Carolina has a proven combination in a strong running game and a dominating defense, and they have some up-and-coming young players in key positions, but there are a few chinks in the armor that could spell trouble in the long run. A shake-up on the offensive line could cause problems for an offense that really clicked down the stretch in ’03, and the last thing the Panthers need is for starting quarterback Jake Delhomme to lose confidence. Solid protection and a good running game are imperative to his success, but the guys in the trenches are going to have to come together as a unit quickly or the Panthers offense just might sputter out of the gate in ’04.
Quarterbacks
Delhomme emerged as one of the league’s better young talents at quarterback as the Panthers opened up the playbook in the second half of the 2003 season. He is a smart QB and he made a lot of good decisions down the stretch. He has good field vision and awareness, and he manages the game very well. However, if he were to be lost for any significant length of time, the Panthers would be forced to rely on either 38-year-old Rodney Peete or former fourth-round pick Chris Weinke to lead the offense, and it‘s doubtful either would be successful over the long haul.
Running Backs
Delhomme may be the guy driving this offense, but Stephen Davis is the spark plug. He’s the one that makes it all work with his pounding style of ground attack that keeps the chains moving and opens up the play-action passing game.
DeShaun Foster is a very talented back as well, and he will likely see more playing time this season as the Panthers try to better capitalize on his skills while limiting the wear and tear on Davis throughout the season. Foster possesses more big-play potential with his explosiveness and ability to get outside, but Carolina must be sure to get Davis enough carries to make sure his punishing style is effective.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Steve Smith, who emerged as one of the top young receivers in the league, is the go-to guy in this offense, but chances are he will face a lot more double teams this season. Muhsin Muhammad is a capable No. 2 and a legitimate deep threat who should benefit from the added attention Smith receives this year.
At No. 3 will be Ricky Proehl until second-round draft pick Keary Colbert proves he is ready to handle the slot. Tight ends Kris Mangum and Mike Seidman will see a lot of blocking duty, but neither is used much in the passing attack.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is going through a significant shuffle with three new starters and right tackle Jordan Gross moving over to the left tackle position. Granted, left tackle is his natural position, but it is still a significant move that will press him into squaring off with some of the top pass rushers in the NFL. Center Jeff Mitchell, the only lineman starting at the same position again this year, isn’t a flashy player, but he doesn’t make many mistakes either. He does a good job of locking onto his blocks and sustaining them, and he also gets out to the second level very well.
Last year’s starting guards, Jeno James and Kevin Donnalley, left via free agency and retirement, along with left tackle Todd Steussie, who joined the Buccaneers. Veteran Adam Meadows was brought in from the Colts to fill the hole at right tackle, and he should do an adequate job. Untested Bruce Nelson, a second-round pick last year, will start at right guard and free agent acquisitions Travis Claridge will battle for playing time at left guard.
The Panthers have decent depth on this squad, but the turnover in personnel has to be a concern. Gross has got to come through on the left side, and as a unit, they must quickly find the cohesiveness to work together or this offense will take a step backwards in 2004.
