowl again.

Outlook

If you're looking for 2009 NFL betting picks, don't pick the Panthers in the Super Bowl. They'll be solid on defense and with their rushing attack, but they won't be that much better than last year, if any.

They'll also have some tough competition in their division from the Falcons and Saints again. The Falcons will battle with them for the top spot in the division thanks to the arrival of Tony Gonzalez.

Make sure you check out Vernon Croy's Expert NFL Picks this season.