STEVE'S WORLD
by Andy Mindzak


Even hampered by a leg injury, Smith was one of
the NFL's best wideouts in '06

The Carolina Panthers finished a disappointing 8-8 in 2006.  Many had expected them to be much better than that; some had them down as preseason Super Bowl contenders.  That optimism returns in 2007, with hopes still high down south.  The Panthers' schedule seems lined up for a good run at the playoffs this year, and the talent is still there on both sides of the ball.  I would look for Carolina to finally reach their potential this year.

The new faces in Carolina start with back up QB David Carr.  He was very well acquainted with the turf down in Houston, as he was sacked more than any other QB in the last 5 years (249 times!!!!!).  He gives Carolina a very nice insurance policy in case starter Jake Delhomme has a bout with injury or ineffectiveness.  Another new face is draft pick and former USC wideout Dwayne Jarrett.  He will be a nice compliment to All-Pro WR Steve Smith. 

Offensively, the Panthers ranked 27th in the league last year, putting up only 270 points.  Jake Delhomme had an average year, but the big disappointment came in the running game, as injuries plagued DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams.  We can pretty much assume Steve Smith will go off again this year.  I would look for Jarrett to put up solid numbers opposite Smith.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers ranked 8th in the NFL, and gave up only 305 points.  They have a solid corps of defenders that will keep them in games all year.  Julius Peppers who led the team with 13 sacks returns to lead this top notch defense.  Corner back Chris Gamble, who tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions in 2006, returns to show the way in 2007.  If Mike Rucker can stay healthy, this Panther defense will eat teams up all year.
   
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Panthers could conceivably go 12-4.  They play Atlanta and Tampa Bay twice, and games against Houston, Arizona, Tennessee, Green Bay, and San Francisco should be solid wins for them.  If they remain healthy, they are without a doubt, one of the best teams in all of the NFL.  They can put up points with the best of them, and then shut you down on defense. 
   
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
Injuries plague Carolina yet again.  If they cannot get their running game moving along, they will wind up falling to 8-8 like they did in 2006.  Two games against New Orleans, and then games against Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Seattle and Dallas will be tough tests for this Panther team.  Overall, I would put the Panthers at 10-6 this year, and see how far they go in the playoffs.