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For fear-stricken fantasy owners wallowing below .500 missingthe playoffs is very palpable.  

Blindsided by gross misfortune these depressed players havebeen infected by a variety of ailments most notably misguided decisionsinjuries and for those rare few who've fielded a Raiders-esque virtual defenseplain bad luck.

But the primary reason why many have stumbled out of thegate stems from superstar underperformance. Just ask those who invested a first-roundpick in last season's RB pacesetter DeAngelo Williams(notes).

Seemingly ripped from the pages of a Stephen King novel theCarolina rusher'searly season insufficiencies have spooked his supporters. Williams has leaptover the pylons just twice averaging a wretched 3.7 yards per carry and 80.8total yards per game. Disappointingly his 11.1 per game average ranks 20th amongbacks one spot behind late-rounder Tim Hightower(notes). More worrisome he's on pacefor a mere 1292 total yards and eight scores a fraction of what heaccomplished in '08. Only the thought of being slathered in Skippy and consumedby "Biggest Loser" castoffs is more frightening.

For the alleged matchup-proof rusher the start to his '09 campaignwasn't supposed to be this way. As we discussed in August the Panthers' entireoffense from last year remained intact. His schedule did appear daunting but basedon his dismantling of quality defenses late last year (i.e. the New York Giants) hewas expected to be invincible. Not even Jake Delhomme's(notes) perpetual suckage would be his kryptonite.

However a number of poltergeists have haunted DeAngeloalready this season. based on the reasons below the underachieving runner should seriously seek out Peter Venkman:

1) Despite returning all parts the Carolina offensive line has been dominated atthe line of scrimmage. Even against suspect defensive fronts (i.e. Dallas and Washington)they've created lanes (or lackthereof) supremely gifted runner or jetpacked hamster could blast through. Often Williams has expended significant energydodging defenders for 2-3 yard gains. After accumulating the second-most20-plus yard runs a year ago (15) he's yet to rip off a long scamper thisseason - mind-boggling when you consider no team employs more two tight-endsets than John Fox's club.

Though displeased with the team's trench play guardTravelle Wharton(notes) is confident he and his blocking cohorts will eventually establish afair level of consistency. From the Gaston Gazette:

2) The gross incompetence of Jake Delhomme combined withquestionable play-calling by offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has also burdenedthe running game.

In recent years Carolinahas used the run to set up the pass. But this season that offensive philosophyhas flipped. The Panthers are throwing more and running less evident inWilliams' decrease in carries ('08: 17.1 att/g '09: 14.8). In somecircumstances this would be a positive shift but considering Delhomme wouldhave difficulties accurately distributing the ball to King Kong it has affectedthe team negatively. Simply put: Jake the Fake's inability to stretch the fieldis allowing defenses to overload the box. Steve Smith who is averaging nearlysix yards less per catch compared to last year ('08: 18.2 '09: 12.8) must besuccessfully involved downfield for the ground game to thrive. 

3) Due to reason Nos. 1 and 2 the aforementioned brutal slatehas and will continue to cripple DeAngelo. As the terrific schedule tooldeveloped by FFtoday shows his clashes after Week 7 minus Atlanta and Tampaaren't exactly fantasy friendly:

Other minor influences such as Jonathan Stewart's(notes) red-zonerole Carolina'sdefensive vulnerabilities in-game circumstances and Davidson's refusal toinvolve D-Will more in the passing game have also stymied the star rusher'svalue.

But have no fear D-Will pessimists his short-term futureremains very bright. Regardless if Delhomme performs deficiently over the nexttwo weeks Williams should run wild. The Buccs and Bills have surrendered acombined 4.6 yards per carry 160.6 total yards and 1.2 scores per game torushers this season. His finest single-game performance of the season will surely betallied in one of those two contests.

If he does post marquee totals owners should immediatelyadvertise his services. Unless the offensive line and passingga354me make rapid advancements the insanely talented rusher will continue tomystify his supporters.

Unfortunately this year it seems the Little Napoleon's spectacular skills couldremain in exile.

Week 6 FearlessForecast: 19 carries 86 rushing yards 2 receptions 16 receiving yards 1touchdown

How long will you hold out for a DeAngelo revival? What are your expectations for the rest of the season? Should the Panthers make a phone call to Vinny Testaverde(notes)? Discuss below.

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