SB Nation - Damione Lewis

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Carolina Panthers Run Defense

John B — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:13:24 -0000

The Panthers do not stop the run particularly well. They give up 130.7 per game on the ground, 26th in the league. Opponents are picking up 4.7 yards per carry against them. Ricky Williams went for 119 against the Panthers last week. Nose tackle Hollis Thomas is the best run defender on Carolina's line. Tyler Brayton is solid. It is a struggle for everybody else. Under tackle Damione Lewis has been nursing a shoulder injury but had full participation in practice on Friday. It hasn't been great for Lewis or backups Tank Tyler and Nick Hayden this year. The same goes for ends Julius Peppers and Everette Brown. The pair rotates at right end. They are both very athletic and good pass rushers. That athleticism doesn't help them play the run well.

Jon Beason is very good in the middle for the Panthers at linebacker, but the situation outside is in flux. Carolina has three outside linebackers on injured reserve. That will leave a lot of inexperience at outside linebacker in Dan Connor and James Anderson. They could really use injured Thomas Davis in this one.

I think the Jets do what they do best, try and pound the power right side of the line, attacking Lewis and Connor, staying away from Thomas if possible. The Jets can very easily avoid asking Mark Sanchez to do too much. They have a big edge in this department. Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks does not have anybody in the secondary great in run support. He surely misses Bob Sanders.

What to Make of Chris Long?

kevinramsfan — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:21:30 -0000

More photos » by Elaine Thompson - AP

Will Chris Long keep his eye on the ball this season? (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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Ever since I have been following the draft, the St. Louis Rams have had a lot of difficulty finding success in selecting defensive linemen. Defensive tackles in particular have been difficult, with names that make fans cringe like Claude Wroten, Ryan Pickett, Damione Lewis and of course, Jimmy Kennedy . For whatever reason (attitude mostly) these guys have had all the talent in the world, but could not put it together consitstantly in a Rams uniform.

On the other hand, defensive ends have seen mixed results. Before Chris Long, the last true defensive end drafted was Victor Adeyanju in 2006 (Adam Carriker was a d-end in college, but was moved inside by the previous coaching regime). Adeyanju has seen a little bit of the field, but his run-stopping prowess and lack of pass-rush ability has kept him in the specialty category. Tony Hargrove was drafted in the 3rd round of 2004's draft, and well -- like everyone but a certain Steven Jackson from that class -- Hargrove no longer plays for the Rams.

But Long was supposed to break that streak of bad d-linemen. Coming out of college, he looked like a can't miss. He had talent. He had pedigree. He went up against fellow future first round pick OT Eugene Monroe in practice. More importantly, he had the right attitude. What wasn't to like?

Well, here's Long's career stat line to date (according to NFL.com):

Total Tackles: 54
Solo: 36
Assists: 15
Sacks: 4.0

So the inevitable question arises: What to make of Chris Long's struggles? One blogger's take after the jump.

I must confess, the Post-Dispatch sort of beat me to the punch here, but I'm still going to offer my take on the situation.

In short, I think there is no need to panic regarding the performance of the the 2nd overall pick in 2008...yet.

Conisder this. Vernon Gholston, the talented DE from Ohio state who fell to the Jets at no. 6 that year, has yet to record a sack in his professional career (although he was moved to OLB). The other two DE's taken in the first round that year were Derrick Harvey from Florida and Lawrence Jackson from Southern Cal. Those two have combined 8.5 career sacks. A litte more than twice Long's total. But neither Jackson nor Harvey were rated worthy of the no. 2 overall pick. So even with hindsight, I like the pick based on how the draft unfolded. I could argue with a lot of other draft picks, but that's for another day.

Another comparison that I think has merit is to his father, Hall-of-Famer Howie Long. Through his first two seasons in Oakland ('81-'82) he had 5.5 total sacks. That's it. I know, different era, different game. OT's are bigger and faster. But Chris learned from arguably one of the top five sack artists of all time (Howie ended his career with 84.0 sacks and a bust in Canton). There's no need to panic. He's holding his own, particularly against the run. He's learing from Leonard Little and his hall of fame father. He'll get some sacks. That's what I found the consenus to be among the Rams writers at the PD.

But let's not give him a complete pass here. He was drafted to do a job, and start games at DE and rush the passer. So far, he's been a serviceable starter. But he's struggled rushing the passer. He, and the rest of this d-line, must put pressure on the QB this year, or the Rams will be picking high again next year.

The recipie for success? Billy Devaney must make a commitment to get some big bodies in the middle. That will take some blocking attention from Long and make it easier for him to do his job. And Long must learn from Steve Spagnuolo. He has a knack for helping out okay d-linemen and turning them into great ones (see Osi Umenyiora). Those two things combined will help Chris Long erase the d-lineman draft woes of the past and get this defense -- and this team -- back on the winning track.

All Hell Breaks Loose! Pigs are flying! It's a Mad Mad World!

Revshawn — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:12:25 -0000

Two quick injuries to starting players in the first training camp practice. Kemoeatu has suffered an ankle injury and had to be carted off the field, seen here. Jon Beason has injured his hamstring as well.

via blogs.charlotte.com

Picture by the blog in the Charlotte Observer called Inside the Panthers. Thanks a lot guys.

With credits out of the way, this could be the whole season blowing up in our face right here guys. Without Kemoeatu, our DT talent is stretched extremely thin. Without Kemoeatu, we lose a major part of our ability to stop the run. We're left with Damione Lewis as the other starter on the defensive line. Undrafted rookie Marion Favorite took over for Kemo during practice, though I full expect Corvey Irvin to take over in the near future if Kemo is down for a good bit of time.

