Don Pierson

There is urgency in Carolina, where the euphoria of their 2003 Super Bowl year has been followed by disappointing seasons of 7-9, 11-5 with an NFC title game loss, and 8-8.

A taste of glory only whets the appetite, so coach John Fox finds himself trying to live up to expectations he helped create. The Panthers have been the perennial NFC favorites, only to fall short of predictions.

Knowing his team had to improve the 24th best offense, he replaced offensive coordinator Dan Henning with Jeff Davidson, a former assistant with the Patriots and Browns who has been groomed for the job.

Just to underscore that underscoring wasn't entirely the coordinator's fault, the Panthers also signed a former No. 1 quarterback, David Carr, to remind incumbent Jake Delhomme that no job is guaranteed for life.

They made receiver Dwayne Jarrett their No. 1 draft choice and just as veteran Keyshawn Johnson was expressing how happy he was to be tutoring the youngster, the Panthers fired the teacher, indicating the future for all Panthers is now.

Although no personnel overhaul is needed or expected, Davidson will have to settle on an offensive line before he can install and deliver on his new offense. Assuming Travelle Wharton has recovered from knee surgery and can return to left tackle, former top pick Jordan Gross can move back to right tackle. Left guard Mike Wahle is coming off a shoulder injury and should reclaim his spot from Will Montgomery, who filled in as a rookie.

Drafting center Ryan Kalil in the second round probably means Justin Hartwig is out of a job unless he moves to right guard, where Geoff Hangartner and Evan Mathis will compete.

Jarrett was drafted in the continuing search for a complement to All-Pro Steve Smith. Drew Carter and Keary Colbert remain in the mix, but if Jarrett shows in camp he can play right away, he will. Davidson also knows he has to get more out of a running attack that slid to 24th in the league. Eric Shelton will get a chance to emerge from the doghouse and push both DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams in what should prove healthy competition.

Fox's reputation lies on defense, where the Panthers expect top draft pick Jon Beason to start at linebacker and third-rounder Charles Johnson will immediately join the defensive end rotation. With Mike Rucker coming off a knee injury opposite All-Pro Julius Peppers, Johnson and second-year prospect Stanley McClover will get plenty of action. Tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis also should combine for a good inside rush with Kris Jenkins and Kindal Moorehead, but Jenkins' future with the club is in doubt.

Beason will start on the weakside in place of Na'il Diggs, unless oft-injured Dan Morgan is physically unable to reclaim is middle linebacker spot from departed Chris Draft. In that case, Beason probably would start in the middle. Thomas Davis is the strongside starter who will be used more in pass rush situations. Morgan is a big piece of the Carolina plan and the fact that he can't stay healthy may force management to go in a different direction. The Panthers are so aware of their needs at linebacker that they signed a former skier and member of the French national bobsled team, 6-1, 240-pound Philippe Gardent, who has played linebacker for three years in NFL Europa, most lately with the Cologne Centurions.

Safety is also a big question mark. The Panthers hope second-year man Nate Salley is ready to replace Shaun Williams at strong safety opposite Mike Minter. Journeyman Deke Cooper was signed, but it was a surprise that more candidates weren't added since Minter expects to retire.

Hot seat
If Delhomme has peaked, expect to see Carr. After three years of improved numbers, Delhomme slipped to a career-low 17 touchdown passes last season. He threw six interceptions in fourth quarters. Carr proved durable in Houston but outlived his welcome. The Panthers think he could flourish on a better team and will give him the chance if Delhomme falters.

Overheard
Last year, rookie Richard Marshall solidified the cornerback position and emerged as the most consistent performer among Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas, who will be battling for a starting slot. Special teams were not distinguished and lost their three top tacklers. The Panthers hope fourth-round pick Ryne Robinson can take over punt return chores from Gamble, who averaged a league-low 5.1 yards.

Outlook
Hopeful. The NFC South is very balanced. The Panthers play the Falcons, Bucs and Saints in weeks three-four-five, with only the Bucs at home. A fast start will give them a leg up. The schedule as a whole isn't overwhelming, so this may finally be their year.

Prediction
Second.

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