Let the Games Begin

212 day since Superbowl XLII; 250 days since the Panthers last played; 349 days since Jake Delhomme played in a regular season game; 2 days until the 2008 Season starts; 5 days until Carolina plays their first 2008 regular season game; FINALLY, the 2008 season is here and I'm excited.

Not only because there will actually be something worth watching Sunday and Monday nights, and later Thursday nights, but because I believe this year's Panthers are special. For Coach Fox, the moves this offseason could be considered fairly aggressive and from this side of the season appear to have been the right moves. From all indications things are falling into place and we have a great chance to make it to the postseason.

Before we get to the end though, we have to start at the beginning, that beginning is the San Diego chargers. Regardless of who is healthy and plays for either team on Sunday, it will be a difficult first challenge. This week we will hear a lot about Steve Smith absence, Jake's elbow, and Shawne Merriman's knees, but in reality it all doesn't matter. Both teams have been planning for six months and it will come down to execution. Both teams know that Carolina will try to establish their running game early, which means by default the passing game for Carolina becomes that much more important. Yes we have some questions about our receivers this week, but that is why it comes back to execution. If Jake and his receiving crew has a good day, in my opinion, that will be the difference in this game.

This is our first true test, but as with all 32 teams in the NFL, everyone is undefeated and has high hopes for this season. Nonetheless, while many of the analysts don't believe so, in 154 days the Carolina Panthers may very well be playing in Superbowl XLIII.