The good news is that this injury happened early. If you're going to discover that you need more conditioning for the season, the best time to find that out is at the beginning of training camp when you suffer an injury. You have the entire pre-season to recover, and you bet that our conditioning coach is going to be hard at work making sure that he not only recovers, but that he'll be able to last.

The bad news is this. Kemo was reported to have suffered this injury just by running. Yup. You heard me right. A freak injury just by running during practice. Seems that he has a lot of work to do to get himself fit for the season.

The second injury was to linebacker Jon Beason. He tweaked his hamstring and sat out of practice. The hamstring was taped up pretty good, and while he's out Dan Conner will pick up his snaps. If you all don't remember, Dan Conner was the 3rd round steal the Panthers grabbed from Penn State. To put it simply, this kid is the boss. He'll be a fine fit on the Panthers defense until Beason can practice, and this will put him in direct competition with Na'il Diggs for his spot.

Both of these injuries are relatively new, and this article will be edited as more details come out. For all we know, these guys might be back tomarrow. Will this signal the return of the injury bug, or is it simply a bump in the road to the Super Bowl? The extent of the injuries will be out as soon as they are released.

9:00PM

Kemo is down for the season. I repeat, Kemo is out of the season. Our worst fears have been realized. Our run defense takes a huge dropoff from this point on. We can only hope that Corvey Irvin is ready to step up and be a rookie sensation much like Jeff Otah and Stewart was able to do this upcoming season. Someone needs to step up and be a competitor, or else our linebackers will be under a lot of pressure.

Projected Panthers 2009 Depth Chart: Cornerbacks

MichaelProcton — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:02:18 -0000

More photos » by MATT SLOCUM - AP

Rookie CB Sherrod Martin slaps the hand of a receiver aside as he breaks up a pass.

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Since Richard Marshall was drafted in 2006, the Panthers have had the luxury of having "three starters" in their cornerback rotation, with Chris Gamble really stepping up his game and his consistency in the last year or so, and the steady (if sometimes burnable by good speed receivers) veteran Ken Lucas. After Lucas was cut this offseason in a salary-saving move that actually didn't save much money at all (another story for another day), however, a lot of young players are going to be thrust in the spotlight and we'll find out if they're ready for the big time. Below, we'll take a look at the players competing for spots on the roster and how the depth chart is shaping up for the 2009 season.

Base set (2 CBs)

CB1	CB2
Chris Gamble	Richard Marshall
C.J. Wilson	Sherrod Martin
Dante Wesley

Nickel Formation (3 CBs+Jon Beason/Thomas Davis)

CB1 (outside)	Nickel CB (covering slot )	CB2 (outside)
Chris Gamble	Richard Marshall	C.J. WIlson
Dante Wesley	Sherrod Martin	Dante Wesley

You may be surprised not to see recently-signed 7th-round draft pick Captain Munnerlyn on either of these depth charts, but last season, the Panthers carried just five corners, and only three of those played more than a handful of snaps on defense. The Panthers return four corners from their 53-man roster last year in starter Chris Gamble, nickel back Richard Marshall, and special teamers C.J. WIlson and Dante Wesley. However, the team will be replacing its only departed starter in Ken Lucas--who had started for four relatively successful (if somewhat inconsistent) seasons--was cut in a cost-cutting move that only saved about $2.4 million after a trade with the Lions fell through after Lucas refused to play in Detroit. Lucas was signed by the Seahawks--for whom he played his first four years in the league--and is currently listed as a starter opposite Marcus Trufant.

Now, a breakdown of every CB on the Panthers' current 80-man roster:

Chris Gamble (6th year, Ohio State) - 6'1", 200: Gamble has been a relatively successful draft pick of the Panthers after they traded up in the 2004 draft to get him, but last season, he really put it all together. Gamble was never a full-time cornerback in college (playing wideout as well), and, as such, his technique and consistency was a work in progress from the beginning. He had lots of interceptions early in his career (13 in his first two years), but that had a lot to do with the fact that he had good hands and opponents were willing to challenge him. This year, though, even though the picks didn't necessarily come in bunches, he truly began to show those "shutdown corner" abilities every team looks for in their #1 CB. As his teammate and fellow defensive starter Damione Lewis said:

"They stick him out on an island from time to time, and he's making plays out there. Every time they threw to him, the ball is on the ground, it's batted down or he's getting a pick or a big hit. He's (always) doing something where he's making a lot of noise over there."

To reward Gamble for his consistent improvement, the team signed him to a six-year, $53.5 million contract (of which $23 million is guaranteed) during Week 13. This contract places him among the top five CBs in the NFL in terms of salary, but the money wasn't the only reason Gamble wanted to stay a Panther:

"I didn't want to be with another team. I like the organization, the coaching staff, the fans (and) my teammates," Gamble said on the day the contract was announced. "I wanted to get it out of the way."

By the end of the season, Gamble had scored the defense's only TD on a fumble return against the Chargers, led the secondary in tackles with a career-high 101, and tied for the team lead in INTs with three. Hopefully he will not grow complacent with his new deal and will continue to provide performance commensurate with his salary. It will also be interesting to see how Gamble, who has always played as more of a finesse corner, responds to Ron Meeks' system and coaching style, which has always called for a more physical corner who can be a stout and consistent tackler against the run.

