Sans Smith, Panthers’ offense is much less intimidating

By Connor Byrne  |   Friday, September 08, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

Carolina Panthers
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Entering their season-opening game this Sunday at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers still aren't sure if their best offensive player, receiver Steve Smith, will play.

The reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year, who caught 103 passes last year, has been battling difficulties with his hamstring since the beginning of training camp. A few weeks ago many were almost certain the 5-foot-9, 185-pounder would be back in time for the opener, but it's becoming less possible as the weekend nears.

Currently, head coach John Fox has Smith listed as questionable.

"Right now it's day to day, and when it comes down to Sunday it will be a gameday decision," Fox said on Thursday.

Assuming Smith isn't ready to play, the Panthers may find themselves in the same rut as last season, when the team only had one competent receiver, Smith. Now, Carolina has 34-year-old Keyshawn Johnson set to be its No. 2 receiver, but he'll obviously move into the top role if Smith's out. The problem won't be Johnson at No. 1, since he's more than capable, but the player filling in behind him.

Third-year wideout Keary Colbert began coming along during the summer, but how can anyone be certain it wasn't an aberration? The former USC star was terrific as a rookie, catching 47 passes for an impressive 16-yard average; however, Colbert fell to Earth last year, receiving only 22 passes for an inadequate 11.3 yards per grab.

Without the dynamic Smith in the lineup, it's likely Colbert will be the second starting receiver behind Johnson.

The possible loss of Smith is great news for Atlanta, which upgraded its secondary in the offseason by adding starting safeties Chris Crocker and Lawyer Milloy through free agency and highly touted cornerback Jimmy Williams in the second round of April's draft. Those three are expected to be solid complements to one of the league's elite corners, DeAngelo Hall, and his starting mate, Jason Webster.

When these two NFC South rivals line up this weekend, look for the favored Carolina Panthers to possibly sink slightly, enough to reach the Falcons' level. No Smith could be a big problem for Carolina. If it is, the Panthers may be staring at an 0-1 start for the second consecutive year.

--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions each day: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Get more on the Carolina Panthers at RealFootball365.com.
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