Panthers Expected To Contend For Another NFC South Crown

After making few changes in the offseason, the Carolina Panthers should once again contend for the NFC South crown in 2009.

The Panthers, who won the South with a 12-4 record last season, added a couple players early in the draft who could contribute. But the projected starting lineup heading into training camp closely resembles the team that won three games in December to hold off the Atlanta Falcons for its first division title since 2003.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme and receiver Steve Smith return to anchor the passing game, while DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart figure to again run wild behind an excellent, young offensive line led by tackle Jordan Gross.

On defense, the Panthers so far have managed to retain standout defensive end Julius Peppers despite his request to be traded. Barring a late move, Peppers figures to provide a steady pass rush and hold together a defense with a new coordinator and several developing players. With young standouts Jon Beason (linebacker) and Chris Harris (safety) also back, the Panthers could improve a defense that imploded late in the season and was torched in a postseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

With all those pieces, plus the return of steady head coach John Fox for an eighth season, the Panthers have a fair shot at winning consecutive division titles for the first time in the franchise's 15-year history.

For the Panthers to go any further, and perhaps win the franchise's first Super Bowl title, Delhomme will have to play like the standout Delhomme of 2003-2005 and not the inconsistent Delhomme of the last three seasons. The team will also need several new coaches on defense to quickly mesh and to make effective changes to that unit.

The Panthers could fall short of another division title if Delhomme takes another step back. He underwent elbow surgery in 2007 and, after playing well early in 2008, played his worst football in years at the end of last season. He turned the ball over six times in the loss to Arizona. The Panthers would also be hurt if Smith is injured. The dynamic receiver allows the running game room by making plays down field to keep the defense honest.