Richard Marshall (4th year, Fresno State) - 5'11", 189: Marshall was a second-round pick of the Panthers in 2006 at a time when it seemed that he was blocked by established starters in Gamble and Lucas, but the Panthers have used this to their advantage, believing they've had three starter-quality corners in the event of any injury or the abundance of three-plus wideout sets now popular across the league. As such, Marshall has started 14 games in his young career when stepping in for an injured Gamble or Lucas or when the team opened in a nickel set, although none of those starts came last year. However, he was the only player to reach double figures in tackles on both defense and special teams (a role he's thrived in since he arrived), leading the team with 20 stops on kick and punt coverage. He was somewhat inconsistent last year, particularly down the stretch as he was picked on by opposing quarterbacks. In my opinion, though, he did not receive some deserved blame from fans that was instead ticketed for Lucas. However, from having arrived to the team as something of an egotist, he showed his improving maturity in taking some of the responsibility after the huge performance by Antonio Bryant in the Week 14 MNF game against the Buccaneers. Speaking about one long TD after the game, he said,

"A lot of people think it was Luke's fault; in reality it was my fault. I was playing too close to the line (of scrimmage) and I hesitated and I didn't get back deep. That was my fault. I should never have been that far up.

"I watched film and they showed me where I did wrong and how close I was; I should have been back deeper and I've just got to learn from my mistakes and I'll be there next time."

He also summarized his season after the playoff game against Arizona:

"I feel like last season wasn’t one of my best seasons. I feel I could have played better, tackled better, on defense and special teams."

Still, Marshall will have his chance to show his continued improvement and willingness to learn as he is currently pegged to be an opening-day starter for the first time in his career. However, because of his (relative) lack of size, he's still ticketed to be the inside corner in nickel formations. Hopefully Marshall responds to the challenge of being a true starter for the first time, and perhaps he will be spurred on by the fact that he is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Whether it's for the Panthers or another team, Marshall is about to undergo a one-year audition for a starting role in the league.

C.J. Wilson (3rd year, Baylor University) - 6'1", 195: Wilson is a former seventh-round draft pick who played mostly CB in college but was initially slated to play safety in the NFL. However, that didn't hold, and with the addition of Chris Harris and Charles Godfrey to the safety position, Wilson made the move back to CB and didn't look back. He hasn't played much in his NFL career, logging just eight games total in two years, and just two of them last year on defense, but he did see lots of action in the preseason last year, starting one game against the Eagles on national TV as the nickel back. Wilson was regarded relatively well for a late-round pick coming out of college:

"Wilson is a guy who really stood out to us when we watched all the defensive backs. He’s a versatile player who lined up at both safety and corner in college. Wilson was a real playmaker at Baylor and showed good ball skills on tape."

--Patriots Weekly, Patriots.com

A productive defensive back with above-average ball skills, Wilson nicely projects as a dime back at the next level and will get looks late in the draft.

--Sports Illustrated

At this time, Wilson seems to have impressed the Panthers, as he's currently slated to be the team's first sub corner, ahead of second-round pick Sherrod Martin, according to a blog entry by Darin Gantt of the Rock Hill Herald.

Small note, but an interesting one as they worked on two-minute offense against nickel defense Thursday. Even though he's a starter this year, CB Richard Marshall will maintain his inside responsibilities when they go to three corners. C.J. Wilson will cover an outside receiver when they go to an extra DB. Sherrod Martin's also getting a look at the nickel spot, as the converted safety is working to learn a new position.

Since that statement seemed very firm to me and I was surprised that a second-round pick would be getting reps only as a backup nickel to a starter who he almost certainly won't pass, I asked whether Gantt thought that personnel grouping was pretty final. His response:

I think the nickel look (Marshall inside, with Gamble and Wilson outside) is probably solid, unless someone gets hurt or Munnerlyn freaks out and replaces Wilson. Wesley's a special teamer.

Surprising to see Martin not mentioned at all, but he is learning a new position, and only the season will tell, if Wilson can hold off his challengers as the top sub corner. Chance of making team: 90% (WIlson hasn't shown a great affinity for ST play, so if he shows poorly through camp and falls down the depth chart, he could be cut in favor of Wesley or Munnerlyn, both of whom offer more versatility as special-teamers if not playing much at CB.)

Sherrod Martin (rookie, Troy) - 6'1", 198: Martin was a second-round pick this year of the Panthers--their third overall--and he hopes to be another of many players who has been able to make an impact out of Troy University in the Sun Belt Conference. There are 13 alumni of the school in the NFL, including defensive standouts DeMarcus Ware, Osi Umenyiora, and Leodis McKelvin. Like several other prospects in the last few years, the Panthers did not Shy away from using an early pick on a player they felt would need to make a position change to be most successful in the NFL. Though Martin spent much of his college career at safety (both free and strong), he's being ticketed for cornerback with the Panthers. There were those who thought he was better off staying at safety, but the Panthers were looking for a big, physical corner to replace the departed Ken Lucas. Martin was a productive college player, setting an NCAA record for interceptions in a quarter with three in the second quarter last season against Alcorn State. Martin was as surprised as anyone, as he had not had a single interception in nearly three years:

"I'm speechless. The team did a lot of good things tonight. The defensive line and linebackers hustled and executed. I had the easy job, all I had to do was catch the football."

Martin was also a willing and frequent tackler, setting a school record among DBs (and ranking 10th overall) in Troy history with 191 solo tackles. His 292 total tackles rank 2nd and 14th respectively on those two lists. In his junior season, Martin also set a school record and led his conference with six forced fumbles, a great number for a DB.

