Panthers: Five things to know
Panthers: Camp tour | 
Prisco
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Observations from Panthers camp:
1. Is Jake Delhomme the answer at quarterback? The Panthers must not be so sure since they signed David Carr as a free agent. Delhomme is the kind of quarterback who needs a lot of things to go right around him to succeed. That didn't happen last year, and he struggled some. He has looked better in new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson's system and the improved running game should help. If not, Carr could be a nice option.
2. We know Delhomme has a heck of a weapon outside in Steve Smith, but when Smith tweaked a hamstring last year, the offense sputtered. That's why a second option has to emerge. Veterans Keary Colbert and Drew Carter will get the first chance to take over. Colbert had a nice 48-yard touchdown reception last week against New England. But at some point rookie Dwayne Jarrett will fill that role. It's only a matter of time.
3. The Panthers like to run the football. That's why having two quality backs in DeShaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams -- "De-men?" -- is a nice luxury. Both players can handle a 20-carry load if need be. Williams, the second-year player from Memphis, is the guy to watch this season. He seems a perfect fit for the zone-blocking scheme now in place.
4. The key for the Panthers on defense is to stop the run and let their defensive ends, especially Julius Peppers, come up the field in passing situations. A year ago, they finished 11th against the run, which was a disappointment. The return to health of Kris Jenkins, who has his weight down, will help improve that.
5. The Panthers have three solid corners, but only rookie Richard Marshall played up to expectations last season. Ken Lucas was benched and Chris Gamble was too inconsistent. Lucas and Gamble have held on to the starting spots in the preseason, but don't be shocked to see Marshall on the field at some point as a starter. He will serve as the team's nickel corner until that happens.
