Without him, Matt Moore is the new starter and, as we saw last year, that isn’t really a good thing.  In his three starts, the Panthers he went 2-1.  However, one of those wins was against the resting Buccaneers to close the season. In the other two starts the Panthers scored 13 points in each contest. He just doesn’t have the arm to go downfield on a regular basis.

While Delhomme was very healthy from 2003 to 2005, he just hasn’t been the last two seasons.  He missed three starts in 2006 and 13 last year.  He had season-ending surgery to his elbow on his throwing arm and is still not throwing at full strength.  That is not what you want from your starter in June.

The Panthers made some upgrades at wide receiver, running back, and on defense in the draft.  They should be improved. The Saints are a puzzling team and the Buccaneers have their share of issues. I would not be shocked if the Panthers competed for the division.

I considered picking them for the top spot, but I just am not confident that Delhomme will be healthy or effective the entire season, and I don’t think a team can win consistently in the NFL with Moore starting games. I don’t pick teams to do well in June that are going through quarterback health questions. 

See the 2007 Eagles and 2006 Dolphins for reasons why I don’t do that. I look for more of the same for the Panthers in 2008 as they try to make the playoffs and save John Fox’s job. The once hot young coach’s hot seat will get even hotter if the Panthers miss the playoffs.

Carolina’s Record: 7-9 – NFC South third Place; No Playoffs 

Atlanta Falcons

'07 Record: 4-12
Points Scored: 259 (29th)
Points Allowed: 414 (29th)
Playoff Result: No Playoffs
2008 Strength of Schedule:120-136 (.469) (20th (t) in NFL)

Strengths: The Falcons are a team that is in complete rebuilding mode.  When Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal dog fighting charges, the face of their franchise was stripped from them.  Bobby Petrino was in his first year coaching and was not able to handle the transition from the college game to the pro game with that bombshell.

The result was a 3-10 record before he resigned.  Former Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith has been entrusted to get this franchise back on track.

The Falcons had a number of good parts last season. Roddy White broke out in his third season for 83 catches, 1,202 yards, and six touchdowns. Considering his quarterback cast, it was a very productive year. Jerious Norwood looked impressive at times, and has a lot of big play potential.  He had 103 carries for 603 yards and one rushing touchdown, while adding 277 receiving yards. 

Even though Warrick Dunn has returned to Tampa Bay, Norwood will not be the number one guy in 2008. Michael Turner was the prized free agent the Falcons signed in free agency. After backing up LaDainian Tomlinson for four seasons, it is his time to be the number one guy. The two will form a very good running back duo.

The defense was not very good in 2007, but a few players did stand out. John Abraham was able to tally 10 sacks. Keith Brooking is still a very under-appreciated linebacker. Chris Houston is a young cornerback that the Falcons hope will develop into a starter now that Hall is a Raider.

Jason Elam was a big signing on special teams. Morton Anderson was reliable, but not from long range.  Elam will give them better production on long field goals and the kickoff game. He is a clutch kicker with the game on the line and could help the Falcons steal a couple close games.

Weaknesses: The Falcons really bottomed out last season. They ranked 29th in both scoring offense and defense. They were 23rd in offensive yards gained, and 29th in defensive yards allowed. While they had some players that gave good individual contributions, it didn’t result in a good showing for the team.

I really believe that Bobby Petrino was a large part of the problem. He did not connect well with his players and obviously did not want to be there. His fights with Hall were well documented. I thought his exit to Arkansas the night after a tough Monday Night loss was gutless. Mike Smith should be a much better hire and is much more disciplined. He should be able to take this team forward.

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