Martin is a prospect who is relatively old for a rookie (25), a result of having greyshirted at the beginning of his college career and was granted a medical hardship for the '06-'07 year (what would have been his junior season) following dual shoulder surgeries to repair his AC joints, which are the pivot point which enables the arm to be brought above the head. Impressively, though, Martin had played through these shoulder injuries during his sophomore year. Martin also missed time in his redshirt junior season with a broken hand which required surgery and caused him to sit out a pair of games.

Finally healthy last year, Martin came out strong, establishing a new career high in tackles (94) and making the All-Sun Belt first team. After the season, he was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he made three tackles and broke up a pass for the winning South team. Martin also had an impressive showing at the combine, running a faster-than-expected 4.52 in the fourty (a mark he bettered with a 4.46 at his Pro Day) that showed off speed that would translate to the corner position. In addition, he showed very well in the agility drills, posting the second-best short shuttle time of all players at the combine and tying for third among all players in the three-cone drill.

As a player, Martin is considered aggressive and physical, with strong tackling ability as well. He is also unafraid to deliver the big hit, and his speed and agility project well at any position in the secondary. However, there were those who question his instincts and ability to make the proper reads while up at the line as a cornerback rather than back off the line as a safety. There is also some concern that Martin is a "workout warrior" whose tested physical abilities do not always translate to the field. Finally, though he got through his senior year healthy and has shown the toughness to play through pain in the past, his injuries cannot be ignored.

Martin was drafted by the Panthers as a player whose physical abilities were a bit ahead of his football skills, particularly at the cornerback position, where he played little in college. Because of this, it will be important to be patient with him, as his current dime back spot on the depth chart would be a disappointment for many given his draft position in the second round, particularly with a CB picked two spots later (Sean Smith) running as a starter for the Dolphins. However, Martin's skillset fits well into what Ron Meeks asks of his cornerbacks and he should project as no less than a nickel back with the potential to play safety if needed who can be a standout as a special teams gunner (a role he played and succeeded in at Troy), an important ability given the need to replace Richard Marshall's reps at the position, which will fall off now that he is a starter. Chance of making team: 100% (even if Martin does not win any more than the dime back job out of training camp, he'll be put on special teams and given a chance to develop; a 2nd-round pick won't be cut.)

Dante Wesley (8th year, Arkansas-Pine Bluff) - 6'1", 210: Though Wesley has never been a starting-caliber player (his two career starts came in his first two years for some pretty weak Panthers secondaries), he's found his niche in the league, never playing in fewer than 13 games through a seven-year career outside of 2006, when a broken collarbone limited him to three games. Wesley ranked not only ranked third last year in special teams tackles with 11, but he was the only Panthers special-team player to both force and recover a fumble. His TD return in Week 17 against the Saints was not only the only special teams TD for Carolina on the season, it helped provide the winning margin in a very tight game. Though Wesley mostly plays on special teams, he also has the size and ability to play safety in addition to his listed cornerback position, which may allow him to keep a roster spot even if Munnerlyn impresses. Chance of making team: 70%

Captain Munnerlyn (rookie, South Carolina) - 5'8", 186: Munnerlyn was a surprising early-entrant after his junior year who was disappointed to fall all the way to the 7th round after being told by the NFL advisory committee that he'd likely be picked in the first three rounds of this year's draft. The most notable thing about him is probably his lack of size: at 5'8", he will likely struggle against NFL-size wideouts, and while his speed is good, it didn't time at the elite level at the combine, where he ran a 4.51, despite having reportedly run as fast as 4.35 last summer. He did improve his time to a 4.41 at his Pro Day, but many scouts had already written him off after his poor combine showing. Many were surprised that Munnerlyn ended up declaring for the draft because, after a good sophomore year (in which he made first team All-SEC), he struggled at times last year, both on and off the field. Though he played a lot of zone throughout his college career, the signs he had shown of man-to-man shutdown ability seemed to fade some last year, registering no interceptions last year after racking up five in the previous two. In addition, Munnerlyn was benched by Steve Spurrier on two occasions last year, once against Mississippi for missing a team meeting and for the second half against Clemson along with fellow secondary member Emmanuel Cook. Spurrier had the following to say after the game:

"A few guys aren't playing quite like they did early in the year. I think that was obvious. It's disappointing. Football season's a long time. Teams either get better or worse. I thought we were getting better after the Arkansas game, and then it seems like we've taken a down turn since then."

Still, there are plenty of things to like about Munnerlyn and his game. In spite of his short frame, he's got solid strength and he plays tough, allowing him to be a pretty consistent tackler. His closing speed and change-of-direction ability help him overcome his lack of size. In addition, he has solid return ability on both kicks and punts. He had a game last season in which he returned both a blocked field goal for an 81-yard touchdown and a kick for an 84-yard touchdown (the longest kick return for South Carolina in more than ten years.) Consistency and awareness are two things Munnerlyn needs to work on, as he was beaten by receivers with precise route-running and NFL-style double moves. He also missed time in each of his three seasons with injuries, including an arm infection, a broken foot, and flu-like symptoms.

Munnerlyn is an interesting prospect who likely could have improved his draft stock by returning for his senior year, but a seemingly contentious relationship between himself and Steve Spurrier helped encourage him to begin his pro career early. Though I don't see Munnerlyn making the roster unless he can win the return job, he looks like a good practice squad candidate who could be a sold contributor in a year or two. Chance of making roster: 20%

D.J. Clark (rookie, Idaho St.) - 6'0", 200: Clark is a player with mid-round productivity, but late-round/UFA measurables. A college safety and a member of last season's pre-season All Big Sky team and the second team in the conference after the season, he is not particularly big or fast (4.63 speed), but has good hands (leading his team in interceptions for all of his four years in college) and plays with high intensity. His strength is consisdered to be in man-to-man coverage rather than zone, but he is a willing tackler with solid technique in coverage. I've also read that he can return kicks, but I can't confirm that anywhere. Idaho State apparently doesn't do a great job of archiving their stats. Chance of making team: 1% (and that's assuming he can compete to return.)

