Carolina Panthers Hungry for More in 2009

by Austin Penny

The Carolina Panthers will no doubt be looking to rid their mouths of the terrible taste that has lingered since their unexpected exit from last year’s playoffs. They will look to do so by making a statement against the NFL’s second-hardest schedule.

The Panthers’ 2009 opponents were a combined 151-104-1 last season with a win percentage of .592, second only in difficulty to the Miami Dolphins’ .594.

While the rest of the NFC South has been busy improving their rosters with free agents and first round draft picks, the Panthers have been forced to sit on their hands as they await the conclusion to the Julius Peppers saga.

The four-time Pro Bowler has locked up almost $17 million of Carolina’s salary cap money since being designated as the franchise player in February.

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This Fan Doesn't Mind That the Carolina Panthers May Be Out of Peppers

by Eric Quackenbush

There's an old saying that goes, "You're only as strong as your weakest link."

The way I've seen things in recent years with the Panthers, the performance of Jake Delhomme has way overshadowed that of Julius Peppers.

Julius Peppers, a former first round draft pick of the Carolina Panthers, has underperformed his entire career.

If you break down each season, Peppers has been mediocre at best. He's had spikes in performances from game-to-game and season-to-season.

The rest of the time has been drops in production, his worst year being in 2007, where he garnered two-and-a-half sacks, 38 total tackles, and five passes defensed.

In his time with the Panthers, Peppers has averaged just over 10 sacks per season. Nothing impressive, but fairly productive; certainly not worth $17 million for one season.

Peppers has also produced an average of 47 tackles per season, which is being generous, considering that three out of those seven years he was under 47 total tackles.

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15 Minutes With Carolina Panthers Quarterback Jake Delhomme

by Eric Quackenbush

Ever since he led the Panthers to the Super Bowl, I have been a strong supporter of quarterback Jake Delhomme.

He's performed well when needed, but he's also suffered in plays that left me thinking, "What in the world was that?"

Delhomme brings intangibles to the Panthers huddle, and that's probably what attracts me to him the most as a fan; his fiery competitive nature and leadership qualities are becoming in what I prefer in a quarterback.

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