Panthers’ first-string offense hopes to keep rolling

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, August 17, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Carolina Panthers
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Although the Carolina Panthers' starting offense didn't have its top player, receiver Steve Smith, in last weekend's preseason opener, the unit appeared as dominant as ever. In its only series of the evening, the offense marched down the field effortlessly against the Buffalo Bills' above-average defense and scored a touchdown before being pulled for the remainder of the game.

In total, the Panthers' debut drive of the season took only seven plays and spanned 67 yards, leading to six quick points.

Surprisingly, relatively conservative offensive coordinator Dan Henning decided to have his players pick apart a solid Buffalo pass defense, with receiver Keyshawn Johnson, a high-profile offseason acquisition, coming to the forefront. Quarterback Jake Delhomme hit Johnson twice for 27 yards on the drive, as the 6-foot-5 wideout toyed with smallish cornerback Terrence McGee.

Henning, a veteran coach, called just one handoff on the successful downfield march.

Delhomme also found receivers Keary Colbert (two catches, 23 yards) and Drew Carter (14-yard touchdown catch) on the drive. The former Pro Bowl QB ended up completing 5-of-6 pass attempts for 64 yards and a score.

After its stellar debut last week, the Panthers' offense will be back at it tomorrow night, when the team battles the Jacksonville Jaguars. The first unit likely won't get much work, but it'll once again get enough to make a solid impression.

Jacksonville's secondary includes proven players like Rashean Mathis and Donovin Darius, which won't make it easy for the Panthers to pass on them. If they can, however, the Carolina fans will become even more excited about their team's Super Bowl dreams.

Although the passing game stole the show in Carolina's first exhibition game, don't be surprised to see Henning turn to the run much earlier this time around.

The Panthers' two primary ball carriers, DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams, still need plenty of work to get acquainted with NFL defenses for this season. Foster was impressive on Saturday, gaining 25 yards on five carries. Williams, a first-round rookie from Memphis, struggled, with only 21 yards on eight carries. Twenty of those yards came on one touch, while only one amounted from the other seven handoffs.

No matter how Henning decides to distribute the play calling, it's fair to say that Carolina's offense will be ready to continue on its torrid pace in Week Two of the preseason, especially with reigning receptions king Steve Smith back in the lineup.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

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