Poll

Will Sherrod Martin be able to adjust to his new position and overtake C.J. Wilson as the third corner for the Panthers?

Yes

169 votes

No

54 votes

It won't be either one of those two (explain below)

9 votes

232 votes | Poll has closed

Panthers Position Review – Defensive Tackle

Jaxon — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:59:09 -0000

In 2008 the Panthers carried four DT’s on their roster into the season opener against the Chargers, two starters (Kemo, Lewis) and two back-ups (Walker, Gibson). Though I expect both starters to remain the same this season both back-ups are no longer on the roster leaving a wide-open competition for those two back-up spots. The following post lists each DT on the roster and where they do or might fit into the Panthers plans.

Maake Kemoeatu – 6-5 345 8^th yr Utah – Starter at LDT

Kemo is one of the unsung players of the Panther defense whom I came to appreciate a lot more last season when he missed the last few games. You may recall the Panther defense got run all over in that stretch. The big guy is a pure run stopper (36 tackles, 31 solo) whos job is simply to occupy two or more blockers and clog up the middle running lanes. He remains a favorite of the Panthers staff and there is no doubt he will start at LDT come game one.

Damione Lewis 6-2 301 9^th yr; Miami (FL) - Starter at RDT

Though Lewis has performed better in a reserve role in his first season in Carolina (2007) I think he will remain the starter on the right side as long as his repaired shoulder holds up. Lewis is more of a pass rushing threat (3 sacks) from the DT spot than Kemo though he bested him in tackles (43) and solo tackles (33). Lewis was essentially an every down DT in 2008 but that could change in 2009 if one of the players listed below presents a better option either against the run or pass, but I’m not banking on I this year.

Corvey Irvin 6-3 302; Rookie 3^rd round pick; Georgia

I give Irvin the inside track on one of the back-up spots simply because the Panthers spent a 3^rd round draft pick on him. Irvin was known more as a run stopper in college, a ‘high-motor’ guy who could potentially develop into a pass rusher if he can combine his long arms with improved technique. Irvin was not highly recruited going into college yet he beat the odds to get to where he is today. I wouldn’t be surprised if that work ethic resulted in a starting assignment by the end of the 2009 season. He would have to completely bomb in TC to not make the roster. Roster Chance: 95%

Nick Hayden 6-4 292 02/04/1986 1 yr, Wisconsin

After spending most of his 2008 rookie season on the Panthers practice squad he finally got the call to replace the injured Damione Lewis and played in the final two games of the 2008 season. Though he didn’t do too much (3 tackles total) in those games he did enough to warrant continued execution of his contract. Whether that results in a roster spot come September though is anything but a sure thing. Roster chance: 60%

Marlon Favorite 6-1 317 UDFA Louisiana State

Favorite is the only remaining guy on this list I have heard of and he comes into Carolina with a lot to prove. He was a Top 100 recruit out of HS but never earned a starting job at LSU. Granted he played along some great LSU DT’s and he struggled with injuries but overall he has to be disappointed with how this has all played out. If Favorite can put all that out of his mind he could be a darkhorse to make the roster as the back-up to Kemo. Though shorter than ideal he is big, strong and plays the run very well. If the Panthers decide that the pass rush will come simply from the multiple DE sets then they may prefer to keep more run stoppers at DT to prevent a repeat of last years run defense collapse down the stretch. Roster Chance: 20%

Lorenzo Williams 6-0 310 1 yr Missouri

Williams is a 2^nd year player who has yet to play a down in the NFL. Williams spent most of the 2008 preseason with Baltimore before being waived at the end of August. Williams looks like another player who may compete for a back-up run stopper position but the odds are not in his favor. Good work in TC though could produce a practice squad placement as I’m sure the Panthers will want depth available at this position. Roster Chance: 10%

Justin Kershaw 6-4 271 UDFA Michigan State

Kershaw looks like an undersized DT looking to score a quick payday at TC for as long as he can ride the pony. I can’t think of a scenario where I guy like this makes the roster on his first shot. His best shot will be the practice squad at best. Roster Chance: 1%

Lonnie Harvey 6-3 342 UDFA Morgan State

Harvey is simply training camp meat, a huge body to beat on some of the o-linemen trying to make the roster. Roster Chance: Nil

UPDATE: I'll leave these guys for posterity, but both were waived on 6/26 to accommodate the signings of Mike Goodson and Tony Fiammetta.

Babatunde Oshinowo 6-1 305 1 yr Stanford

Though he only shows one season of NFL experience he has played in 2 games across two seasons for the Bears. Oshinowo has since bounced around a few training camps since the two year dance with the Bears. The Panthers signed him away from the Eagles PS shortly after the 2008 season ended. He’s a smart guy with a EE degree who could surprise anyone taking him lightly in camp. Still the odds are very low. Roster Chances: 5%

Patrick McDonald 6-2 265 1 yr Alberta

McDonald is a former CFL player that must be part of the Canadian intern program? He seems too small to play DT in the NFL and being from Alberta he just might prune up in the Carolina heat in August. Roster Chance: Nil >> Sun-dried Prune Chance: 80%

Update for McDonald: Hat Tip to MP for jogging my memory. McDonald was brought in to compete for the long snapping position though he is listed as a DT. You may recall that our 2008 long snapper Jason Kyle was listed as a LB.

