2007 NFL Fantasy Outlook: Carolina Panthers

Yeesh. Are there any teams that had a more dissapointing season than the Panthers? Coming into 2006, Carolina was the "hip" team for the NFC pick to be in the Super Bowl; they promptly went 8-8. But, when you look at the variables surrounding this negative turnabout, you can really point to one big area: injuries. It wasn't awful play, it wasn't problems with coaching, it was simply issues with bumps and bruises.

After one of the better overall team drafts, the Panthers are looking to rebound quickly, and they just may be able to put a challenge to the Bears this year. Here's a breakdown:

QB Jake Delhomme--Ok, so maybe not all of you saw the fall coming, but I certainly did. After an amazing 2005, this "out of nowhere" QB faded into a very tough year statistically. This year, it won't get any easier as his receiving corps is green at best besides Steve Smith, and unless he can take some pressure off Smith by distributing the ball more evenly, Delhomme's numbers should improve, but not by much.

RB DeShaun Foster--Alright, I for one am not sold at all on Foster. Yes, Carolina has a new and improved offensive line to protect both Delhomme and Foster. No, that won't make much of a difference. Only getting into the end zone 3 times last year as the main RB for the Panthers almost makes me embarrassed for him. Plus, with improving DeAngelo Williams pushing Foster for playing time, it is make or break time for the 5th year player. Mr. Foster, welcome to the practice squad.

WR Steve Smith--what can you say about the guy with a plain name but unique game? He's got it all and then some--leadership, ability to catch the ball deep, over the middle, possession receiver, handle double teams--in short, he is the man. My bet is that he breaks the 1300 mark in yards and 100 catches easily.

WR Dwayne Jarrett--The Panthers drafted Jarrett and had so much faith in him that they sent Keyshawn Johnson packing. Pressure? You bet. The need to perform now? Absolutely. But with Smith at the other receiving end, look for Jarrett to get some favorable matchups, and if Delhomme can take his eyes off of Smith for a few passes, he should put up decent numbers. While he won't anchor your receivers by any means, he could definitely be a sleeper pick that could help your team reach the next level.

The Panthers are hungry, and they should do decently well fantasy-wise. The big key is the running game and if it can keep defenses honest to exploit other areas. If Foster and Williams can't get it going, it will be a very long season indeed.

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2007 NFL Fantasy Outlook: Carolina Panthers

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