Carolina Panthers gearing up for rebound season
- Carolina Panthers win totals
- Can the Panthers surpass 7.5 wins this season?
- What does Steve Smith’s suspension mean?
The Carolina Panthers suffered through a disappointing season in 2007, going 7-9 after having Super Bowl expectations heaped on them in the preseason. With Panthers win totals set at 7.5, sports betting fans are asking is Carolina at least one game better in 2008?
Injuries at quarterback completely destroyed any hopes of offensive cohesion last year. Jake Delhomme went down with an elbow injury, leaving plenty of snaps for Vinny Testaverde, David Carr and Matt. It was a recipe for disaster—and football betting if your Super Bowl futures hinged on Carolina.
Now, Delhomme is healthy and ready to lead a resurgent offense. He’ll get help from what should be the best Panthers running game since Stephen Davis in his prime. Former first-round pick DeAngelo Williams truly asserted himself in the preseason. Newcomer Jonathan Stewart also looked dominant in exhibition play, and the duo should combine with a solid offensive line to shred teams this season.
Defensively, Carolina didn’t get the job done last year. A huge part of the problem was Julius Peppers’ sudden and surprising decline. After recording double-digit sacks in three straight seasons, Peppers dropped off to a pitiful 2.5 last season. It’s unfathomable that he’ll play so poorly again.
One lingering question mark affecting football betting and Panthers win totals is the absence of Steve Smith. The dynamic wide receiver was suspended by the team after getting into a fight with teammate Ken Lucas.
Smith, the team’s only weapon in 2007, is slated to miss two games due to his suspension. Despite playing with the awful trio of quarterback’s mentioned earlier, he managed over 1000 yards last year. Smith's absence certainly removes some explosiveness from the offense and leaves the team thin at wide out.
Truth be told, it shouldn’t be a huge issue. Carolina opens at San Diego, which would have been a tough win anyway. Next they play Chicago, a very winnable game. They should get through Smith’s suspension at 1-1.
So, at the end of the day, is Carolina a game better than a year ago? Absolutely. Delhomme’s return, Williams’ emergence and the arrival of Stewart guarantee that.
Blake’s pick: Panthers surpass 7.5 wins
Visit the betonline.com Sports book for the best odds, lines and props. Be sure to check out the Bettor’s Edge daily for the latest tips and info for football betting.
Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions?
