2007 Recap

The Carolina Panthers finished the season second in the in the NFC South with a 7-9 record. The Panthers started the season a promising 4-2, but a five gave losing streak derailed the team.

Injuries at the quarterback position took the Panthers through four players, including 21-year veteran Vinny Testaverde. The Panthers expect Jake Delhomme to recover from surgery in time to take the team over in 2008. The lack of a passing game hurt DesSahun Foster. He became the focus of opposing defenses and was held to 3.5 yards a carry. RB DeAngelo Williams’ performance last season, in which he averaged five yards a carry, may cost Foster his starting job. The Panthers are expected to use the 13th pick in the 2008 draft to help secure the offensive line, which was also riddled with injuries last season.

Team History

The Carolina Panthers entered the NFL as an expansion team in 1995. The Panthers found quick success, reaching the NFC Championship game in the teams second year. The success faded quickly as the next season the team went 7-9 and the a season after the team went 4-12.

The team fired Dom Capers and the next coach, George Seifert, before the Panthers found success with John Fox. The coach focused his drafts on defense, picking Julius Pepper in his first season. The change paid off, as the Panthers reached the Super Bowl and lost in 2003 and reached the NFC Conference Championship in 2005.