Jake Delhomme has been exiled to Cleveland, leaving the Panthers with an intriguing three-headed quarterback core of Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, and rookie out of Cincinnati Tony Pike . Moore will obviously get the start, since he saved the Panthers in the 11th hour last year after Delhomme struggled both in his production and staying healthy. I’m curious to see how he will do this season at the helm. He finished last year going 4-1 to finish the year at 8-8 with impressive victories over the Vikings and the eventual champs in the Saints. And as we’ve learned in previous years, anything can happen in the NFC South.
Another plus for this ball club is that the Panthers won’t have to completely rely on Moore to win due to the fact that their running game is the best in football. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams provide a potent one-two punch. Williams provides the speed, vision, and evasive abilities, whereas Stewart brings excellent downhill and power running.
Steve Smith is one of three guys left who were on the Super Bowl team just six years ago. He has shown that he can still produce no matter who is under center. The Panthers just need another receiving option, but who? Dwayne Jarrett has yet to fulfill his potential out of USC. I will be keeping a close eye on the Panthers’ passing game, or lack thereof.
All in all, the Panthers will most likely finish third in the division behind the Falcons and Saints at 9-7. They just don’t have the firepower and consistency necessary to win this division.
By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network
