The Charlotte Observer posted their five burning questions going into camp and I thought three of them were lame at best. The AOL Fan house then rang in as well and I thought theirs were a little better but some were a little tongue in check. For example, I really don’t care how much Kris Jenkins weighs coming into camp. He’s a run stopper and we have plenty of depth behind him if he needs a blow. Besides, he's wanting a new contract so he has plenty of incentive to perform.

I’ve decided to take a look at the bigger picture and a more serious view of the Panthers situation going into the season. Here are my five burning questions going into the training camp and the coming season.

1. Will the injured starters from last season return to form?

Remember this list of injured starters: Wharton, Hartwig, Wahle, Rucker, Lucas and Morgan? It was a big reason the team tanked towards the end of the season. So far there are encouraging signs. It’s being reported Rucker will be able to practice sooner than expected. Dan Morgan is getting a special helmet to help prevent another concussion. The OL looks ready to bang heads. Yet getting them healthy is only half the battle. We then have to pray they stay that way.

2. Will the offense score points?
Let us count the problems with the offense from last season: couldn’t sustain the run, terrible 3rd down completion %, couldn’t get anyone open but Steve Smith, too predictable. New OC Bob Davidson’s zone-blocking scheme is getting a lot of press. There are a lot of things changing on the offense and a lot of things needed to change. But will it result in enough points? If the Panthers defense remains as stout as it has been in recent years 20 points a game should be enough. Will the Panthers be able to run out the clock with a lead? Will they be able to keep the chains moving to keep the defense rested? I think our season hinges on this more than anything.

3. Will punt and kick-off returns improve?
The Panthers were dead last in the NFL last season in punt return AND kick-off return yardage. At 4.9 yds/punt return it wasn’t even close they were so bad. The next lowest was 6.2. I give a hat tip to the Panthers front office for recognizing this problem and making wholesale changes. We have a new punt returner and pretty much all new special team blockers. Let’s hope it results in a drastic improvement in field position for the offense.

4. Can the Panthers prevent the safety position from being a liability?
A lot has been made of the lack of a proven starter at strong safety and I’m one of the people asking those questions constantly. It appears the Panthers are content with what they have for now. We know it will be a perceived weakness by our competitors. Is the Panther defense prepared to counter it? With a good pass rush and good corners it seems possible. I for one will be hyper focused on the safety play and whether it can exposed on a routine basis.

5. Will Jake Delhomme get it done in the 4th quarter?
In 2005 the Panthers won four games by less than four points. In 2006 we lost those same games. In many cases it came down to one or two plays in the fourth quarter where you need your QB to make a play. We know Jake can do it but the question is has he regained that confidence in his teammates? Is he confident in the new playbook? Will Jake be calling any plays or making changes at the line?

If the Panthers can get a "Yes" to all these questions then we are in for a big season.