Pre-season felt like it took about six months, but at last the NFL regular season arrives this week with a feeling of uncertainty about what to expect from the Panthers in season-15. A team that has traditionally been known for a strong defensive line seems to have their biggest questions in that unit. The overall questionable tackling of the defense from starters through third-string was a constant in the four pre-season games. Punt returns were an adventure, enough so that last year's returner Mark Jones was brought back in this week for what appeared to be a second stint with the team but failed the physical and now is on hold. Offensively, second year running back Jonathan Stewart missed the entire pre-season with injuries that could now carry over into the regular season.
But there is plenty to be optimistic about as well, thanks mainly to DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith. The top two playmakers are accompanied by one of the league's top starting offensive lines. Jake Delhomme had a solid pre-season. Young players like Mike Goodson and Kenny Moore look like they can add some spark and depth to the offensive side. Defensively, Jon Beason, Julius Peppers and Chris Harris lead the way, and it will be interesting to see the new Ron Meeks defense of flying to the football and trying to create turnovers.
I don't like predictions on win-loss records, so I won't quantify what all of this information means. Injuries and the variable of how other teams rise and fall make it hard to put a number on it. Nobody had Atlanta going (11-5) last season. Watch out for New Orleans though as they have one of the NFL's most potent offenses and the defense is improved making them the most dangerous team in the NFC South in my opinion. Dallas and Green Bay should bounce back this season, joining Philadelphia, NY Giants, Chicago and the top three NFC South teams as the class of the conference. I don't think Brett Favre makes that big of a difference for Minnesota, but they will fight for a wildcard. The NFC West is putrid and I doubt Arizona will play to the level they did last year.
The AFC is loaded, led by the Steelers and Ravens in the North, Patriots and Dolphins in the East, Colts and Titans in the South, and Chargers in the weak West Division. That's seven right there, so it's tough to imagine one of those not even making the playoffs let alone who may surprise this season.
2010 is lining up as an uncapped season next year unless something happens, with the collective bargaining agreement running out in 2011. Hopefully, the NFL will learn from their own past and other major sports by resolving their financial matters prior to then to avoid a lockout. Expect to see one of the changes to be the 18-game regular season schedule and reduction of pre-season as part of that.
Finally, it was a crazy week last week with the front office changes of Mark and Jon Richardson resigning their positions. I interviewed incoming team president Danny Morrison three times in less than 24 hours with Hancock, Charlotte's Morning News and the Panthers pregame show. Beyond exhausting every conceivable question, Danny comes across as real pro and team player that will blend in perfectly to his role and obviously is a trusted friend of Mr. Richardson. Dr. Morrison has watched over as TCU's football program has become a national contender and did great work with Wofford College and the Southern Conference. Nice to get all of that cleared up prior to the first kickoff, so now we can focus on the fun part of football.
