Quarterbacks coach Turk Schonert says the starting QB job will go to Jeff Lewis, although that could change if he plays poorly during the preseason. Waiting in the wings will be fourth-round draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke, and at 29 years of age, he may have the best shot of any rookie QB to earn a starting job. Reserve quarterbacks Matt Lytle and Dameyune Craig will get long looks also.

The Panthers are still waiting for running back Tshimanga Biakabutuka to live up to his potential, and he has looked good so far this preseason, but his downfall has always been his ability to stay healthy. Free agent Richard Huntley was brought in to push Biakabutuka, but he has been the one that has been hurt in training camp. Huntley could also stand to improve his pass-catching skills.

The offensive line should be improved with the addition of center Jeff Mitchell and tackle Todd Steussie. The Panthers will probably rely a lot more on the running game this season, and these guys should help to open a few more holes.

Defensively, last season's flurry of veteran lineman signings was a big flop. Future hall of famer Reggie White has re-retired and Eric Swann has decided to join him. This season the Panthers will need to find someone that can provide a consistent pass rush. Pass rush specialist Chris Slade has had a good camp, but likely will only play in passing situations.

The Panthers have some good, young talent at linebacker, but they lack experience. Dan Morgan and Hannibal Navies are in their first year as starters and Lester Towns is in just his second. The secondary is pretty solid with veterans Mike Minter and Doug Evans, while Rashard Anderson and Deon Grant have also done a good job.

Overview

The Panthers have become a lot younger team this year, and that usually means more mistakes. The quarterback position is far from settled, even though Lewis has been named the starter for now. The real problems will start if Lewis can't get the job done, and they are forced to go to Weinke or whoever wins the battle for the third-string slot.

I look for the Panthers to really attempt to establish a consistent running game, with Lewis dumping off a lot of short passes to the running backs, but I have serious doubts that the offense will have much consistency. I believe Carolina is destined to finish at the bottom of the division this season.