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Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Doug Kretz

The Carolina Panthers have undergone a minor change of style with offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson putting a bigger emphasis on the power ground game. Davidson experimented with the zone-blocking scheme last year, but felt a smashmouth blocking scheme (like something seen in Jacksonville) would be a better fit for the Panthers. Now Carolina has suddenly become more massive and powerful, especially in the middle of its offensive line. Davidson wants his linemen to drive off the ball and get some movement against their opponents so their running backs can consistently get 2-3 positive yards before they have to read the holes.

Another move that helped was the addition of OT Jeff Otah, a first-round pick out of Pittsburgh. Otah's arrival allowed the Panthers to move Jordan Gross back to the left side, a more natural position for him. Gross is a very athletic tackle with natural knee bend and the ability to slide and mirror pass rushers off the edge. However, he struggles with power rushers who can push him back into the pocket. On the left side, he is apt to face more athletic pass rushers who tend to rely on speed and agility to pressure the pocket rather than raw power. And Davidson's new scheme makes it easier for Otah as well. As a rookie, it is easier to run block than pass protect so Otah will find more success with the running game than the passing attack. But the 6-foot-6, 330-pounder is a massive road grader who can knock opponents off the ball.

Carolina has a powerful, two-back system with DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart, a first-round pick from Oregon. They have different styles of running, but both run with a strong base and can often break the first tackle to get extra yards. Stewart is a good fit for this new power running game and, like Williams, he has the speed to threaten a secondary if he can get past the first level of defense.

Still, for all the emphasis on the power running game, don't expect the Panthers to abandon the downfield passing game. Once Steve Smith returns to the field in Week 3, QB Jake Delhomme will find it easier to sit in the pocket for those deep routes as opponents will have to respect the running game. Delhomme has the kind of arm strength and accuracy that can challenge secondaries deep, but without Smith, that explosive, big-play threat was missing in Week 1 against San Diego. Delhomme did a great job of managing the game and reading the field when the game was on the line. He made a lot of smart, efficient throws to his receivers  and tight ends -- players that don't have the yards-after-catch skills that Smith brings -- to keep drives alive. He showed his ability to spot a weakness and take advantage when he worked the middle of the field against San Diego in the fourth quarter.

The win in San Diego was the kind of game that also reminded the Panthers that Delhomme can move the chains when the game is on the line and that breeds confidence across the team. They missed him last year. He's smart and has a way of elevating the play of others around him.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.