Of course, they assumed they would be enjoying a first-round bye and preparing for a home playoff game _ the natural scenario for a Super Bowl favourite.

Instead, the Panthers have already packed up and scattered after a disappointing 8-8 season that left one thing for certain: Many of the players who were a part of that confident training camp won't be around for the next.

``For all I know, they may clean house to two people,'' receiver Keyshawn Johnson said.

Such is life in the NFL when you underachieve.

``We expected to do some good things here inside this building and we didn't get it done,'' quarterback Jake Delhomme said.

Delhomme was one of numerous Panthers players who were injured during the season. He missed three games with a sprained right thumb and Carolina fell out of playoff contention when he was out.

But Delhomme had an off year, too. He threw fourth-quarter interceptions in three close losses.

Despite signing Johnson in the off-season, the Panthers couldn't free up Steve Smith, whose numbers were off from last season when he led the league in receiving.

Offensive co-ordinator Dan Henning took a lot of heat for not getting Smith more involved and for Carolina's NFL-worst third-down conversion rate. But Henning has the support from his players and Johnson hinted he may not want to return next season if Henning is replaced.

The biggest problem on offence was the line, where Carolina lost three starters to season-ending injuries. Left tackle Travelle Wharton was sidelined by a knee injury in Week 1 and Carolina was never the same. Delhomme never had consistent protection and the Panthers struggled to run the ball.

Still, the Panthers would be in the playoffs if the game was three quarters long. They blew leads in the final quarter five times and lost.

``All we had to do is win one of those,'' safety Mike Minter said.

The defence also suffered a blow in the opener when middle linebacker Dan Morgan was lost for the season with at least the fifth concussion of his career. Free-agent acquisition Na'il Diggs didn't live up to expectations replacing outside linebacker Will Witherspoon, who signed with St. Louis.

The secondary was a huge disappointment. Cornerback Ken Lucas couldn't stay healthy and was taken out of the starting lineup for a stretch. Chris Gamble was routinely beaten for big plays. And Minter, at 32, showed his age at times.

The defensive line was supposed to be Carolina's strength, and Julius Peppers had 11 sacks in the first eight games. But he then went the next five games without one.

Free-agent acquisition Maake Kemoeatu didn't plug up the middle as hoped. Carolina gave up 252 yards rushing to Atlanta in Week 1 and seven running backs rushed for over 100 yards.

Defensive end Mike Rucker was held to 2{ sacks, then tore a knee ligament late in the season. Rucker, who turns 32 next month, is due a US$2.5 million roster bonus in March and could be one of the casualties if he doesn't restructure his contract.

But Rucker isn't the only one who should feel nervous.

Morgan has been cleared to return next season, but will the Panthers risk depending on him to anchor the linebacking unit?

The Panthers, who'll have the 14th pick in the first round of the draft, may overhaul their offensive line. DeAngelo Williams might replace DeShaun Foster as the No. 1 running back.

Delhomme will likely be back, but the Panthers need help at receiver because Keary Colbert has turned out to be a bust.

Only three starters, Diggs, linebacker Chris Draft and safety Shaun Williams, are unrestricted free agents. Last weekend, Carolina came to terms with tackle Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings on contract extensions.

But no job is safe when you go 8-8 a year after reaching the NFC championship game.

``I don't know what they're going to do,'' Johnson said. ``I have no idea.''