Linebackers

Needless to say, the are one of the highest quality teams within the NFC and a respectable contender to reach the 2006 Super Bowl. The Panthers have produced a few smart acquisitions this offseason and will be primed for making one other robust run at the Super Bowl.

They've a battle tested playoff group filled with veterans and youthful talent alike - and ought to be a year wiser after last year's playoff run. Now, all they've to accomplish is keep healthy and centered.

Right here is my 2006 preview about the Carolina Panthers.

Quarterbacks
I in reality like quarterback Jake Delhomme. Not merely is he a fine quarterback, but he possesses the moxie that it requires to lead a staff to victory while in the NFL. If Delhomme is wholesome, the Panthers typically possess a likelihood in nearly each and every game.
Backup quarterback Chris Weinke is often a sound quarterback who won't make the great blunder to obtain his staff beat, which is almost certainly his top attribute.

Running Backs
Beginning working back, DeShaun Foster is quite good quality - when he is nutritious, which, regretably, under no circumstances seems to be the case for tremendously long. I will not necessarily suppose he is fragile, but Foster has suffered a single injury following a further.

Still, the Panthers wisely went out and picked working back DeAngelo Williams with their to begin with round draft choose this 12 months. Even though Foster does not go down with an damage this season, Williams will surely get his share of carries this season.

Broad Receiver/Tight End

I predicted just before final season started that wide receiver would possess a breakout year and that is specifically what he did. Nonetheless, the Panthers uncovered out final season, that they desired at the least a single competent broad receiver about the discipline with Smith to assist get many of the strain off within the mega-talented star and wisely went out and picked up cost-free agent, Keyshawn Johnson who need to be an excellent compliment to Smith. Keary Colbert, will undoubtedly be the Panthers third receiver but must get significantly more consistent. The Panthers tight ends are a collective group of blockers who catch a pass about once a month.

Offensive Line
The Panthers continuously appear to be in a position to move the ball around the ground for the most part, so I can't badmouth this unit in any respect, although the Panthers have never ever had the cohesiveness that they've desired.

Carolina could have a whole new center this season in, Justin Hartwig, who'll join veteran guards Evan Mathis and Mike Wahle and even tackles Travelle Wharton and Jordan Gross in Carolina's starting unit.

Defensive Line
The Panthers have one of the many very best defensive lines in all of football - and one that acquired better this past offseason.

Defensive end Julius Peppers is known as a freak of nature that must be accounted for on every down. Defensive tackle, Kris Jenkins returns right after missing two consecutive seasons and can be paired with new tackle, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, a 350-pound space eating run stuffer. Carolina's other defensive end, Mike Rucker, is really a fine player himself who's reliable against the run and pass.

Linebackers
Middle linebacker Dan Morgan would be the only starter who returns in 2006 and he is also injury prone himself. Carolina's outside positions are tenuous at leading. 3 gamers, Thomas Davis, Keith Adams and Na'il Diggs will compete for two positions.

Defensive Backs
Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble may not possess the large names of several of the other a good deal more publicized cornerbacks within the league, every one of the pair does is shut down opposing broad receivers on the weekly basis.

Veteran complimentary safety Mike Minter, is still a big hitter even when he cannot move the way he used to a handful of years in the past. Solid safety, Shaun Williams is going to need to fight to help keep his beginning place from Colin Branch, but really should be as much as the challenge.
Veteran Reggie Howard and rookie Richard Marshall should certainly both see plenty of action while in the Panthers' nickel packages.

Extraordinary Teams
The Panthers possess a reliable kicking game with veterans, John Kasay, despite the fact that he's aging, and punter, Jason Baker ninja 250 fairing, who led the NFC that has a net typical of 38.9 yards in 2005. Kick returner, Jamal Robertson was strong final season but Carolina will want someone to phase up and grad a solid hold of their punt returning place.

Coaching
The Panthers wisely gave head coach John Fox a contract extension that could keep him in Carolina throughout the 2010 season. Virtually anyone who is aware of me, knows I believe extraordinarily really of Fox as well as work he's executed considering he took over as Carolina's head coach. Fox typically manages to obtain one of the most from his teams, that's the signal of the terrific coach.

If Carolina can remain healthy on each sides in the ball, there is certainly unquestionably no motive this team can't be a significant aspect within the NFC - as well as the last one particular standing when the dust settles.