Panthers Top 4 Position Battles - Defense

Jaxon — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:30:38 -0000

When trying to predict whether an incoming rookie will unseat a veteran from their starters role in Carolina the common wisdom based on past results has been that John Fox prefers the vets. It makes sense to most I imagine, the more experienced players will perform better under fire, when the game is on the line. Yet that has not necessarily the rule in all cases, FS Charles Godfrey being an example of an exception. You could also point to LB Jon Beason and C Ryan Kalil, who after a single season took Justin Hartwig's spot as additional examples of Fox going with the younger player. So do the Panthers have any rookies that will be thrust into the starting line-up when the Eagles roll into town? Let's start with a look at the defense where three rookies will do just that, challenge for three of what I'm calling the Top 4 position battles on defense.

Left Defensive End

The assumption here is that Pro Bowler Julius Peppers will return and secure one of the starting positions, we will say the right side for this post. That leaves veterans Tyler Brayton, Charles Johnson, Hilee Taylor and incoming rookie Everette Brown to battle for the other spot. My other assumption is that the Panthers will only keep 4 DE's as they did last season. So do you think the rookie will be given the other spot straight into Training Camp? I'm not so sure. The initial thought is 2^nd year man Taylor is the odd man out being a 7^th round pick. Brayton has the benefit of also being able to play inside at DT in certain packages and Johnson has shown some promise coming off his 6 sack season. Here's my prediction: Charles Johnson wins the LDE spot because of his improved run defense play but gets replaced on 3^rd down (unless its 3^rd and short) by Brown. Brayton will come in on 3^rd down as well in place of DT Maake Kemoeatu which leaves Taylor on the outside looking in.

Nickel CB

I'll make my prediction on this one quick. The nickel CB spot will be rookie Sherrod Martins job to lose from day one, just as Charles Godfrey was thrown into the FS fray at the outset. Though it will advertised as a position battle Martin will run with the first team nickel package (if there is such a thing) leaving CB's Dante Wesley and CJ Wilson in back-up and special team roles. Only if he struggles to learn the coverages, which I'm doubting would he not stay in this role.

Strong-side LB

I completely missed on this one last year. I really doubted the Panthers would have paid LB Landon Johnson so much money to be a back-up last season. The fact he is coming back says he and incumbent Na'il Diggs will battle yet again. Diggs has held off challengers for three seasons now but this just may be the year he gets ousted, or will it? I would love to say Dan Conner has a shot here but he seems to be pegged as the back-up MLB. Something has to give there but I don't think it will be this season. My prediction is that Diggs keeps his spot leaving Johnson a back-up yet again who will be looking for a new job next offseason. Conner will serve as a key back-up for one more season.

Right DT

If Damione Lewis fully recovers from his shoulder surgery then I think there's no doubt he is the starter over rookie DT Corvey Irvin come game one. He has the experience and had a pretty good season in 2008 until getting injured. Irvin though could crack the line-up later in the season though as I just don't see Lewis staying injury free the entire season. Irvin will push Lewis in TC and will get a lot of praise from the staff for his ‘motor'. As much as I want to say Irvin will win it I don't see it this year.

So any disagreements? I want to hear from you.

Panthers Move to Tampa-2 Defense Might Be Complicated

Jaxon — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:32:23 -0000

It's a forgone conclusion that with the hiring of DC Ron Meeks the Panthers will move to the Tampa-2 defense. After watching their recent machinations to get under the salary cap I have to question that conclusion. If you are unfamiliar with the Tampa-2 and how it differs from a straight 4-3 you might want to read this first.

Before I get into that I have to touch on the post that got me going down this path. I was reading a very funny post from our Colts blogger who is predicting the Bucs defense is going to suck next year (good for us) because they hired former ~~Colts~~ Broncos DC Jim Bates. He went so far as to label a Bates defense as "Two Fatties in the Middle" defense. As I continued to read it suddenly lost its humor as it sounded more and more like the Panthers defense. He then describes how a no-huddle offense will quickly dispatch a ‘fatty' laden defense and sites specific cases.

But hey, I'm not too worried about our defense since we are moving towards the Tampa-2 defense, right? Wait...STOP!! I have to correct something else first...I cannot accept for a moment that our defense will be called the "Tampa" 2. Can we all agree on that? Would the Redskins ever name anything associated with the team "Cowboy"? Certainly not. So let's go with the term Cover-2 going forward, okay? Yes, I realize the Cover-2 is slightly different than the Tampa-2 but again...you get my point I hope.

Are the Panthers really moving to a Cover 2 or are we keeping our "Two Fatties in the Middle" 4-3 defense? One of the big differences in the two is the size of the DT's. The Colts blogger holds up Booger McFarland as the proto-typical Cover-2 DT. McFarland was 6'0" and 300 lbs but was/is very quick. He may actually be a little heavier than a Cover 2 DC might want. Is that what we currently have on our DL? Not exactly. DT Maake Kemoeatu runs 345 lbs and was just extended on his contract so he isn't going anywhere. On the other hand DT Damione Lewis is listed at 305 lbs. He has some quickness and just may be a good fit. We are still showing Gary Gibson on the roster, he runs 285 and of course Tyler Brayton has played DT at 280. Rookie Cheesehead Nick Hayden is at 290 but newly signed J'Vonne Parker is 325. My impression is that outside of Lewis I doubt any of these guys have the speed the Cover 2 DT needs.

