Bad Omens For The Panthers

The start of training camp represents the beginning of lofty dreams for each team in the NFL. Regardless of what happened last season August represents renewed hope for everyone. The Carolina Panthers wish they could go back to sleep and try again, because this off-season and the beginning of camp have been a nightmare.

Take for instance the way the season ended last year with Jake Delhomme responsible for 6 turnovers and the Panthers manhandled by the Cardinals 33-13. For Jake it was the probably the worst birthday he has ever had, and it renewed calls for the immediate beheading of Delhomme. The players insisted that Jake was their man and management showed that commitment by re-upping Jake's contract. For better or worse Jake was here to stay. Then the unthinkable happened: Julius Peppers decided he didn't want to be a Panther anymore.

I know that everyone is thinking, that happens all the time in the NFL, players come and players go, but with Pep it was different. Julius was one of our own. He went to Southern Nash high school in North Carolina, Played basketball and football for Noth Carolina, and was a 1st round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers. We loved Julius and we thought he loved us saying, that it was his dream to play and finish in the state of North Carolina. His readiness to leave Charlotte has left a sour taste in the mouth of many fans. To their credit all the players are saying all the right things, that they understand it's a business and Peppers decision was purely a personal one. But you have to wonder if players are going to feel that Pep is giving 100 percent considering he's as good as gone next year. The media in Charlotte has already alluded as much and it will definitely be worth keeping an eye on.

The Panthers looked to be in good shape for the upcoming season. They returned 21 of 22 starters with Ken Lucas being the only starter to replace. All of the good vibes ended in the first few minutes of camp. Starting defensive tackle Maake Keomauto was lost for the season with a torn achilles tendon. This was a devastating blow to the Panthers, considering that dt is one of their thinnest positions. The absence of Keomauto was evident last year when he was injured and the Cats went from 8th in total defense to 18th. The Panthers must now scramble to find an adequate replacement and hope that this injury doesn't rip them apart. If you believe in omens, then the Panthers season is doomed. One more key injury and the year may become a wash, but take heart it's still the start of camp and for now maybe we can salvage some of the dream after all.