... - Sports - Columns - Darin Gantt

Wednesday, Oct. 01, 2008

Panthers look good so far, but there are concerns

CHARLOTTE — At face value, things are just peachy for the Carolina Panthers.

But as with all things, there’s enough percolating below the surface to be of general concern, a quarter of the way through the season.

This isn’t to go completely black-cloud on a Wednesday morning — there’s enough of that out there, and you don’t have to look hard for it.

But after four games, my sense is that while 3-1 sounds about right for where they are and where they might be headed, it still might not paint a true picture.

It’s almost as if they should be 2-2. There’s about as much to be concerned about as to congratulate them for, and it’s hard to see which way the balance is going to tip.

Here’s what I’d be worried about:

n There’s a disparity in their running stats.

They’re 19th in the league in rushing but 11th in rushing attempts. They’ve also thrown more than they’ve run.

Both sets of numbers are out of whack with the plan.

They loaded up on the run all offseason, but the results aren’t there yet.

Until they get a consistent running game, there’s not going to be the sense that the Panthers are a contender. Perhaps it will emerge soon. If it doesn’t this week, it’s getting close to the time to wonder when it will.

n Those pesky penalties.

John Fox can crack jokes, but the reality is his team’s fortunate to have escaped the first quarter with three wins while playing undisciplined football.

To lead the league in penalties points to some systemic problems, things that go beyond catching a few flag-happy crews who are calling everything by the book.

The offensive line’s in flux. They’re relying on some young players who haven’t been in certain situations before. Perhaps some of the guys are prone to sloppy work.

Whatever the reason, it’s a symptom that needs attention before it turns into a disease.

n They’re not as deep as it seemed.

In talking to some league scouts and personnel types, the glaring thing they see is a razor-thin margin on the defensive front.

While the season clearly would be torpedoed if something happened to Julius Peppers, they’re not able to withstand an injury to a Maake Kemoeatu or a Charles Johnson.

There’s not much that can be done about it. They simply have to hold their breath each Sunday. What used to be the foundation of the defense seems a tad wobbly, and the least shake might send things crashing.

Here’s what I wouldn’t worry about:

n There’s nothing wrong with Peppers, and all he’s doing is playing excellent football.

People expect him to have four sacks, rip one appendage off an opponent and leave the field with blood and gore and guts and veins in his teeth. Then, he should cure disease, give an eloquent speech, bail out the mortgage industry and make people care about the NBA again.

Despite moving to the weak side, he’s still fighting off tight ends on a regular basis, still drawing more attention because he’s getting no help from the other side of the line, and making plays in the running game that aren’t easily packaged in a highlight segment.

If they weren’t playing five of the league’s top 11 rushers right off the bat, he’d have more opportunities to pass rush. As it is, he’s playing his responsibilities well, and helping the defense to an impressive start.

I suppose the pending money makes folks expect more, but I wonder if it’s realistic considering the personnel around him.

n If anyone still has questions about quarterback Jake Delhomme, I can’t understand why.

He hasn’t put up huge fantasy football numbers, but he’s playing clean football, which is the first thing asked of him. His one interception was coughed up by tight end Jeff King, hardly the kind of play that should be a demerit for Delhomme.

He won again this week — on one leg — and picked apart the Atlanta secondary without a running game.

I’d say he’s back to where he was, but it could be he’s better.

n There are kids here who are going to be players for years.

Jon Beason’s first Pro Bowl is coming soon. Ditto Chris Harris. They are explosive defenders, guys who make things happen in an instant.

Watching them reminds me of Steve Smith in 2003. He was only beginning to show what was there, and it was clear more was coming.

Thomas Davis is also showing signs of getting it. Travelle Wharton, if they can figure out what his best position is, may be the best offensive lineman on the team, unless Jeff Otah beats him to it.

It’s a mixed bag, but according to the record, there’s been three times as much good as bad.

But the ingredients making up the recipe aren’t nearly in that same proportion, and you wonder if the batter’s ever going to come together all the way.