Fantasy Football Notes: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers rode the NFL’s third-ranked rushing offense to a 12-4 record and NFC South division title in 2008, only to be jettisoned out of the playoffs by the Arizona Cardinals in a 33-13 thumping at home that saw quarterback Jake Delhomme complete 22 of his 34 passes. Normally, that would be a fine performance, but five of those 22 completions were to members of the Cardinals.

Despite falling short in the NFL playoffs, the Panthers were a boon to fantasy owners far and wide throughout the year as DeAngelo Williams finally got the carries he deserved after coach John Fox, for reasons known only to him, previously had Williams putrefy behind the obviously less-talented DeShaun Foster for two seasons.

Williams was certainly not a first-round pick in fantasy drafts in 2008, but after his 20 combined rushing and receiving scores last year, that will change. Fellow running back Jonathan Stewart and wideout Steve Smith were solid as well, and both should continue to be contributors to winning fantasy football teams again in 2009—provided, of course, that Smith stops punching his teammates in the face.

Key Additions

The Panthers made no key additions in the offseason as far as importing players from other teams. Instead, they focused on re-signing their own free agents, including placing the franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers, and locking up offensive tackle Jordan Gross.

But the player fantasy owners will likely focus on is the aforementioned quarterback, Delhomme, who was given a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension at the age of 34. Delhomme was excoriated after his playoff performance, and has completed fewer than 60 percent of his career passes, so this is a curious move.

He’s had two seasons that were worthy of QB1 status for fantasy owners, but the Panthers are clearly a running team now, and he should be considered no more than a QB2 from here on out.

Key Departures

As mentioned, the Panthers did a fine job of getting their own players re-signed, and had no significant player departures, especially concerning fantasy football, unless oft-injured receiver D.J. Hackett is your definition of a key player.

Rookie to Watch

Everette Brown (DE)—The Panthers had an interesting draft despite not having a first-round pick. They won’t have one next season, either, as they traded that choice for an opportunity to select Florida State defensive end Everette Brown. Brown was touted as a first-round selection by many draftniks, but lasted until the 11th pick of the second round, the 43rd choice overall.

Brown should be, at worst, a situational pass-rusher. If Julius Peppers gets his way sometime in the near future and departs Carolina, Brown should step right in as the team’s primary pass rusher.

The team’s first three picks were all defensive players, so fantasy football owners have little to be excited about by the team’s draft class. Running back Mike Goodson from Texas A&M was the team’s fourth-round pick, and he offers versatility, but likely little in terms of production unless injuries befall DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart.

Bruno Boys Spotlight

DeAngelo Williams (RB) & Jonathan Stewart (RB)—Williams and Stewart are the preeminent pieces to the Panthers’ offense, and should be regarded as such by fantasy football owners.

Williams broke out with 20 total touchdowns in 2008, and is a clear RB1 heading into the 2009 season. Stewart had a promising rookie campaign and should at least equal the production he amassed in 2008, when he totaled 836 yards and 10 scores. 

A word of caution regarding Stewart, however, is his inconsistency, which is a huge detriment in fantasy football. Gauging Stewart’s performance on a weekly basis last season was difficult, as he would have a productive week, followed by a disappearing act. This is one of the reasons Stewart may be better off as a RB3 and weekly flex play than as a RB2 for fantasy owners.

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