Charlotte Observer Observes the Panthers Training Camp
Check out this Charlotte Observer story on the Carolina Panthers. One of their reporters has been covering the training camp this season, and he has a few overarching themes that he discusses in his column. He has five things that are very positive that he’s observed about the team, and five things that might not slook so hot right now. If you are at all interested in learning about any of the following topics, you should really check it out:
- Jonathan Stewart’s toe
- Julius Peppers
- Thomas Davis
- Ryne Robinson’s Knee
- John Kasay
- Steve Smith
- Ken Lucas
- Jake Delhomme’s elbow
- DeAngelo Williams
- Jason Carter
- Gary Gibson
- D.J. Hackett’s toe
- Dwayne Jarrett’s leg
Overall, you get the impression that there’s a lot of optimism about the Panthers this year. There are still plenty of question marks, but unless all of them go to the worst case scenario, this should be a great year to see the Panthers.
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Looking at the Chargers: The Panthers First Game
The Panthers will get a test right off the bat in 2008-’09. Carolina is slated to play the San Diego Chargers on the road in sunny San Diego for their first game of the season, on September 7th. As you are probably well aware, the Chargers are supposed to be the best team in the AFC West, and are one of only a handful that look like possible Super Bowl winners right away. Let’s take a look at the Chargers to see what the Panthers are up against.
Last season the Chargers went 11-5, went to the playoffs, and then came alive, beating the Titans, the Colts, and then coming about as close as anybody up until that point at beating the Patriots. They eventually lost to New England 12-21, but by that point LT couldn’t even walk. Needless to say, they were a pretty scary team last season, and not much has changed. They still have LaDainian Tomlinson leading the “charge” from the backfield. If you play fantasy football you know that LT is slated by most draft guides to be the No. 1 rusher this season. He could basically run the show himself, but they also have a streaky Rivers at quarterback who only needs occasional acts of competence to make sure the defense doesn’t pack the line. They finished 2007 ranked 5th in total offense.
On defense the Chargers were 5th overall in keeping their opponents from scoring. While Shawne Merriman gets a lot of the hype, they also have a superb defensive line and a solid secondary, so there’s no real weakness on defense. Overall, this will be a tough draw for the Panthers.
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More Steve Smith-Ken Lucas Updates
The entire football world is abuzz about the incident between Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas. Apparently the two played against one another in practice for the first time since Steve Smith gave Lucas a broken nose during an altercation in training camp a few weeks ago. The two had been verbal sparring when Smith sucker-punched Lucas while he was on one knee. Smith apologized for the incident, but has otherwise been reluctant to talk to reporters about it. Lucas, meanwhile, had to take time out of his usual training regimen to heal his face.
The first meeting between the two seemed to go off without a hitch, or at least the reporters who were there did not say much happened- though they are fairly far away from the action and would not be able to tell if there were any words between the two. One has to imagine that Smith and Lucas have talked about it, or at least that their coaches have made sure that they’re on the same page.
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Fourth Quarter of the Panthers Season Preview
The Carolina Panthers season preview, quarter-by-quarter, is winding down and heating up. The final four games of the season should prove to be the toughest 25% of the season, but if the Panthers can get there healthy, then it might not be as hard as it looks on paper.
- Dec 8 - Tampa Bay - The Buccaneers game at home will be easier than the one on the road earlier in the season. We see the Panthers taking some revenge here. Tampa Bay 21, Carolina 28
- Dec 14 – Denver – Depending on Jay Cutler’s trajectory, the Broncos coule either be an elite team, or in a playoff fight to the death. This is a dangerous team and a hard game to predict. Denver 24 Carolina 21, OT
- Dec 21 - @ NY Giants – The defending Super Bowl champions will probably come on strong in the second half of the season, just like last year. Tough game for the Panthers to win. New York 33, Carolina 10
- Dec 28 - @ New Orleans – Will this game decide a Wild Card spot? Sorry folks, no prediction here. You should find a way to get to New Orleans to see this one live.
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Panthers Third Quarter Season Breakdown
Yesterday we took a little detour to discuss Steve Smith missing practice because of the concussion he received during the preseason game against the Colts. Now that we’re back to your regularly scheduled season preview, sit back and enjoy the show:
- Sun. Nov 9 - @ Raiders – The Raiders have added a lot of talent to their offense, but their defense ought to still be lacking, especially in the secondary. If the Panthers can win the line on defense, then they’ll cruise to a W. Oakland 18, Carolina 21
- Sun. Nov 16 - Lions – About this point in the season, the Lions will probably be swamped with injuries and lacking much in the way of offense. Look for a another Panthers home win, Panthers fans who wanted more last year. Detroit 9, Carolina 18
- Sun. Nov 23 - @ Falcons – Including the bye week, November could be a very easy month for the Panthers: Raiders, Lions Falcons… What could go wrong? Falcons 21, Panthers 35
- Sun. Nov 30 - @ Packers – Don’t get too excited. Whatever winning streak the Panthers come into the Packers game with, they will soon exit without. This team ought to be good no matter who their quarterback is. Green Bay 33, Carolina 14
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More on Steve Smith
Steve Smith is going to sit a few out. The highlight and headline-making receiver for the Carolina Panthers received a concussion in the Panthers’ latest preseason game versus the Indianapolis Colts. You might have noticed that he got a hard shot late in the game after making a catch, then he looked a little off for the rest of the time he was in action. Well, apparently he did officially have a concussion, and he’s taking a few days off to rest.
