It was a seesaw year for the Carolina Panthers in 2009. Despite the inconsistency and being hammered by injuries – four starters missed a total of 11 games - towards the end of the season, however, they did show some great ability and fans should not be surprised when last year’s 8-8 (5-3 home, 3-5 away) Panthers are in the NFC playoff hunt once again when the 2010 campaign rolls around, even if they lose defensive end Julius Peppers to free agency as is likely to happen.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme will be back at the helm after missing the last five games of last season, and once again throwing to his top wide outs Steve Smith (missed Week 17) and Muhsin Muhammad (missed Weeks 8 and 9) or handing the ball to Panthers-leading rusher Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, back after missing 3 of the last five games. Still able to counter much of the effects of the injury bug, Carolina still had two teammates become the first running back duo in history to each rush for at least 1,100 yards in one season – Jonathan Stewart ran for 1,133 yards, while DeAngelo Williams 1,117 of his own in addition to becoming the Panthers’ all-time leading rusher with 3,850 career rushing yards. Smith led all receivers by far with 65 receptions for 982 yards and 7 touchdowns, ahead of Muhammad (53 REC, 581 YDS, 1 TD) who became the first Panthers receiver to reach 50 career touchdowns in Week 16, just before Smith hauled in his 50th later in the very same game. With a solid signal-caller, two solid wide outs, and two solid backs, the Carolina Panthers are a definite threat to score from anywhere on the field, and anytime they get the ball!

On the defensive side in Carolina, there were four standout performers last season, although linebacker Jon Beason was the lead tackler in all categories by far – 142 tackles, 112 solos, 30 assists, and 10 tackles for loss – while also adding 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 7 passes defended, and 3 interceptions. Then comes NFL Pro-Bowler Julius Peppers, upfront at the end position, with his team-high 10.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles to go along with 5 passes broken up and two interceptions – one even for a touchdown – and you’ve got two great defenders anchoring your squad! Besides those two in the trenches, the panthers had two pretty good corners as well, with Richard Marshall being the team’s second leading tackler (88) in addition to breaking up 9 passes and being tied for the top interception spot (4) with his counterpart Chris Gamble who was sixth in tackles while leading the way with 12 pass defenses. It really seems like the Panthers have the groundwork laid for a squad that can cover every square yard of the gridiron.

Don't miss your chance to cheer your team as they make their way back as one of the NFC’s top franchises once again. Order your Carolina Panthers tickets right away and be there when Steve Smith and the others take the field each week at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.