Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Head Coach Profile

John Fox is a likable guy. He's one of the few coaches that are enjoyable to listen to post-game, and his positive energy is infectious. Anyone who can come into your city, take a 1 and 15 team and average over 10 wins a season with multiple playoff appearances, including a berth in the 2003 Super Bowl, is doing something right. He's rarely had the opportunity to work with a roster at full strength while in Carolina, but he somehow manages to keep his players focused on the task at hand, putting them in the position to win.

No doubt, John Fox loves to air it out. He enjoys coaching one of the most athletic football teams in the NFL, and was sorely disappointed with the way things played out early in the 2006 season. Look for a balanced attack across the board from Fox in 2006. Foster should hover right around 1,000 yards rushing, and Smith, Jarrett and Carter will be flying off the line for loads of receptions. Fox will implement these weapons forcefully, while remaining aggressive on the defensive side of the ball.

Carolina Panthers Off-Season Moves

Not only did Carolina scoop up some excellent draft picks, but they got busy taking care of their own. The wisest move was signing Steve Smith to a contract extension, while grabbing David Carr off the free agent market. Carr has a lot of love left to give, and it will be interesting to see how he's utilized in Carolina. There are a lot of NFL fans that are interested to see what he might do if not getting sacked behind the Houston line.

A couple gaps in the Panther offense will come from the retirement of Tight End Kris Mangum, and the release of Keyshawn Johnson. Both were big targets for Delhomme last year as he struggled with the absence of Steve Smith early. With the current youth and athleticism in the lineup, their skills will be missed minimally, but their leadership and playoff experience will be missed immensely.

Carolina Panthers 2007-2008 Outlook

The Carolina Panthers are looking to rebound after a season of under-achievement. Some early injuries obviously played into the 2006 mix, but not reaching the playoffs after having such high aspirations in pre-season was a disappoint to everyone involved with the organization. With everyone healthy to this point, and the pre-season games just around the corner, the Panthers have enjoyed a quiet off-season. No drama, just football. That leads one to believe that 2007 will offer another strong playoff run.

DeShaun Foster has been threatening the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the past two seasons, and it looks as if this could be the year he hits the mark. Steve Smith is healthy, and will offer a variety of offensive threats before and after the ball is in his hands. Then you've got Dwayne Jarrett and Drew Carter – both are vying for the starting spot opposite Smith, but regardless of who begins the game, both WR's will contribute to the Panther's offense.

It will be interesting to see what develops at the QB position. If Delhomme stays healthy, obviously he's the guy. In the same breath, David Carr's potential has always been undeniable. He'll be a strong, capable backup and a potential quarterback controversy if he plays to the best of his ability. (Every NFL fan has wanted to see what might happen if Carr had more than .5 seconds to throw the ball.)

Defensively, Julius Peppers will continue his dominance in the pass rush and outside contain, while Chris Gamble will frustrate QB's and their targets in the defensive backfield. Both look to continue in the assualt of the record books from their respective positions.

Overall, the Panthers look good. The money is on them to finish second in the NFC South behind New Orleans, however, they were one of the few teams that could run with the Saints last year, offering them 2 of their 6 regular season losses.

Carolina Panthers Trivia

The first player cut by the expansion Carolina Panthers was Atlanta Falcons acquired linebacker, Bill Goldberg. Goldberg would go on to become one of the baddest wrestlers of the modern era.

Rae Carruth, the former Panthers wide receiver found guilty of conspiring to murder his pregnant girlfriend, is currently serving a sentence of 18-24 years in Nash Correctional Institution, near Raleigh, NC.

Before John Fox accepted the position of Panthers head coach in 2002, the job was turned down by Steve Spurrier and Tony Dungy.

2005 was marred with more off-the-field controversy when two Panther cheerleaders (the TopCats) were arrested for assault at a Tampa, FL, bar. They were allegedly having sex in a restroom stall, and several patrons complained.

Carolina Panthers 2007-08 Roster

Carolina Panthers 2007-2008 Depth Chart

Carolina Panthers – Bank of American Stadium

Construction Began: 1993
Opened: September 4, 1996
Capacity: 73,250
Location: Charlotte, NC
Surface: Natural Grass

Located in beautiful “uptown” Charlotte, Bank of America stadium was answer to the call for an early 90s NFL expansion team. After its first 10 years of habitation, the stadium is still one of the nicest facilities boasting the NFL logo. Originally known as Ericsson Stadium, Bank of American purchased the naming rights in 2004 as part of a 20 year deal. With 158 luxury suites, administration offices training and practice facilities that are housed on the stadium grounds, this is still one of the most well planned facilities to be affiliated with the NFL.