The Carolina Panthers named their team captains for the 2008 season on Wednesday, and there were a few surprises:

Offense

Jake Delhomme- Delhomme has proven that he is the heart and soul of this Panthers team.  He is a leader both on the field and off, and has the respect of all his teammates.  Delhomme even pulled Jon Beason aside last season and told him that Beason needed to step up and be a leader on defense, contributing to Beason’s phenomenal rookie season.  That just goes to show you how much Delhomme does for the team, even when he’s not playing.

Muhsin Muhammad- I guess it really shouldn’t be that surprising that Steve Smith is no longer a team captain after what happened in training camp.  Even though Smith lost his spot, I like Moose as a captain, he’s a great veteran receiver who knows the ropes, and has no problem showing some of the younger guys what to do.  Moose offers that needed veteran leadership at the wide receiver position, which has been sorely missing the past few seasons.

Defense

John Beason-Really no surprise here.  Beason proved to everyone that he has the ability to lead that defense, even as a second year guy.  Beason is emerging as one of the league’s stars, and his leadership is part of the reason why he’s going to have such an impact for the Panthers.  Interestingly enough, it was actually Beason who pulled Smith off of Ken Lucas after the fight.  John Beastson, enough said.

Julius Peppers- This is the one selection that I really don’t like at all.  I know Peppers is a great player and all, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your a good leader.  Panthers owner Jerry Richardson publicly came out last season, and called for Peppers to step up and be a leader, but it just never happened.  I suppose the logic is that because he was a captain last season, he should be one this season, but I think that’s no good.  Chris Harris has clearly shown he has all the leadership skills, providing some veteran help to that secondary.  I guess it really doesn’t matter, but I think Harris rather than Peppers should have gotten the nod.

Speaking of getting the nod, what’s with Rocco Mediate not getting selected for the Ryder Cup team by Paul Azinger?  Rocco’s shown he can play with the big boy’s after that great U.S. Open he had with Tiger, besides Rocco’s just a good guy.  Hunter Mahan and J. B. Holmes are great golfers, but I think Rocco deserves a spot after the season he’s had.

Special Teams

John Kasay- Kasay is a 17 year veteran, and is the obvious choice to be the special teams captain.  Kasay has been rock solid for the Panthers over the last decade, and has shown he’s a good leader as well.

Tags: carolina panthers, delhomme, panthers