NFL Draft Info - Carolina Panthers

2009 Carolina Panthers Report Card

by: James R Dator

The 2009 season for Carolina was marred by injury, inconsistent play and lackluster effort. Though the Panthers finished a respectable 8-8 the season played out like two halves of the same story, a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde type year if you will.

Carolina dug themselves in too deep a hole with Jake Delhomme under center which they could not fully pull themselves out of. However, towards the end of the year the Panthers were able to improve and were one of the hottest teams in the NFL by the end of the regular season.

Quarterback: B

Jake Delhomme looks to be done, for all intents are purposes. It wasn’t just his poor play, but also the way he carried himself. It was clear Delhomme had a crisis of confidence in 2009, the first time we’ve seen this. Matt Moore redeems the grade for this position. Moore stepped in and gave the team a much needed boost. He did everything Delhomme didn’t do: Take care of the ball, hit the deep routes and mostly just hand off.

Future: It remains to be seen if Moore can sustain this level of play, but the future looks to be bright.

Running Back: A+

Carolina have the best stable of running backs in the NFL, there’s no denying it. Both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart ran for over 1,100 yards in 2009 and cemented themselves as the cornerstones of the Carolina Panthers’ offense.

Future: Double Trouble will return in 2010 and will likely pick up where they left off.

Offensive Line: B-

The offensive line was decimated by injury in 2009. The Panthers lost both All-Pro LT Jordan Gross and RT Jeff Otah to injury. This forced the team to start Mackenzey Bernadeau and Geoff Schwartz on the O-line. Though the replacements filled in admirably, particularly towards the end of the season the offensive line were lackluster for most of the year. This seems odd given the Panthers have two 1,100 yard backs, but they just didn’t get enough push in the trenches to justify a higher distinction.

Future: With Gross and Otah back the Panthers should have a much more solid offensive line in 2010.

Wide Receivers: C

Yes, Steve Smith is one of the best WRs in the NFL; however it’s the #2 position that was lacking. Muhsin Muhammad clearly needs to make the transition to being a #3 receiver but the Panthers have no depth at the position. Dwayne Jarrett a 2008 second round pick has been wholly underwhelming with the exception of one game.

Future: The wide receiver position will be of vital import to the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 draft. They need to find a future #2 to put opposite Steve Smith and allow Muhsin Muhammad to transition to the #3 and be used much like Ricky Proehl used to be used for the Panthers.

Place Kicker: B+

John Kasay is always extremely reliable. He’s been a Carolina Panther since the team’s inception and that doesn’t look like it will change. Rhys Lloyd is always kept on the roster as a kickoff specialist and he is always in the upper tier of the league in terms of touchbacks.

Future: Kasay can’t go on forever. It would be nice to see if Lloyd can match his power with accuracy, which I think he can, but it will be incumbent upon the team to let him kick preseason and start preparing for Kasay’s retirement which will likely occur within the next 3 years.

Defensive Line: B-

The Panthers D-Line was abysmal until the team signed Hollis Thomas. This isn’t entirely the players fault as the line was fraught with injury but they underperformed for most of the season. Julius Peppers was the standout of the defensive line, as his probowl selection dictates

Future: A lot will depend on what happens with Julius Peppers. Rumor is he’s asking for more money than Albert Haynesworth got from Washington, which Carolina will never pay. If Peppers leaves a lot of pressure will be put on 2^nd year player Everette Brown to become the primary pass rusher. He showed flashes of brilliance in 2009, but just didn’t get enough playing time.

Linebackers: A-

The injury to Thomas Davis is the sole reason this grade isn’t higher. When healthy the Panthers have one of the most dominant linebacking corps in the NFL. Jon Beason is solid at the MLB position and new DC Ron Meeks knows how to use Thomas Davis’ strengths.

Future: If healthy, expect the Carolina Panthers linebackers to be some of the best in the NFL.

Secondary: A

The Carolina Panthers’ secondary were incendiary in 2009. Finishing 4^th best the NFL in pass defense they far surpassed expectations of this unit. While they may not have household names, the secondary is stacked with players willing to play hard and exceed their talents with sheer will.

Future: Chemistry seems to be the key for the secondary. If all players return they should be a strong unit in 2010.

KR/PR/Coverage: F

The Panthers’ special teams in 2009 were pathetic. Returns were short; they allowed too many yards it was a complete failing in every level.

Future: Special Teams coach Danny Crossman was fired. This indicates what the organization thought of his job. The special teams will need to be completely revamped, and this will take time.

Punter: B

Jason Baker is a good punter. He doesn’t blow you away and he holds onto the ball a little too long but he does what the team needs him to.

Future: Expect more of the same

Overall: B

The Panthers covered a multitude of early sins by showing sold play in the latter half of the season. If the last games are any indication of this team’s potential then they are truly one WR away from being a Superbowl contender. However, staying at that level is another story and will be difficult.

James Dator is an editor at catscratchreader.com covering the Carolina Panthers