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2009 Carolina Panthers NFL Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 10, 2009

panthers 81009 The Carolina Panthers rebounded from a disappointing 2007 to win 12 games and a NFC South title in 2008, but the team feels there is some unfinished business to attend to after an early exit in the postseason. Do the Panthers have what it takes to repeat as South Division champs? Get my take in this 2009 NFL betting preview. NFL odds makers have the Carolina Panthers listed at +2500 to win Super Bowl XLIV.

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Offense – QB Jake Delhomme just happened to have the worst day of his life in last year’s playoffs when he was picked off six times against the Cardinals. The organization isn’t sweating it. They inked him in through 2014 in the offseason. After all, Delhomme has won five postseason games for the Panthers in his career and the organization remembers vividly how much the team struggled when he was out with Tommy John surgery.

The Panthers boast one of the best running back duos in the NFL in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Williams ran for 1,515 yards to set a franchise record and led the NFL with 20 rushing touchdowns last season. And Stewart rushed for 836 yards and 10 scores in a part-time role. Not too shabby. Delhomme will be firing away to his favorite target Steve Smith once again in 2009. Smith finished with 1,421 yards despite missing the first two games of the season with a suspension. Smith seemed to benefit from the presence of Mushin Muhammad, who came back to Carolina and produced a 923-yard season. The team is hoping Dwayne Jarrett will start to live up to the hype.

The offensive line was the best in the division in 2008 and all five starters are back. Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah lead the Panthers up front.

Defense – The big news on this side of the football is that defensive end Julius Peppers will stay put and that is good news. He will make $16.683 million this year and I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t want to play hard to keep his stock high. He is coming off a 14.5-sack season. The Panthers have high hopes for rookie end Everette Brown as well.

Carolina is strong at linebacker with Pro Bowler Joe Beason leading the unit. Beason is so talented he never comes off the field. He’s fast and athletic, and even led the team with four interceptions in 2008. Thomas Davis is a good blitzer from the weak side and Na’il Diggs is expected to start on the strong side. Dan Connor will also be in the mix. The secondary is the unit that is keeping the Panthers from being a Super Bowl contender in my opinion. That was plain to see when they were torched by Larry Fitzgerald and the Cards in the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if the Panthers decide to let their best corner, Chris Gamble, blanket the opposition’s best receiver to eliminate unfavorable matchups.

Prediction: 1st NFC South – There you have it. I have Carolina pegged to win the division in my NFC South predictions. The Panthers finished the 2008 NFL regular season a perfect 8-0 at home and that home field dominance is a big reason why I have them repeating as division champs. The Carolina Panthers are listed at +230 to win the NFC South.

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