Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas.
What's the difference between a 7-9 season that comes up short of the playoffs and an 11-5 record with the potential for a deep postseason run?
In the eyes of the Carolina Panthers, it all comes down to the right elbow of quarterback Jake Delhomme. In an otherwise quiet offseason, the Panthers have made it clear they believe the main ingredient for a turnaround season is a healthy Delhomme.
They may be right. With a solid defense already in place, one of the league's top receivers (Steve Smith) and some new parts that should improve the running game, the Panthers are poised to be one of this year's turnaround teams.
Here's a look at five nonplayoff teams from last year that could be headed for postseason play:
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Coach John Fox spent much of last year saying he didn't like to make excuses and then turning right around and telling anyone who would listen how tough it is to win without your starting quarterback. That part was painfully true as David Carr flopped and Vinny Testaverde fossilized after Delhomme went down in Week 3. The bright spot was the play of undrafted rookie quarterback Matt Moore late in the season, but he remains a project.
The Panthers somehow resisted the temptation to bring in an experienced backup or even try to get a quarterback in the draft. That seems like a risky move. But keep in mind, the Panthers know the condition of Delhomme's right elbow far better than anyone else. Their medical staff must feel abundantly confident that Delhomme can make a full recovery from Tommy John surgery and Delhomme said he thinks he can be better than he was the past couple of years.
With Fox entering the season clearly on the hot seat, a healthy Delhomme is precisely what the Panthers need. After reshuffling their offensive line, drafting running back Jonathan Stewart and signing receivers Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, the Panthers have all the parts are in place to be a serious playoff contender.
NEW YORK JETS
They went from 10-6 and the playoffs in Eric Mangini's first year as coach to 4-12 last season. Chad Pennington caught much of the blame, but the Jets realized the problems went way beyond the quarterback. That's why the Jets were one of the league's most aggressive teams in the offseason.
At the start of free agency, they spent a fortune to get offensive lineman Alan Faneca, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and linebacker/defensive end Calvin Pace and they used their first-round draft pick on Vernon Gholston, who can play defensive end or linebacker. Jenkins, who once was the best defensive tackle in the league, is in shape, focused and happy after clashing with Fox in Carolina the past few years.
Pennington and Kellen Clemens will compete for the starting job in training camp, but either quarterback should be fine behind a rebuilt offensive line. New England still owns the AFC East, but the Jets should be better than Buffalo and Miami and in contention for the playoffs.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
They went 8-8 last year and that was their best record since 1998. Still, it's always easy to doubt the Cardinals will ever turn the corner. But maybe things really are different with Ken Whisenhunt coaching this team.
Whisenhunt has worked hard to fix an offensive line that's been laughable for a decade, he has one of the league's most talented receiving corps and the defense already is respectable. If quarterback Matt Leinart can just make a little progress (and stay healthy), the Cardinals could be a contender in the weak NFC West.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Even in the very talented NFC East, it's hard to imagine the Eagles staying down for long. Andy Reid didn't suddenly become a bad coach and he still has a very talented roster. Keeping quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook healthy always is going to be a challenge, but the Eagles will be contenders if McNabb and Westbrook can stay on the field. Reid firmly believes Lorenzo Booker, acquired in a trade with Miami, can help lighten Westbrook's load.
Wide receiver remains an issue, but the Eagles drafted DeSean Jackson to try to give McNabb another playmaker. Reid's had a rough couple of years, dealing with family issues and the saga of former Philadelphia receiver Terrell Owens. But when Reid has the time to just focus on coaching, he's as good as anyone in the game.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
This is nothing more than a wild hunch. Sure, the Raiders look to still be the most dysfunctional team in football. But they have plenty of talent on the roster and, no matter what Al Davis thinks, Lane Kiffin can coach.
JaMarcus Russell is as physically talented as any quarterback in the league and he's going to get to play this year.
And maybe the apparent chaos is part of Davis' master plan, if he has one. Sometimes, when it seems as if the rest of the world is against it, a team will pull together and surprise everyone.
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