NFL Football Revealed on Squib Kick

Countdown to the Draft: The Carolina Panthers, NFC South (11-5)

by Jesse on March 10th, 2006

The Panthers doing well this year was really quite predictable. They went to the Super Bowl and lost two years ago. Last year they were actually quite a good team, but injuries killed them, though they still managed to go on a hot streak at the end, only missing the playoffs on a blocked 50+ yard field goal in the last game of the season against the Saints that ultimately saved their coach’s job (this is a good thing?)

This year they came out firing defeating New England early on in the season quite easily.

A few games later and things weren’t looking as good. Jake Delhomme wasn’t being dependable, and their running game was struggling. They managed to pull out a few tough wins, however, and they cruised into the playoffs, despit a bump of two that bounced them down to the fifth seed.

Once in the playoffs they got right to work in a huge win over the Giants. They then got revenge for their 13-3 loss to the Bears in another solid win. Going into the NFL Championship game many people though that they had a pretty good shot at it. However, a poor runing game, Steve Smith getting shut down, bad defense, and an inconsistent quarterback doomed them. So what was it that caused them to fall short? First and foremost it was their recieving.

Yes, Steve Smith is a superstart, but name their second reciever. They don’t have one worth mentioning, and that is one of the main reasons they lost the games they did this year. As well as a defense that couldn’t stop anyone from running all over them. Not a good thing when going up against Shaun Alexander.

I think one of the main things they need to improve upon is their recieving. Steve Smith should not have to do everything himself ever game, because quite frankly he can’t. There are going to be times when he gets double and triple covered and you need someone else to go to through the air.

Secondly, as I mentioned, they need to get someone who can play up effectively against the run. No, not another overrated QB sacker like Julius Peppers, they need someone really effective at plugging up the middle, so the opponent is forced to bounce it outside where their faster defensive ends can chase them down and close up the corner. Look for them to go to a player like this sometime in the first couple rounds.

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POSTED IN: NFL Draft, NFL Football, Opinion, Players