My Steve Smith NFL Blog

The Carolina Panthers head into the 2010 season off an 8-8 record and third place finish in the NFC South. It was a disappointing finish, as the Panthers came into the 2009 season with high expectations after finishing 12-4 in 2008. A big reason for the Panther's drop off in 2009 was the play of quarterback Jake Delhomme, who started only 11 games before being benched. The Panthers will not be able to put the blame on Delhomme this season, as they cut Delhomme this past offseason. The Panthers are trying to get younger at a number of positions, and here is a look at what they will send onto the field this season.

Offense:

The Panthers will likely start the season with Matt Moore at quarterback, as Moore really impressed the organization with his play over the final five games, leading the Panthers to four wins in his five starts. The Panthers did draft Jimmy Clausen in the second round, and he will compete right away in training camp for the starting job with Moore.

The strength of this unit is the running game, as the Panthers have a deadly 1-2 punch in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. In 2009 Stewart led the way with 1,133 yards, but Williams was right behind him with 1,117 yards. The first time two backs from the same team both rushed for more than 1,100 yards. This duo will have to be even better in 2010 if this team is going to win the NFC South.

Luckily for the Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith will likely be ready for the start of the season, after breaking his arm playing flag football this offseason. Smith is the only proven weapon the Panthers have in the passing game, and they need him to bounce back with a big time season in 2010. The Panthers drafted LSU wide out Brandon LaFell, and he will battle Dwayne Jarrett for the No. 2 spot.

The Panthers have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL heading into the 2010 season. Left tackle Jordan Gross is coming off a broken leg from last season, but is expected to be ready to go for training camp. The only change up front will come at right guard, as Mackenzy Bernadeau is expected to take over for the departed Keydrick Vincent.

Defense:

The Panthers biggest lost this offseason was defensive end Julius Peppers, and there is no question that this team is going to miss his production this season. With Peppers gone it leaves the Peppers pretty weak at the defensive end position. Veteran Tyler Brayton is back after starting 15 games in 2009, but he will have plenty of competition for his job from Everette Brown and Charles Johnson. The Panthers also lost starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis. That leaves Louis Leonard, Tank Tyler, Corvey Irvin, and Nick Hayden fighting for playing time at the demanding positions inside.

The Panthers have one of the top middle linebackers in the game in Jon Beason, but will likely be without starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis for most of the upcoming season, and the team decided not to bring back 2009 starter Na'il Diggs. Heading into camp it looks like Jamar Williams and James Anderson have the early edge to start.

In the secondary the Panthers welcome back the starting duo of Richard Marshall and Chris Gamble at the two corner spots, but the Panthers will have to make a change at free safety after trading Chris Harris back to the Bears. Sherrod Martin figures to take over for Harris, with Charles Godfrey back at strong safety.

Prediction - 3rd NFC South: I know there are some that believe this team has enough to win the South this season, but I don't think they are better than either the Falcons or Saints heading into the 2010 season. I think the offense will be just fine with either Moore or Clausen at quarterback, but I just think there are too many changes on the defensive side for this team to stop the high powered passing attack of New Orleans or the running game of the Falcons.

For a complete look at the upcoming season check out our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, make sure to check back before each week for our live NFL odds feed that ensures you the best possible odds for every game.