Feb. 12, 2008

Overview: The Panthers hit a new low in head coach John Fox’s tenure, dropping five straight at one point, but recovered and won three of their last five to finish 7-9 and tied for second place in the NFC South. Many reports speculated that Fox and general manager Marty Hurney would be fired after the team missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time under Fox, but owner Jerry Richardson announced that both would be back for 2008.

Biggest surprise: No team in the league faced a more desperate situation at quarterback than the Panthers. The squad was forced to start a franchise-record four different quarterbacks, and the constant shuffling took its toll on a struggling offense. Jake Delhomme was off to a brilliant start, throwing eight touchdowns and just one interception in his first three games, before his season was ended when he injured his elbow. He underwent Tommy John surgery to repair the damage and is currently rehabbing. David Carr, Vinny Testaverde and undrafted rookie Matt Moore also made starts at quarterback for Carolina.

Biggest disappointment: After nearly signing a contract extension that would have made him the highest-paid defender in the league, as training-camp reports indicated had been in the making, DE Julius Peppers went on to have his worst season statistically. The six-year veteran had just two sacks after averaging more than 10 per season prior to 2007. He exemplified a larger issue for the Panthers’ defense, which failed to live up to its high expectations.

Offseason outlook: Fox and Hurney will be far more active this offseason than they were last year as the pair tries to hold on to its jobs for one more season. Finding another playmaker on offense — whether it’s at running back, tight end or wide receiver — to complement WR Steve Smith is an absolute must. Hurney vowed to restore a power running game in Carolina’s backfield, which could signal a shake-up at running back and on the offensive line.