The next team up on our Gridiron Blitz is the Carolina Panthers
Music to listen to: Here Come the Lords by Lords of the Underground
I was a big fan of these guys back in the day and even listening to the music now, I’m feeling it just as much. Whatever happened to the Lords?
Current State: The Panthers are a hard team to read for two reasons.
First, the talent level of the squad has diminished significantly over the past two seasons, culminating in defensive lineman Julius Peppers leaving this past offseason as a free agent to the Chicago Bears. On paper, Carolina looks poor but the squad has overachieved in the past.
Second, the status of head coach John Fox is in question. He’s in the last year of his contract and entering this season as a lame duck coach, something that you wouldn’t expect of someone of Fox’s credentials. This may become a major distraction for a team that may actually have playoff aspirations.
Biggest Offseason Change: Peppers departure represented the cost-cutting approach that the Panthers organization have taken over time under owner Jerry Richardson. Veteran players such as receiver Muhsin Muhammad, quarterback Jake Delhomme and others have been released or not resigned.
The Panthers are hoping that their recent draft picks will be able to fulfill those roles for cheaper salaries.
Uniform Grade: I like the light blue and black combination that the Panthers use. I would be interested if they decided to go with black pants with the light blue and grey stripes for the road uniforms with the white jerseys. I would also like for them to wear the black jerseys more often. Other than that, all if good in my front. Grade: B
Best Player: With the departure of Peppers, linebacker Jon Beason has become the leader of the defense.
The versatile player has been a middle linebacker for the first three years of his career but due to personnel changes and a knee injury to outside linebacker Thomas Davis, the Panthers have contemplated moving him to the weak side to take advantage of his speed for pass coverage. This seems like an unintelligent move. You shouldn’t move your best player when he excels but at least Beason played in the weak side in college.
Most Important Player: The one thing that the Panthers can do is run the ball behind a top offensive line led by Pro Bowler left tackle Jordan Gross and ever-improving pro center Ryan Kalil.
The top running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart both have the ability to rush for more than 1,000 yards each this season. Williams is the quicker back but Stewart has the power to run between the tackles.
I really wanted to give this spot to wide receiver Steve Smith but he’s coming off of a broken arm and will get double and tripled team this season.
Best Case: The rushing attack will allow the Panthers to possess the ball for most of the game to hide the ineffective defense. The quarterback situation between Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen figures itself out. Carolina surprises to an 8-8 record.
Worst Case: The defense weakens and the offense isn’t able to run the ball, therefore putting too much pressure on the quarterbacks. Last place in the NFC South.
Coaching: Fox is an excellent coach but will probably be leaving Carolina after this season.
How he approaches this season will show how professional he can be.
First memory of team: I remember the Panthers making the NFC title game in only its second year of existence behind Kevin Greene in 1996. He was a fun player to watch.
Schedule: The Panthers will have to deal with Atlanta, New Orleans and Tampa in the division.
The home games are against Cincinnati, Chicago, San Francisco, Baltimore and Arizona. The away games are at the New York Giants, St. Louis, Cleveland, Seattle and Pittsburgh.
City Nicknames: According to Wiki, these are the list of nicknames: The Queen City, The QC, Crown Town, The Hornet’s Nest, The Home of NASCAR, The Gem of the South, The CLT, Bank Town, Char-Town, City of Trees and The City of Churches.
That’s a lot of nicknames for an overrated city. I guess I’ll take the City of Trees.
Fantasy Focus: I guess you can take Williams but both running backs are going to split carries so the numbers are going to diminish for a top fantasy runner.
Overall Outlook: The Panthers won’t get blown out of many contests because they can run the ball and play a little defense. However, outside of two most likely wins over Tampa, the Panthers will still lose to New Orleans and Atlanta, therefore messing up any playoff chances.
Final Record: 5-11
Gridiron Blitz 2010 Season Previews:
AFC East:
AFC North:
AFC South:
AFC West
NFC East
NFC North
NFC South
The Sports Inquirer 
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