Article 2009 Preview

Peppers90 NC · August 12, 2009

Many have been posted, I haven't seen any from this site yet, a few weeks old. Writer with some good knowledge and makes some interesting comments:

This criticism of smoke and mirrors has also been applied to the defense. If not for the insane athleticism of Peppers, the pass-rush wouldn’t exist.

But the ultra conservative Fox has never thought his team needed a star quarterback in order to succeed. Fox views quarterbacks as only a moderately significant piece to his power-oriented offensive puzzle. But critics can lament that the Panthers really aren’t that powerful on the ground. Yes, Williams and Stewart headlined a rushing attack that set a franchise record with 2,437 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. But their numbers were inflated by 60 runs of 10 yards or more. When it came to consistently moving the chains and controlling the tempo, Carolina was average (evidenced in their 18th-ranked third down offense).

The North Carolina product is a world-class athlete with only decent football skills, making him slightly less disruptive to opponents’ blocking schemes. But still, Peppers’s speed and strength can make him domineering in all facets, and without him in the lineup, this front four might be the worst in football.

Carolina has the same solid lineup that won 12 games last season, but their cautious style may not be enough in today’s NFL. Emotional roller coaster Jake Delhomme sets a tone of inconsistency that rubs off on the entire offense. On the other side of the ball, this defense’s big plays aren’t commensurate with its commendable level of talent. With weaker depth and special teams in 2009, expect the Panthers to continue their trend of following good seasons with mediocre ones.

He does give credit to our young players and realizes their talents, but obviously doesn't feel comfortable with the team as a whole. They have all our rivals as well. And at the bottom, there are links to other writers who all start out the same...remember the last game vs the Cards.

http://www.nfltouchdown.com/carolina-panthers-2009-preview/

http://www.nfltouchdown.com/new-orleans-saints-2009-preview/

http://www.nfltouchdown.com/atlanta-falcons-2009-preview/

http://www.nfltouchdown.com/tampa-bay-bucs-2009-preview/