As you are probably well aware, Smith has already made the preseason training camp a dramatic one after he got into a fight with teammate Ken Lucas a while back. Ken received a broken nose, and he’s been training away from the rest of the team while it heals. Smith has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season. We’ll be sure to keep you informed of the events as they happen.
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Breaking Down the Panthers’ Season: Second Quarter
We continue the breakdown of the Carolina Panthers season, quarter by quarter, game by game. I’m giving some nice predications, as well. Enjoy.
Oct 5 - Kansas City – The Panthers should be much better than the Chiefs this season, so you can already chalk up another home win for the Panthers. Atlanta and Kansas City right in a row should work out great. Kansas City 6, Carolina 17
Oct 12 - @Tampa Bay – These two teams ought to be pretty evenly matched, but the fact that it’s in Tampa tips the scale. Got to make a tough decision here. I think the Bucs will win one. Sorry, Panthers fans. Tampa Bay 21, Carolina 10
Oct 19 - New Orleans – Another good Southern matchup that ought to be fairly close. Of the two, Tampa and New Orleans, We’re guessing that the panthers will win one. Hey should be much better at home this season, so we’re thinking a Panthers win here. New Orleans 16, Carolina 24
Oct 26 – Arizona – Last year Arizona seemed to think that they were on the up-and-up, that they might be looking at a division title sometime soon. However, we don’t think they’ll be much better than last year even is the QB situation improves. Arizona 21, Carolina 24
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Breaking Down the Panthers’ Season: First Quarter
Over the next few blogs we’re going to break down the season for the Panthers, quarter-by-quarter. Well, we’re not talking every three commercial breaks or so- more like, ever four games. So how will the Panthers fare right out of the gates? Will they have a nice first quarter of the season, or will it be the hardest part?
Sep 7 - @San Diego – You couldn’t have picked a much harder opening game for the Panthers. They will have to play one of the leading contenders to win the Super Bowl on the road. Gonna be a tough one. San Diego 33, Carolina 28
Sep 14 – Chicago – The Panthers should pick up a win here, because although the Bears won the big one just a few years ago, they have been struggling to get an offense going. For the home opener the Panthers and the fans should be pumped. Chicago 14, Carolina 30
Sep 21 - @Minnesota – Stopping the running game will be key here, but the speed that the Panthers have through the air is going to be tough for the Vikings to handle as well. This will be a high-scoring game and a close one. Minnesota 35, Carolina 41
Sep 28 – Atlanta – Carolina should beat this much weaker team, so we’re looking at a likely 3-1 start to the season. Not bad at all. But it will get tougher. Atlanta 10, Carolina 21
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Panthers Geared Up for Pre-Season
This Saturday is the start of the pre-season for the Carolina Panthers who are scheduled up against the Indianapolis Colts. The team is hoping to improve upon last year’s standing and the prospects are good for the Carolina based team. The Panthers will gladly welcome back star player Jack Delhomme, who underwent elbow surgery last year. The Panthers will have three new starters to the team as well as returning starters, Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton.
Most eyes will be trained on Delhomme, who will hopefully carry the Panthers to several victories this season. It is still too early to tell especially with the influx of rookies who have yet to really show their stuff on the field. Panthers fans will likely be tuned in to the match-up against the Colts and all will be hoping and rooting for an impressive win for their favorite team. Become a fan, get your own pair of Carolina Panthers tickets from Stubhub.com.
The Dish on Panthers Quarterbacks
The Carolina Panthers have reason to be thrilled with their quarterback prospects this season. All of them are currently undrafted. Jack Delhomme was initially signed by the New Orleans Saints where stayed until he signed a contract with the Panthers. He is considered the greatest quarterback in the Panthers’ short 12-year history. He is also the second longest tenured quarterback of all-time. Then there is Matt Moore who has been with the Panthers since last September. He was the first Panthers rookie quarterback to win his first start since 2001. Lastly there is Brett Basanez who was out all last season with an injury. The Panthers, though are convinced that Basanez will be a great asset to the team someday.
The Carolina Panthers are looking forward to this season and will hang on to the hope that all the prospective quarterbacks will help lead them to many wins. If you are a fan of this popular football team, be sure to obtain your own pair of Carolina Panthers tickets before they all sell out!