On the Radar: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had a tough 2007 season, losing Jake Delhomme early and struggling to a 7-9 record. This year they're being passed over in favor of the Saints as the sheik team to beat the Buccaneers for the NFC South. But they just may become the sheik sleeper of 2008.

I was listening to a preview of the Panthers on one of my football podcasts and it was mentioned that Jonathan Stewart had been drafted by the Panthers. I already knew that, but hearing it that time made something in my head go 'click': Wow, the Panthers are stocked at the skill positions on offense.

• QB: Delhomme - If he can stay healthy he's a poor-man's Hasselbeck at worst.
• RB: Stewart, DeAngelo Williams - Really, it's all about Stewart being the next Stephen Jackson.
• WR: Steve Smith, former Hawk D.J. Hackett, Muhsin Muhammed, Dwayne Jarrett

Nothing much from the tight end spot, but there are a ton of weapons there. I don't know much about their offensive line, but I do know that they've invested a bunch of money in their two tackles (that was probably the reason Mike Wahle was cut) and drafted Jeff Otah in the first round. What does that say about the line? Not sure. But their offense could be really good.

So, the question, besides can Delhomme (and Hackett) stay healthy, is will the defense be any good? They've got Julius Peppers. The only other guy I recognize is Ken Lucas, so I'll just have to wait and see. If they have a bad defense, they could be the Bengals of 2007. If they have a decent (or better) defense, they could be the Bengals of 2005.