Game Preview: Carolina Panthers @ San Diego Chargers
September 6, 2008
We’ve finally made it!!!! After over nine months of waiting, the time has finally come. The Carolina Panthers are kicking of their 2008 campaign against the San Diego Chargers, tomorrow at Qualcomm Stadium. After an exciting offseason, filled with cuts and additions, and a very productive preseason, everyone is ready to see what the Panthers have in store for this season.
Obviously playing your opening game against the San Diego Chargers isn’t exactly the most ideal way to start off the season, but it will give the Panthers a good idea of how they measure up against some of the leagues best teams…
What to Watch For
1. Can the Panthers get a pass rush going: After an abysmal 2007, everyone on the Panther defensive line is ready to bounce back this season, especially the Panthers star defensive end Julius Peppers, who had a career low 2.5 sacks last season. It is paramount for not only Peppers, but the rest of the line to apply pressure to Philip Rivers, because the defense functions so much better that way. With the Chargers missing two starting linemen, the Panthers should have an advantage. That makes the job much easier for the Panthers linebacking corps to contain the explosive LaDanian Tomlinson when you can get pressure with you’re front four. What’s more is that the Chargers are a little iffy, Philip Rivers, LaDanian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates are all coming off serious injuries from last season. The defense is coming into week one with some momentum after giving up only three points during the preseason.If the defense can hold strong and get the game into the forth quarter, the Panthers have a great chance of pulling out an upset.
2. Can the Offensive line handle the Chargers pas rush: Just like on defense, the offensive line is going to have to give it their all this week. The Chargers have a very talented front seven, even with Shawne Merriman playing with two torn ligaments in his knee (which is a bonehead decision on his part), and will do their best to disrupt the timing of Jake Delhomme. Really from everything we’ve seen in the preseason, there should be no reason to doubt the line, they’ve done a fantastic job protecting Delhomme as well as opening up holes for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. I think the size upgrade is going to allow that line to really pound defenses, but we’ll have to see how they play.
3. Can Moose and the rest of the receiving corps pick up the slack: With Steve Smith suspended for the first two games of the season the Panthers are missing a major part of their offense. The question is, can Moose, D. J. Hackett, and Dwayne Jarrett pick up the slack. Personally I think they’re not going to have any problem. The Panthers have a lot more weapons when compared to last season, giving Delhomme a lot more options. Delhomme and Moose have great chemistry, and Dwayne Jarrett showed he’s much improved from last season during training camp. By the way, if you’re looking for a fantasy wideout to start tomorrow, I recommend Moose. I have a feeling the Chargers are going to be expecting Carolina to keep the ball on the ground, not expecting a versatile Panthers passing game (Daunte Rosario could provide that deep threat as well.)
4. How effective will the Panther new running back tandem be: John Fox invested a lot in the running game last April when he drafted Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah in the first round. If Stewart can pound the football in the first half, and with the help of the now hulking offensive line, really wear down that Chargers defense, then Williams can come in and break off some big runs in second half. Of course that’s not saying Stewart can’t, he showed he could during that Redskins game, breaking of on a 53 yard touchdown run, and being the second Panthers running back along with DeAngelo Williams to break 100 yards.
Honestly I think the Panthers have a great chance to win this game. First of all they’re playing on the road, where they seem to do better, they’re totally off the radar, which they like, and they’ve got a chip on their shoulder. Both the offense and defense are fire up and ready to go, especially Jake Delhomme, who hasn’t throw a regualr season pass since week three of last season. Unlike last season the Panthers have that fire, that drive, and they are enjoying playing the game. Expect the Panthers to come out with a high intensity level, and maybe surprise the Chargers a bit.
Game Prediction: Panthers 24, Chargers 20.
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Written by Dylan Forrester · Filed Under Regular Season
Panthers WIN! Oh my God, what a throw by Jake! Hell yeah!