Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Over the last couple of years the Carolina Panthers have relied heavily on their running game, not asking much of quarterback Jake Delhomme unless the moment called for it. When the time rolled around for Delhomme to make a play, he delivered on most occasions. That was not the case in 2009, where in 11 games the veteran quarterback threw for a mere 2,015 yards (and only two 300 yard games) with 8 touchdowns and an embarrassing 18 interceptions. This was one of the main reasons why his favorite target (and fantasy owners too), wide receiver Steve Smith, failed to reach 1,000 yards (982) for the first time since 2004 when he missed all but one game due to a broken leg.

The running game did continue to have success though for the Panthers, as they have been the No.2 and No.3 most run heavy teams in the NFL the past two seasons. Running backs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams combined for 2,250 yards last season with 17 touchdowns. Compare that to 2008 where they ran for a combined 2,351 yards and 28 touchdowns, and it’s obvious why the quarterback is not needed to do an awful lot in the Panthers offense. While most fantasy owners do not like having a running back that splits time (and oh my what a treat it would be if there was only one man in that backfield), both Williams and Stewart are worth owning because of the amount of touches they receive in a game. Add that they do so much with those opportunities and you see why they have number one back stats despite seeing half the workload.

KEY ADDITIONS

Despite losing some big name players this off-season the Carolina Panthers did not add anyone of significance through trade or free-agency. Instead, the Panthers used the 2010 NFL Draft to fill some holes in the offense and defense.

KEY DEPARTURES

Jake Delhomme (QB) – After throwing for 3,288 yards in the 2008 regular season, Delhomme had on of his worst games in his professional career in the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals, where he only completed half of his passes (17-34) for 205 yards and a whopping 5 interceptions. The following preseason the thought was that he might be able to turn things around and get the Panthers back into the playoffs in 2009. But after going 7-17 with 4 interceptions in a 38-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Delhomme’s season went downhill from there. His numbers as mentioned above tell you why he is in this category. He was a leader in Carolina’s offense though and someone who at times flashed some big time playmaking ability. He will go to Cleveland, where his supporting cast will not be as strong and more will be asked of him to give his team a chance to win.

Julius Peppers (DE) – There is no player on the defensive side of the football that has had a bigger impact than Peppers in Carolina. During his eight year tenure with the team the defensive end recorded 81 tackles and had 10 or more sacks six times. However, in a era in which free agency is prominent, Peppers signed a multi-million dollar deal with the Chicago Bears. While the Bears will be reaping the benefits of Peppers’ pass rushing ability, the Panthers will be forced to hope someone from the depth chart can fill a major void.

Muhsin Muhammad (WR) – Earlier in the off-season the 37-year old wide receiver announced his retirement from the NFL. Muhammad spent 11 of his 14 seasons as a member of the Panthers and is the teams’ all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Despite Carolina bringing in younger, and more talented, wide outs over the past two seasons Muhammad still worked as the Panthers No.2 receiver and in 2009 he was second on the team with 53 receptions.

Brad Hoover (FB) – While it’s obvious that Hoover’s skills have diminished with age the 10-year veteran had a solid career with the Panthers. Hoover averaged just 28 carries per season; however, he did an excellent job of lead blocking for a assortment of quality running backs. The biggest loss will be in the locker room, where Hoover always worked hard and led by example.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Jimmy Clausen (QB) – One way to replace the aging Delhomme is to bring in a rookie with a good skill set out of a pro style offense from a big time program like Notre Dame. The Carolina Panthers have been trying to acquire a young quarterback to come in and take over the reigns behind center for a number of years via the draft, but never had someone fall to them with any of their early selections. Then the year they did not have a first round pick they get Clausen to somehow fall out of the first round completely, all the way down to 48th overall in the second round. While Clausen still has some things he needs to work on, he does possess the arm strength, size and confidence needed to be a successful quarterback at this level. While it is tough seeing Clausen being a great fantasy fit in his rookie season, he could have a similar year that Mark Sanchez had with the New York Jets if given the chance to start. To do that, he will have to unseat Matt Moore, the guy who is currently at the top of the depth chart. On a side note, rather interesting the Panthers selected Tony Pike out of Cincinnati in the 6th round. Makes you wonder if they fell in love with Pike and couldn’t believe both players slipped or if Pike is the insurance policy because Carolina doesn’t have total faith in Clausen. 

Brandon LaFell (WR) – If you plan on drafting a quarterback to develop, why not take a wide receiver to bring right along with him. LaFell has a ton of upside due to his size and playmaking ability, which could step right in to be a number two wide receiver for the Panthers. The reason for that is due to Muhsin Muhammad showing his age and Dwayne Jarrett struggling to make the transition from the college game to the pros. If LaFell can learn the system and work on his route running, there is no reason why he shouldn’t see the field in 2010. However with the competition in a run controlled offense, LaFell won’t put up huge numbers in his rookie season.

Armanti Edwards (WR) – No, no the Panthers did not draft 3 quarterbacks in the 2010 NFL draft. Edwards will become a wide receiver for Carolina, where he will likely be a number three wide receiver out of the slot. While this will be a huge transition (and keep him from any kind of fantasy impact in year one) for Edwards, his skill set is tremendous due to his burst and acceleration. The fact that he can learn from Smith will also help Edwards as he tries to be the outside playmaker the Panthers need not named Steve Smith.

Need help organizing your fantasy draft? We’ve got you covered….

NFC WEST:  ARI  |  STL  |  SF  |  SEA

NFC SOUTH:  ATL  |  CAR  |  NO  |  TB

NFC NORTH:  CHI  |  DET  |  GB  |  MIN

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