--DT Maake Kemoeatu did not play in Week 17 because of an ankle injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.

--DT Damione Lewis did not play in Week 17 due to a shoulder injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.

--OG Geoff Hangartner left the Week 17 game early with an ankle injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.

--RT Jeff Otah left the Week 17 game with a toe injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two more weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.

REPORT CARD ENTERING PLAYOFFS

PASSING OFFENSE: B -- The Panthers threw the ball less than any team in the league, largely because they ran it so well. Jake Delhomme's numbers weren't great, but he's the team leader and he led a handful of fourth-quarter comebacks. WR Steve Smith missed the first two games of the season because of a suspension but averaged more than 100 yards per game the rest of the season and is going to the Pro Bowl. WR Muhsin Muhammad, at 35, proved he still has something left as well.

RUSHING OFFENSE: A -- The Panthers finished the season averaging 152.3 yards per game on the ground and had a league-high 29 touchdowns on the ground. DeAngelo Williams didn't get any love in the MVP voting, but he had an incredible season rushing for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also averaged 5.5 yards per carry behind a rebuilt offensive line. Rookie Jonathan Stewart set team rookie records rushing for 836 yards and 10 touchdowns.

PASS DEFENSE: C -- This is a worrisome area for the Panthers, who have struggled in December against the pass. Granted, they have played some very good teams but they haven't been able to get off the field on third down. They've allowed 178 first downs through the air and 19 passing touchdowns. Both Kurt Warner and Drew Brees have lit up the Panthers for more than 370 yards passing. Cornerback Chris Gamble is solid but Ken Lucas and Richard Marshall will have bulls-eyes on their chest entering the playoffs.

RUSH DEFENSE: C-plus -- At the beginning of the season, the Panthers were solid against the run but they got progressively worse as the season went on. They gave up 119.5 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry along with 14 rushing touchdowns. The Giants hurt them the most with 301 yards on the ground and they may have to see them again in the NFC Championship Game. Carolina hopes defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis make it back for the playoffs.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B -- Outside of a miss from 50 yards at the end of regulation against the Giants, John Kasay was very reliable for the Panthers this season. Rhys Lloyd led the league in kickoffs and punter Jason Baker recovered from three blocked punts - two of which were returned for touchdowns - to have a decent season. Mark Jones was a great late August pickup and has done well returning punts and kickoffs.

COACHING: A-minus -- Coach John Fox, considered by some on the hot seat coming into the season, has proven his detractors wrong. He still has the respect of his players. Now in his second season, Jeff Davidson is showing what he can do with a healthy quarterback. Carolina's offense has been clicking in the second half of the season, closing out the year by scoring at least 28 points in their final seven games.