SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -From Julius Peppers’ giant contract to Maake Kemoeatu’s torn Achilles’ tendon, the defense has been Carolina’s top concern for months.
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers have no job openings, are quietly adding to the playbook and believe they can put up even better numbers than last season’s record-breaking unit.
Long gone are the days of hoping a dominant defense can carry a meek offense.
“This is the first time I’ve experienced having all our starters back. And this is the first time I haven’t switched sides in consecutive seasons,” said Jordan Gross, now entrenched at left tackle. “We’re light years ahead from where we’ve been in the past.”
While new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks tries to get Peppers caught up after he skipped offseason workouts and replace Kemoeatu, Carolina’s run-stuffing defensive tackle, the offense is adding more exotic plays.
as that luxury because all 11 starters return from a unit that ranked third in the NFL in rushing, seventh in points scored and 10th in total offense in 2008.
With a running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and the explosive Steve Smith at receiver, the Panthers are packed with options.
“I think Jeff’s putting more on our plate, which is a good thing to help us,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said. “It’s been a good start so far, very smooth. It’s also good for us that we’re not going against the same defense that we’ve been going against the past so many years. It gives you something really good to practice against.”
Four days into training camp, the offense is clicking. Although the Panthers need to add depth on the offensive line, the starting unit has been together for more than a year, ending Gross’ shuttle from left and right tackle.
Williams and Stewart, whose combined 2,531 yards rushing last season were the most in the NFL by teammates since 1984, can wear down opposing defenses.
Despite his six-turnover performance in the playoff loss to Arizona, Delhomme’s surgically repaired elbow is holding up. He’s been connecting routinely in practice with the dynamic Steve Smith, coming off his fourth Pro Bowl appearance.
ng catches in traffic at practice.
“Instead of teaching techniques and other things of that nature we’re going in and installing all of the new plays that haven’t been a part of our offense the last two or three years,” said Williams, whose 1,515 yards rushing last season set a team record and ranked fourth in the NFL.
It’s quite a change for coach John Fox, the former New York Giants defensive coordinator who made Peppers his first draft pick after taking the job in 2002. Fox then built a dominant defensive line around him.
The team also became known for a pedestrian offense and low-scoring games. Now Carolina might have to outscore teams until the defense – which allowed 30 or more points in five of its last seven games – finds its way.
“Last year, I thought we made great strides in the run game,” Fox said. “Continuity is real important in the National Football League, which I think is the ultimate of team sports, and I think that’s where that confidence and cohesion come from.”
His players agree, expecting long runs through big holes by Williams and Stewart, acrobatic catches from Smith and limited mistakes by Delhomme.
“If we can do our jobs we should have an outstanding season as an offensive unit,” Gross said. “I say that not out of cockiness, but of confidence and so we know what to all expect.”
Add A Comment