Staff writer Charles Chandler looks back at a roller-coaster NFL season for the Carolina Panthers and looks ahead to an offseason that could produce significant changes:
QUARTERBACKS
2009 review: The passing game struggled until late season. Jake Delhomme threw a career-high 18 interceptions and admits he pressed at times. Matt Moore was 4-1 as a starter after Delhomme's finger injury. Moore threw for seven touchdowns and no interceptions in the final three games, finally giving the Panthers the passing game they needed to complement their running attack.
Looking ahead: How can Moore not go to training camp as the projected starter? He's a restricted free agent, but the Panthers won't let him get away. Delhomme likely comes to camp either as the backup or with a chance to compete for the job. It'll be interesting to see whether the Panthers draft a quarterback to develop for the future. Josh McCown, injured in the first game, is an unrestricted free agent who is at least an option to sign and bring back.
RUNNING BACKS
Review: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart truly were "Double Trouble," becoming the first teammates to each run for 1,100 yards in the same season. Williams' late-season ankle injury, which kept him out of the final 11 quarters, allowed it to happen. It's obvious, however, that both are top-tier backs.
Looking ahead: This is an extremely strong position. Williams and Stewart are back, as are talented reserves Tyrell Sutton and Mike Goodson. The team must decide whether to keep fullback Brad Hoover, who is still a strong lead blocker but will be 31 next season. Rookie fullback Tony Fiammetta got valuable experience.
RECEIVERS
Review: This was a frustrated group for all but the final few weeks of the season. Steve Smith seemed miserable at times because the team was unable to get him the ball, but he didn't spout off about it. Dwayne Jarrett's strong final game came after he had been deactivated the previous two weeks, making his future as uncertain as ever. Muhsin Muhammad played through some injuries and had a significant slip in production, but was it really his fault?
Looking ahead: Smith returns as one of the most dangerous receivers in the league, but will he be happy? Things need to change significantly around him. The Panthers must find some receivers to complement Smith. Muhammad wants to return, but it's unclear if he'll get that chance.
TIGHT END
Review: The committee approach worked again. Jeff King had a solid all-around season. Dante Rosario at times was the No.2 receiver. Gary Barnidge flashed his ability to get open deep.
Looking ahead: King is a free agent, but the Panthers probably will bring him back
OFFENSIVE LINE
Review: Reserves Mackenzy Bernadeau and Geoff Schwartz turned out to be more than ample fill-ins when injuries forced them into action. The seasons of bookend tackles Jordan Gross (broken leg) and Jeff Otah (knee) were cut short. Travelle Wharton successfully transitioned from left guard back to left tackle. Ryan Kalil emerged as one of the NFL's best young centers.
Looking ahead: With Gross and Otah coming back, the line should go into next season stronger than ever. The question is who will start at right guard? Keydrick Vincent is a free agent after starting there the past two seasons. The Panthers could bring him back or go with Bernadeau, Schwartz, Duke Robinson or an outsider.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Review: The season was a challenge from the moment Maake Kemoeatu was lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. There were times when the position struggled, but it's remarkable how well it evolved. Damione Lewis is an under appreciated talent who was steady. Hollis Thomas provided much-needed help at the nose position.
Looking ahead: This position has gone from one of the thinnest to one of the deepest, provided the Panthers keep restricted free agents Louis Leonard and Tank Tyler.
DEFENSIVE END
Review: Julius Peppers battled through a slow start and a midseason broken hand to have another Pro Bowl season. Tyler Brayton probably had the best season of his career. Charles Johnson and rookie Everette Brown shined at times.
Looking ahead: Perhaps the biggest issue facing the Panthers will be how they handle Peppers' potential unrestricted free agency. The Panthers also must decide whether to bring back Brayton. Johnson and Brown provide talented, young depth.
LINEBACKER
Review: Middle linebacker Jon Beason had another outstanding season. He's one of the league's elite, despite his Pro Bowl snub. Thomas Davis might have gone to the Pro Bowl if not for his knee injury. Na'il Diggs played well at the other outside position, and James Anderson filled in nicely after Davis and Landon Johnson were lost for the season.
Looking ahead: Davis hits free agency but will be restricted.
CORNERBACK
Review: By the end of the season, Chris Gamble was playing up to his reputation, and Richard Marshall and Captain Munnerlyn gave them one of the league's most underrated trios.
Looking ahead: Marshall will be a restricted free agent unless a labor deal gets done. That could allow Carolina to wait a year before trying to sign him to a long-term deal, but he has definitely proven to be a solid starter the team should want to keep.
SAFETY
Review: Chris Harris and Charles Godfrey battled injuries early, but they finished the season playing perhaps the best ball of their careers.
Looking ahead: The top three at this position are under contract for next season, making this an area of strength.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Review: Kicker John Kasay was 21-of-23 on field-goal attempts of less than 50 yards. Punter Jason Baker and kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd had solid seasons.
Looking head: The Panthers definitely will attempt to be more consistent next season, and they could use more consistently explosive kick returners.
