Carolina Panthers: History in The Making Or Just Plain History?

2009 should be a historic year for the Carolina Panthers, but instead we could see history repeating itself. In their 14 years of existence, the Panthers have never recorded back-to-back winning seasons.

Although John Fox and staff are doing everything they can to make sure their season isn't over before it starts, they are already drawing flags from fans for not being able to satisfy the heart of their defense—Julius Peppers.

Coming off one of the best seasons of his career, Julius Peppers has demanded out of Carolina. The playmaker wants to join a 3-4 defense and has yet to report to camp, which will definitely be a distraction during mandatory workouts.

Always prepared, the winningest coach in Panthers history has already planned for the worst, drafting Everette Brown in the hope of complimenting Peppers—if not replacing him.

Despite not making the playoffs in back-to-back years, their top defensive star wanting out, and a pressure to succeed after giving away their first round draft pick for the second year in a row, the Panthers will defeat the odds and put together a memorable season.

With or without Peppers, the Panthers will defend their NFC South title and make a lengthy playoff run.

Their dynamic backfield duo is one year wiser and will look to prove that last year's success was no fluke. Backed by fiery Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith, who will look to repeat last year's league-leading numbers, the offense is set to rule.

An impressive run won't be easy, as everyone else in the NFC South division made key additions to dethrone the champs.

Both Atlanta and Tampa signed huge help for their quarterbacks, as the Falcons signed future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez and the Buccaneers picked Kellen Winslow Jr.

And while the Panthers didn't have any major offseason pickups, the beat down by the eventual Super Bowl runners up is still fresh on their mind.

Along with the rest of the South, the Panthers have one of the toughest schedules in the league. It will be all the more tough because their last five games consist of the Bucs, Patriots, Vikings, Giants, and Saints.

Not an easy task to complete when they have an early bye and every game down the stretch will count big in a close division.

Despite a difficult schedule and early season distractions, look for the Panthers to make sure history does not repeat itself as they go on to post a 10-7 record. More importantly, they will make the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time ever.

They have something to prove and John Fox needs to win to stay off the hot seat. Look for the Carolina Panthers to make up for a disappointing ending last season with a year fans won't soon forget.