With a .500 record and missing the playoffs, the Carolina Panthers were perhaps the biggest disappointment in the NFL last season. The usually steady Jake Delhomme was extremely inconsistent but will have former #1 pick David Carr to push him early on. Sportsbook.com has posted the Carolina Panthers betting odds to win Super Bowl XLII at 30 to 1.
“The Carolina Panthers defense can be dominating,” stated Point-Spreads.com NFL expert handicapper Brad Marchetti. “I can see this team rebounding slightly but the betting odds of winning the NFC title will be tough.”
The running game was also a huge disappointment last season. Neither DeShaun Foster nor rookie DeAngelo Williams really did too much to get Panther fans overly excited about the ground attack for this season but don’t be surprised if the Williams overtakes Foster in the starting role. The receiving core is a one man show, Steve Smith. Arguably the best receiver in the NFL, this dynamic talent will most likely be paired opposite rookie Dwayne Jarrett.
It is no question; Carolina is driven by their defense which ranked 7th in the league and gave up only 19.1 points per game. There is no reason not to expect another monstrous year out of DE Julius Peppers and with a healthy DT Kris Jenkins; they form one of the top d-line tandems in the league.
Carolina’s linebackers and secondary are both solid but not spectacular. A healthy Dan Morgan would make this defense even stronger but don’t hold your breath.
Key additions: QB David Carr, S Deke Cooper, Terrance Melton LB
Key losses: LB Chris Draft, WR Keyshawn Johnson, QB Weinke, DE Al Wallace
To Win the NFC South:
New Orleans 6-5
Carolina 9-5
Tampa Bay 4-1
Atlanta 5-1
To Win the NFC:
New Orleans 6-1
Carolina 8-1
Tampa Bay 20-1
Atlanta 25-1
To Win the Super Bowl:
New Orleans 15-1
Carolina 25-1
Tampa Bay 50-1
Atlanta 60-1
