FanHouse NFL Season Preview: Carolina Panthers - No One Feels Comfortable

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is a month off, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: Jake Delhomme is coming off Tommy John surgery so no one knows what to expect. At the end of 2006, some fans wanted someone new at quarterback. Before he was injured in 2007, he was off to a white-hot start. How he recovers will go a long way to a successful Panthers season. Matt Moore filled in nicely late last season and may be the team's future. Brett Basanez isn't ready for prime time. No more Vinny or Mr. Mittens. Heat Index: 5

Running backs: The Panthers have been looking for a Stephen Davis type back and may have found one in rookie Jonathan Stewart. He's the kind of bull coach John Fox likes to center his offense around. DeAngelo Williams will be more efficient as a change-of-pace back. Brad Hoover is back again as an effective fullback. Nick Goings is always around to back up anybody. Heat Index: 5

Receivers: When Steve Smith isn't breaking his teammate's nose, he's one of the most feared receivers in the league. However, he is easier to defense since there is no other Panther receiver who is respected. The team brought Muhsin Muhammad back from Chicago, but how much does he have left in the tank? D.J. Hackett could emerge as that compliment to Smith. Dwayne Jarrett lacks the discipline to be a difference maker. Heat Index: 7

Offensive line: This unit has been overhauled. Jordan Gross moves from RT to LT to protect Delhomme's blind side, rookie Jeff Otah will plug in at RT, Travelle Wharton moves from LT to LG, free agent Keydrick Vincent will be the new LG and Ryan Kalil takes over at center. This line could really be something and has the potential be be a dominant run blocking group. Heat Index: 7

Defensive line: What was once an elite force has turned into mediocre at best. Kris Jenkins was dealt to the Jets and Mike Rucker retired. Julius Peppers had a bad season but could bounce back in a contract year. Joining Pep is Charles Johnson and Taylor Brayton in a platoon. Maake Kemoeatu had a very good 2007 and Damione Lewis takes over for Jenkins at tackle. Depth is a concern, but Darwin Walker and Ian Scott could fill that hole. Heat Index: 5

Linebackers: John Beason was a rookie stud last year and is turning himself into the focal point of the defense. Thomas Davis will move over to the SLB position to take advantage of his athleticism. Former Bengal Landon Johnson will compete with Na'il Diggs for the WLB spot. The team also drafted Dan Conner to make this one of the strongest units on the team. Heat Index: 7

Secondary: Carolina has three solid corners, but none are awesome. Richard Marshall and Chris Gamble are up-and-coming CBs but they can be beaten (a theme of this secondary). Ken Lucas was regressing even before his run-in with Steve Smith. Safety is still an issue. Chris Harris is locked in at strong safety but there is no decided free safety. Nate Salley, Terrence Holt and Charles Godfrey are candidates. Heat Index: 4

Special teams: John Kasay is now 138 years old and still kickin'! The Original Panther still has his accuracy, though his leg strength isn't as trusted by Fox. Jason Baker is one of the better punters in the NFL. Ryne Robinson was a pretty good return man last year. The issue is in kick coverage, which was horrible last year.. Heat Index: 6

Coaching: I like John Fox and I think he's a great coach. Injuries and bad draft picks have killed this team in recent years. Fox is on the hot seat and he must sniff a playoff berth if he is going to stick around. Heat Index: 5

Intangibles: Carolina has always been tough to figure out. When they are expected to be great, they disappoint. When people are sleeping on them, they surprise. Well, no one is expecting a whole lot this year, so we shall see. Heat Index: 5

Total Heat Index: 56
This is a talented team ... but there are so many question marks. Even the three stars of this team (Delhomme, Smith and Peppers) are facing some heat this year. Like usual, this team could get to an NFC Championship game or be 7-9 again.