By Dan Parr
Sept. 15, 2008

Panthers RBs Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams built the foundation for the team’s offense, and WR Steve Smith could return and do some quick renovating to it in Week Three. Smith will return from a two-game suspension for Sunday’s battle with the Vikings in the Metrodome — a fitting setting for his comeback, considering he scored his first career touchdown there on a kickoff return on Sept. 9, 2001 and he grabbed his first career TD reception there on Sept. 22, 2002. Stewart had a breakthrough game in Carolina’s 20-17 win over the Bears on Sunday. After rushing just one time in the first half, Stewart replaced Williams as the Panthers’ featured back, getting 13 carries, compared to Williams’ one, in the second half for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

The PFW spin

The Panthers are already fun to watch — now they could get downright explosive.

As Smith returns, he finds himself surrounded by a much-improved supporting cast compared to last year’s, and most importantly, a power running game that can loosen up a defense and relieve him of some playmaking pressure.

With a very mediocre rushing attack, no other real threat at receiver, and a combination of Vinny Testaverde, David Carr and Matt Moore at quarterback last season, Smith still managed to gain more than 1,000 yards receiving for the third consecutive year. However, his touchdown total (seven) was the lowest it had been since 2003, if you exclude the ’04 season, when he missed 15 games with an injury. Smith’s yards per catch (11.5) hit an all-time low, not counting ’04.

Those numbers could be in for a real jolt with QB Jake Delhomme back under center, a receiving corps bolstered by the additions of Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett and RBs Stewart and Williams packing a 1-2 punch.

TE Dante Rosario and WR Dwayne Jarrett, both in their second year, are works in progress, but each has shown signs of major improvement and could also come through if defenses place too much attention on Smith in the early going.

Just how wide open this offense becomes is in the hands of head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. They have the personnel to spread things out, but Fox keeps things very conservative and he has made it clear that punting the ball away doesn’t bother him.

Our fantasy take

It has taken some patience with Smith, but owners finally can insert him into their lineups this week against the Vikings, who come in with the league’s 24th-ranked pass defense. Minnesota has trouble slowing down smaller, fleet-footed receivers in the mold of Smith and he could post some stunning numbers in his debut. As for the running backs, Stewart proved he deserves more carries with his play in the second half in Week Two, but don’t give up on Williams. He’ll still be a major part of the offense and likely will continue as the starter.