So are the Panthers suddenly looking for a different type of DT than those we've been salivating over? Is speed now more important than size? If speed is the priority than we can cross BJ Raji (337 lbs), Ron Brace (330) and Chris Baker (326) off the draft chart. They are just too big and too slow. Others who don't have the size but are still considered too slow for the position would be Fili Moala (5.09 40), Alex Magee (5.05) and Vance Walker (5.33).

So who does that leave as possible Cover 2 DT's the Panthers might pursue? It still leaves highly rated Peria Jerry (299, 2.94), Ziggy Hood (300, 291) and Jerron Gilbert (288, 4.87). Borderline considerations might lie with Sen'Derrick Marks (306, 5.01) and Dorell Scott (312, 4.92) among the Top 12 on Walter Football.

Some later round options might be Corvey Irwin (301, 4.99), Ricky Jean-Francois (295, 4.83) and Clinton McDonald (285, 4.80). Prospect info courtesy of Walter Football.

To date I haven't heard of a fundamental shift in the defense from HC John Fox just assumptions based on Meeks hiring. If you go by the off-season moves to date there is no indication of a change. I doubt Fox will address such a question until at least after the draft. So I'll ask you fine friends of the feline nation. Are we switching to a Cover-2 or are we sticking with "Two Fatties in the Middle"? What is your preference?

Poll

What are you hoping the Panthers will do with their defensive scheme next year?

Stay with their base 4-3

49 votes

Switch to Meeks version of the Cover 2

82 votes

Switch to the 3-4

82 votes

Switch to something completely new and different

50 votes

263 votes | Poll has closed

MHR Chalk Talk -- Week 15 - Denver at Carolina

Steve Nichols — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:35:59 -0000

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IN DENVER BRONCO PRE-GAME ANALYSIS

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Just how good is Denver? Earlier in the season, I wrote that Denver had a shot at anywhere from fourth to second seed in the AFC playoffs. The bad news is that the loss against Oakland wrecked any reasonable chance of second seed. The good news is that wins over the Jets and the Chiefs have catapulted Denver to the third seed.

Denver ranks 11th in the League, which is amazing considering the sheer number of injuries the team has faced (6th string RB anyone?). When factoring in the playoff requirements, Denver ranks third in the AFC, behind only TENN and PITT. If the playoffs were today, Denver would have a home game against Baltimore.

Is 8-5 anything to be ashamed of? Some in the media may try to spin it this way. But a look at other (if held today) playoff teams reveals the Jets, Cowboys, Vikings, and Cards all have the same 8-5 record. Baltimore, Indy, and TB each have just one more game at 9-4, and we've beaten TB.

Some may be concerned about the loss of Hillis. I think Hillis is the clear answer at RB for next year. I love his power running style, his ability to block, his ability to catch out of the backfield, and of course, his Mile High salute. But as MHR Chief Editor Guru points out, this team was winning without Hillis, and can keep winning behind what is becoming a legendary OL.

Facing the Panthers this week in Carolina, our young, playoff caliber team will face the toughest challenge of the year. The Panthers are one of four Superbowl Caliber teams, and this game will be an early indication of how deep the Broncos might deserve to go in the playoffs.

(Note: Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, the first former NFL player since George Halas to become a team owner, is in need of a heart transplant and has been placed on a donor waiting list. All of us at MHR wish Mr. Richardson the very best, and hope a donation match can be made soon)

The Panthers' Offensive Line and Running Backs - Smash and Dash

Let's break down the strengths of the Panthers. First, they have a devastating run block offensive line. Like Denver, they have a superman playing rookie tackle (Otah - RT). They also have powerful run blocking specialists at the FB and TE position. Because of what the line does, and because both WRs are excellent at crack back blocking, the Panthers feature a power running duo at RB who are big play threats (Williams and Stewart). The Panthers are nearly assured of 20+ yard gains in every game they play. In short, this team is designed to run over, around, and through anything that gets in their way.

If Denver's DL and LBs don't tackle on first contact, this game will get ugly very quick.

The Panthers have been moving away from the zone block system over a couple of years very slowly. It is still a big part of their gameplan, and not something they want to give up. But unlike Denver, they've been willing to go for a bigger OL and RBs who aren't natural one cutters. Is it the right move? It depends on your thinking. Denver is committed to only drafting / obtaining players who fit the system, so it should stay in Denver for a long time. The Panthers are ok with getting the best available in terms of OL and RB, regardless of scheme. Over time, they will be more focused on brute strength than agility. Both teams will have success, just along different paths.

The Panthers are not a flashy team. They are a true smash mouth team, only employing about five plays for the run (each with simple variants). They focus on power, size, and execution. Even an elite defense (and Denver is not one) is in trouble facing this Panthers team.

For the type of System that the Panthers employ, the critical key for Denver is simple in theory, but tough in execution. The first Bronco in contact with the RB must make the tackle. Arm tackles will not work, overpursuit will not work, and faulty gap assignments will not work. Our one gap DL must plug their gaps, and buy enough space for the LBs to swarm and bring down the runner. Plugging the gaps will be hard against the zone blockers, because the zone block eats up one gap players.

The other problem Denver faces is that the Panthers will likely use the running game to thwart Cutler's time on the field. Denver will need Cutler to have a big game if they are going to stop Carolina. If Carolina puts together a few drives with their running game and can win the time of possession battle, Denvers most potent weapon will spend much of the game watching from the sidelines.

Carolina's Pass Scheme and Personnel

Delhome is not the best QB in the League, but he doesn't have to be. All he has to do is manage the game, and keep the defense from focusing too heavily on the run. Delhome is blessed with an incredible line, incredible runners, but also very capable receivers. Steve Smith is an elite receiver, and attempts to double cover him can be punished by Mushin Muhammed on the other side. However, the drop off is severe. Muhammed is nowhere near the receiver Smith is. With Bly at RCB, Denver can more safely cover Smith with Bailey and keep a deep safety with his eye more towards Smith than anywhere else. At slot and beyond, the Panthers are thin and untalented.

