text: 2008 season The Panthers picked up several talented players in the 2008 NFL draft, including running back Jonathan Stewart, and offensive tackle Jeff Otah. With the help of a much improved rushing offense, the Panthers rebounded, finishing the season with a 12–4 record. This included an 8–0 home record. After defeating the New Orleans Saints 33–31 in the season finale, the Panthers claimed their second NFC South title and a first round bye in the playoffs. However, on January 10 the Panthers' season came to a disappointing end, as they lost to the Arizona Cardinals 33–13 at home in the Divisional round. The Panthers' offense was plagued by Delhomme's 6 turnovers (5 interceptions and a fumble) and the Cardinals 27 first-half points.
  2009 season
  Carolina hoped to make another playoff run in 2009. The 2009 season opener witnessed Carolina lose at the hands of the Eagles (including Delhomme's six turnovers), followed by losses to Atlanta and Dallas. The Panthers got their first win in week 5 against Washington. In Week 6, they defeated their division rival Buccaneers 28–21, a game that was most notable for cornerback Dante Wesley launching himself into the neck of Tampa Bay punt returner Clifton Smith after Smith had waved for a fair catch. Smith was knocked unconscious and Wesley ejected for his actions after a brief fight broke out between both teams. Wesley was suspended one game and fined $20,000. There followed an uneven string of wins and losses. After 11 games, a recently injured Delhomme was benched, and replaced at starting QB by Matt Moore. With a more aggressive offense in place, the Panthers won four of their last five games, including their last three. These victories included an impressive 26–7 sweep of playoff-bound Minnesota. They then crushed the Giants 41–9 in the last game at Giants Stadium, and ended the season at 8–8 with a 23–10 victory over the Saints.