The Panthers will kickoff the 2008 NFL season Sunday at San Diego. The Panthers, who went 7-and-9 in 2007, have hopes of competing for the NFC South crown and a playoff berth this season. Carolina has missed the postseason in back-to-back years. The Panthers will play their first two games without suspended wide receiver Steve Smith. Smith was suspended after punching cornerback Ken Lucas during training camp in Spartanburg last month. San Diego went 11-and-5 last season and lost to New England in the AFC championship game. The Panthers have not played at San Diego since the 1997 season. Kickoff Sunday is set for 4:15 p.m.