Offense
The signing of WR Keyshawn Johnson has been the big news this offseason. Many pundits seem to think that it is a genius move. If it turns out to be one, I can certainly foresee a Super Bowl berth. But I also see issues arising with Johnson. I am not sure that he will be satisfied with being a high-profile decoy. Steve Smith is the Panthers offense; Johnson's presence does nothing to change that.
There is no question, though, that it could be a special offense provided everything gels. QB Jake Delhomme will get the ball to his guys and the rapport he has developed with Smith has been magical to watch.
Oft-injured RB DeShawn Foster will be the starter but naturally will be pressed by first round rookie De Angelo Williams. The production of Williams in college is staggering and he is considered by many to be "can't miss." I felt like LenDale White was tailor made for John Fox's power offense, but his conditioning issues before the draft must have scared them off.
The line is also good, with tackle Jordan Gross becoming a force. If Williams is pressed into full time duty, the situation will be ideal.
Defense
Can anyone remember a time when DT Kris Jenkins played an entire season unscathed? He now must be deemed unreliable. For as great as Jenkins is, he is never in the lineup for the playoffs. The line is nearly unstoppable when a healthy Jenkins is teamed with DE's Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker. Maximizing the potential of this line is contingent on Jenkins staying healthy. Let's hope this is the year he can do it.
The linebackers lost underrated Will Witherspoon and hope converted S Thomas Davis can fill the void. He was drafted with the intention of a switch. He is fast and explosive, but will he be durable at 225 or so lbs? Dan Morgan, though, is a great guy to learn from and will provide stability in the middle assuming he stays healthy.
Corners Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas are very nice. Lucas had a terrific season last year and Gamble might be even better. He is improving with every game and could reach "shutdown" status soon.
Synopsis
Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith nearly carried the team to a Super Bowl last year. They have more pieces now with DeAngelo Williams and Keyshawn Johnson. Keyshawn could be the viable No. 2 receiver they need and draw double teams away from Smith. Or he may not catch many balls and that could be trouble. He is the wild card this season. I see a very successful season, 11-5 or 12-4. They should displace Seattle as the NFC's best team.
