2009 Panthers Lack Depth at Key Positions

By clemsoncannon  |   Wednesday, August 05, 2009  |  Comments( 0 )

Carolina Panthers
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There is both good and bad news for the Carolina Panthers as we approach the 2009 season. The good news is that the Panthers will start the season with 20 returning starters from the 2008 team that finished 12-4 and won the NFC South. The only starters not returning are CB Ken Lucas who was cut in a salary cap move earlier this year and DT Maake Kemoeatu who suffered a torn Achilles tendon on the first day of training camp. The bad news for this year's Panthers team is that they lack depth at several key positions which will make them extremely vulnerable if they continue to be bitten by the injury bug.

As everyone knows, DE Julius Peppers is scheduled to make $16.7 million this season as a result of having the franchise tag put on him in the offseason. The Panthers have also signed QB Jake Delhomme (5 years, $42.5 million) and OL Jordan Gross (6 years, $60 million) to contract extensions this year. These deals have effectively made it impossible for the Panthers to add any veteran depth anywhere on the field. As a matter of fact, the team has not signed one single free agent this year. The following is position by position break down of the team's depth going into the 2009 season.

Quarterback

Jake Delhomme is signed through the 2014 season and may very well finish his career with Carolina. He is a fierce competitor who has the respect of his teammates and generally does a very good job of leading the offense. The team definitely plays better with him out there as evidenced by their complete breakdown when he was injured in game three of the 2007 season. Delhomme's back-up this year will be 8th year pro Josh McCown who is a serviceable second option but is certainly not the long term solution at this position. Matt Moore will be third on the depth chart but it remains to be seen if the team will carry three QB's on the active roster. This is one position that isn't a concern in 2009 but the team will have to start thinking about a quarterback of the future at some point soon.

Running Back

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart provided an awesome 1-2 punch out of the backfield in 2008 by rushing for over 2400 yards combined. As long as the offensive line stays healthy they should be able to continue that success in 2009. Their lead blocker will continue to be 10th year veteran FB Brad Hoover who has proven to be one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league. Rookie Tony Fiametta will also be vying for playing time at fullback.

Wide Receiver

This is a position that has vexed the Panthers for several seasons. Steve Smith is probably the most dynamic playmaker in the league. He gained 1421 yards last season despite missing the first two games. Muhsin Muhammed will start opposite Smith again this year. Although not as fast as he used to be, he is still a strong possession receiver and one of the best downfield blockers in the game. However, when you get past these two things get a little iffy. 3rd year pro Dwayne Jarrett has not lived up to expectations and Ryne Robinson is primarily a return specialist. Unless the Panthers can find a diamond in the rough among the legion of undrafted rookies and practice squad players it may be another long year of double and triple teams for Steve Smith.

Tight End

Jeff King and Dante Rosario both return this season. The Panthers mainly use their tight ends in max protect schemes and for run blocking. They have not had a tight end who was a major part of the passing game since Wesley Walls left town. But, these two guys played their roles effectively last year and should do the same this year. 2nd year pro Gary Barnidge is still a work in progress but may blossom into a real receiving threat.

Offensive Line

The offensive line was a major strength of this team in 2008 and they have all 5 starters back this year. The Panthers ranked 8th in the league in rushing offense and only gave up 20 sacks last year. However, there are some real concerns about depth along this line. The team lost reserves Geoff Hangartner and Frank Omiyale to free agency. They also released Jeremy Bridges in a salary cap move. They will have to rely on a very young crop of inexperienced guards and tackles to back up the starting five. All of their reserves have less than 4 years of NFL experience and none of them have any significant playing time under their belt. If they suffer any major injuries along the line it could wreak havoc on the running game and pass protection.

Defensive Line

The Panther have 3 of 4 starters back on the defensive line. DT Maake Keoeatu was lost for the season on the first day of training camp. He was their best run defender and will be difficult to replace. Rookie Marlon Favorite has been getting most of the reps with the first team. They also have returning reserve Nick Hayden as a possible replacement. Rookie DE Everette Brown may push Charles Johnson for the starting spot at left Defensive End opposite Julius Peppers. Like the offensive line, depth is a concern on this line too. Rookie Corey Irvin may also be pushed into the rotation out of necessity due to the lack of veteran back-ups on this team.

Linebacker

Jon Beason, Na'il Diggs and Thomas Davis are the returning starters for a very strong linebacking corps. The team also has very capable back-ups in Dan Connor and Landon Johnson. This position should not be a major concern at any point this season.

Defensive Backfield

The Panthers ranked 5th in the NFL in passing defense in 2008. Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall will be the starters in 2009. Former starter Ken Lucas was released in a salary cap move. The nickel back position will be manned by either Dante Wesley or rookie Sherrod Martin. Starting safeties Chris Harris and Charles Godfrey will also be back this year. Expect another strong passing defense from the Panthers in 2009.

Special Teams

19 year pro John Kasay will be back to handle field goals and extra points. Rhys Lloyd will also be back to handle kickoffs. Lloyd is considered to be the long-term solution at kicker when Kasay decides to retire. Punter Jason Baker will also be back this year. Return an Mark Jones was lost to free agency as were special teams fixtures Nick Goings and Adam Seward. Also lost was long snapper Jason Kyle. Kyle was one of the most dependable long snappers in the game, never missing a game or muffing a snap in 8 seasons with Carolina. He will be replaced by JJ Jansen who was acquired from Green Bay in the offseason.

On paper this team has the talent to continue the success that they enjoyed in 2008. But, just a couple of key injuries could change their direction dramatically. The Carolina Panthers have never posted back to back winning seasons. If the youngsters on this team don't grow up quickly this season that trend may very well continue.
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