Countdown to Vancouver: Get event schedules plus the latest news, videos and previews for the 2010 Winter Games

Published Sun, Nov 08, 2009 03:56 AM
Modified Sun, Nov 08, 2009 05:17 AM

After slow start, Panthers defense on track

Article
Comments (0)

Email Print Order Reprint

Share: Yahoo! Buzz

Text

tool goes here

BY DAVID SCOTT - Staff writer

Captain Munnerlyn, the Carolina Panthers' loquacious rookie defensive back, can't remember who it was he was talking to last week. But Munnerlyn was eager to discuss the Panthers' newly formidable defense.

"We were saying how this defense really works," Munnerlyn said. "You get some pressure on the quarterback, get some interceptions and away you go. I guess it has taken a while, but look at how it's working now. Everybody's happy."

"Happy" did not describe the Panthers' defensive situation in September, as the season opened with three consecutive losses after a winless preseason. New coordinator Ron Meeks' system remained a mystery to many players. The team was unable to stop the run. Injuries tested the depth. The defense's best player, Julius Peppers, was again being criticized for a perceived lack of effort.

What a difference a month makes. Today, after three wins in four games, the Panthers (3-4) prepare for their biggest test of the season, against the unbeaten New Orleans Saints and their top-ranked offense in the Superdome.

Much of the recent success can be attributed to the defense. After forcing six turnovers against Arizona last week, the Panthers defense has stabilized. Carolina is seventh in the league in total defense (288.1 yards per game) and its pass defense is No.1 (160.6). The Panthers have improved most notably in their run defense. After spending one week ranked last, they're allowing 127.6 yards per game and have moved up to 24th in the league.

"The pieces of the puzzle are finally being put together," tackle Damione Lewis said.

Here is how the puzzle is fitting:

Meeks' scheme - based on the "Tampa 2" defense of his mentor, former Buccaneers and Colts coach Tony Dungy - is taking hold.

The addition of veteran tackle Hollis Thomas has helped shore up the run defense.

Injuries, which decimated the interior line and linebackers in the preseason and into the regular season, have for the most part healed.

Peppers, coming off a memorable performance last week against Arizona, is playing at perhaps the highest level of his career.

Email Print Order Reprint

Share: Yahoo! Buzz

Text

tool goes here

Latest Comment View all comments

Panthers Top Stories

Saints will not miss Peppers
The New Orleans Saints aren't lodging objections about Julius Peppers' possible exit from the Carolina Panthers.
Peppers not worth $1 million a game
I've been writing since Carolina ended its season that Julius Peppers has played his final game for the Panthers. The reason I've been writing this is because Peppers has played his final game for the Panthers.
Peppers might be gone
Julius Peppers' agent said Sunday night that he has not heard from the Carolina Panthers since the end of the regular season and that he believes the club has "moved on" with the intent of allowing Peppers to become an unrestricted free agent.
Kalil gets spot in Pro Bowl
Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil will join teammates DeAngelo Williams and Julius Peppers at the Pro Bowl this week in Miami.
Stewart has foot surgery
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart is undergoing surgery on his troublesome left foot.
Panthers assistant retires
After sticking around from the birth of the franchise and through three head coaches, longtime Carolina Panthers receivers coach Richard Williamson is leaving football.
Fox begins overhaul
As John Fox prepares for perhaps his final season with the Carolina Panthers, he's making changes to his coaching staff.
Future uncertain for Panthers' leaders
For a team that can only look longingly at the NFL playoffs, the Carolina Panthers sure do have some issues.
Peppers waiting for call
With the Carolina Panthers facing a complicated decision regarding star defensive end Julius Peppers, he's taking a wait-and-see approach to his future.
Panthers get mixed reviews
Staff writer Charles Chandler looks back at a roller-coaster NFL season for the Carolina Panthers and looks ahead to an offseason that could produce significant changes: