Before last season the Carolina Panthers were the ultra popular pick to win the SuperBowl. Now after last years 8-8 dissapointment expectation are low and pressure is hight for Head Coach John Fox to produce a playoff run. Three assistant Coaches were canned by Fox including the firing of his offensive coordinator after the Team finished 27th in scoring. SportsBetting.com has Carolina Panthers 25 to 1 odds to win the 2008 Super Bowl.
The offense must score more points. New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson will implement a zone blocking scheme to accommodate the slasing running backs and undersized linemen. Also expect special plays to be drawn up to get the ball in Steve Smith's hands. QB Jake Delhomme is a tough gunslinger with lots oieverf heart. Delhomme however took far too many chances last year trying to squeeze the ball into tight spots resulting in interceptions. 1-2 punch of Deshaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams should be a good one with the new blocking scheme. Williams especially could have a huge year with his ability to slash between the tackles.
The Carolina Panthers first priority has always been to stop the run. But last year the front four was unable to get enough pressure on Quarterbacks so expect more blitzes from the speedy linebackers. The Carolina D-line is a team strength. Julius Peppers is the NFL's best Defensive End. Peppers has a freakish combination of speed, strength and intelligence. On the inside DT Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu can shut down running games with their ability to track ballcarriers. The Linebackers can all run and hit. The key this year as usual will be Dan Morgans health. When Morgan is on the field the Panthers defense is a different animal. #1 Draft pick Jon Beason like Morgan is a University of Miami backer with gret speed and versatility.
Placekicker John Kasey is coming off a great year that included 4 field goals from beyond 50 yards. Punter Jason Baker led the NFL in Punting last year with his powerful pooches. Overall the coverage and return units need vast improvement in all areas.
With all the talent on this team a healthy Carolina Panthers squad should be able to produce 10 wins. John Fox has made some good draft picks and necessary coaching changes for improvement to be made.
Brad Marchetti Opening Day Carolina Panthers Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale
20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great
Coaching: 60
Quarterback : 60
Backs : 65
Receivers : 65
Offensive Line : 55
Defensive Line : 70
Linebackers : 65
Secondary : 55
Special Teams : 60
45 – 1
Atlanta Falcons
60 – 1
Baltimore Ravens
20 – 1
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100 – 1
Carolina Panthers
25 – 1
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15 – 1
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15 – 1
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150 – 1
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20 – 1
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20 – 1
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75 – 1
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45 – 1
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100 – 1
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8 – 1
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30 – 1
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60 – 1
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55 – 1
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50 – 1
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5 – 2
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15 – 1
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30 – 1
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40 – 1
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75 – 1
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6 – 1
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20 – 1
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20 – 1
Tampa Bay Buccanneers
50 – 1
Tennessee Titans
60 – 1
Washington Redskins
50 – 1
