Author: Jason A. Martin Word Count: 559

Are the Carolina Panthers ready for a Super Bowl run? The Panthers believe so.They were 13-6 last season and almost made it to the big dance. Unfortunately, a talented Seahawks team was waiting for them in Seattle. To bolster the offense the Panthers added Keyshawn Johnson to the receiving unit. Hopefully, they are not starting a trend that looks to be emerging where they follow up a great year with a poor season.

Quarterback

The Panthers are pretty solid at QB with Jake Delhomme leading the offense. Last season he was limited to one good receiver. This season he should be able to spread around the ball more. If nothing else, Keyshawn Johnson will draw coverage, which could make Steve Smith's life easier. The Panthers need Delhomme to stay healthy. There's a huge drop off in the backup QB department.

Running Back

DeShaun Foster enters his 5th season in the NFL. He's expected to take it to the house. He's already been penciled in for a 1,000+ yard season by many. Health is the main issue with Foster. He's been injured for almost half of his career. It's always something. The Panthers picked up another runner in the first round of the 2006 draft as a backup plan. DeAngelo Williams is a potentially explosive back from Memphis. He could see playing time from the first game.

Receivers

Last season the Panthers were easy to defend. Double or even triple team Steve Smith and watch the Panthers crumble. Delhomme was constantly looking to pass to Smith. This one-way offense was a large reason why they got shut down in the playoffs in Seattle. To correct this the Panthers went out and signed Keyshawn Johnson. Delhomme now has another reliable target on the field and opposing defenses must play more honest.

Defense and Special Teams

The defensive line of the Panthers is well above average. They have Maake Kemoeatu as nose tackle, Julius Peppers and Michael Rucker on the ends and Kris Jenkins to throw in the mix. If there's a weak spot on this team, it would be in the linebacker unit. Will Dan Morgan stay healthy? Will the switches help or hurt the team? A lot is going to be determined in the preseason for the linebacker unit. The secondary is pretty solid. Ken Lucas will continue to grow and shine for the Panthers. Every team needs a solid field goal kicker, and the Panthers have John Kasay. They also have a solid punter in Jason Baker.

2006 Prediction

It's hard to believe the Carolina Panthers will not make the playoffs in the 2006 season. Their schedule is pretty tough. They also have back to back road games a few times this season, so we will have to see how that shakes out. Still, this team is very solid up and down. Health is the number one concern. The Panthers are not a team that can win if the injury bug bites them hard. I don't think we will see another 13-3 season. I would expect more of a 10-6 season out of the Panthers. Will they go to the Super Bowl? They have as good of a shot as any other NFC team.

Jason A. Martin is a journalist and copywriter for various websites. You can view more of his articles by visiting his Sports Journalist website at SportsJournalist.org.

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