Like the Denver WRs, the Panthers value WRs who can run block. Both starting receivers are effective on crack back blocks for sweeps, and both spend much of the game locking up with opposing CBs. They are both capable of playing physical football, but both like to get downfield to clear out the running lanes.

The Broncos are proud of Marshall, who, despite missing his first game, rapidly climbed to being a receiving leader. The Panthers have Smith. He missed the first two games, and is on a team that rarely throws the ball. He still manages to rank fifth amongst receivers in the League. That's pretty formidable.

Denver has the CBs to nuetralize the air threat, but Denver is unlikely to support the CBs with a second safety (they are very likely to put a safety in the box for the run game). Worse, even with a four man rush, Denver will have a very tough time mounting an effective pass rush. Denver will likely respect the run game enough to hold back on blitzing players, so Delhome will likely get in a few solid passes.

Delhome is a great manager. He is smart, a good leader, and acurate. He can be rattled if driven from the pocket, but Denver's defense doesn't present much of a pass rush.

Denver will be improved at safety, will get Bailey back at CB (most likely), and perhaps figure out a way to use some of the LBs who were hot in the absence of the three starters. But the overwhelming advantage on the CAR Offense versus the Denver defense has to go to Carolina.

Oddly, this is the one game all year where I'm ok with Denver playing 8 in the box. The only real threat in the passing game is Smith. Muhammed is completely outclassed by Bly, and one deep safety can focus more on Smith. Bly can be beat without the over coverage much of the time (he likes to play underneath), but his assignment this game is one of the easier ones he'll face this year.

The Panthers on Defense

Peppers is the big name, and at RDE is always a threat to get to the QB. Peppers also benefits from Lewis (RDT), who drives the gap between the LT and the LG, forcing the LT to account for the gap to his right.

However, I'm giving the benefit to Denver here. Hamilton (LG) and Clady (LT) are two of the best in the business. We are already on track for a legendary year for an OL, and I see no reason that changes here. Teams have tried bull rushing Clady, tricking him, scheming him, etc. So far, nothing has worked. Clady has faced some of the best DEs and OLBs (including Porter - MIA) the League has to offer, and he has dominated every one of them. In the worst beatings Denver has taken this year, no one has been able to figure out Clady. I will watch the Clady / Peppers match-up closely (if the game is televised in my area), but I feel confident in what Clady has to offer.

The rest of the DL is solid too, even if some names aren't household names. In fact, I even like the depth this team features at DL. Here again, the Denver OL is amazing in their pass blocking, and I am not too concerned about this aspect of the game.

The real dangerous effect of Carolina's DL match-up against Denver's OL, surprisingly, isn't the (Peppers' led) pass rush at all. A look at the Xs and Os in my mind says the real threat is Kemoeatu, a true two gap DT. He will require double coverage on run plays from Wiegmann and Kuper, and even in pass protection. He shouldn't make too many big plays himself, but makes the rest of the line more effective. As a coach, I would be more concerned about the resources we have to spend keeping Kemoeatu in check (we'll call it Kemo-therapy).

Kemo lines up at the LDT spot. This is because runs in the League favor the strongside. His powerful frame makes the cover two defense of the Panthers more effective. The double teams he demands mean less 2nd level runblockers for any of our runners. And while the Panthers don't get much of a pass rush without blitzers, Denver has to "waste" two players just to keep Kemo from slowly lumbering over to Jay.

I trust the Denver OL to protect Jay, and trust Jay will get away from most of what gets through. But because Jay will be throwing against a defense that is in zone much of the game, he'll need to tone down his aggressive when he does get flushed. (It would be nice to see Jay throw some of his passes away instead of forcing too much. It would also be nice to see some of the eligible receivers come back to Jay when he's in trouble, something we need to work on a little bit).

The LBs and DBs are all solid players, but nothing flashy. The defense plays as a team and uses tight coordination to get the most out of the players. While they rank in the middle of the League in most defensive categories, they play a solid game that requires an offense to limit mistakes. I've always thought that Chris Gamble was one of those CBs that doesn't get enough publicity. Watching him in his early years with Carolina, I always thought he was destined to be a starter and to be a big name someday. He's doing very well this year, and may start getting some recognition. Though he plays in a zone system, Gamble could make the switch easily to a man system if needed. But the LBs remain the core of the defense. The DL gives them the protection to stop runs, and they play their zones with the discipline to keep their own assignments.

Keys to the Game

Denver

Tackle on first contact. Denver will not stop the running game; I'm putting that in stone right here. But they must tackle on first contact to slow the running game if they are going to win. Carolina will gain heavily on the ground whenever the first tackle is blown (10 to 25 yards). We can't count on safeties to bring down either of the Carolina RBs.
Cutler must be patient. The cover two will provide multiple chances for Jay to throw INTs. Even with the Panthers eating up the clock, Denver must cut the pass defense with a hundred small cuts, instead of a few gashes.
Early lead. If Caroline has to start going to the air, we have taken them out of their strength; running. But getting the ealry lead needs to be done the right way; with short yardage completions, not long, risky, forced passes.

Carolina

Don't leave points on the field. Denver will try to win in a shootout. With the long, run based drives that Carolina brings to the game, they need to score on their possessions.
Use your players in zone, and skip the blitzing. The current incarnation of the Broncos OL is on track to be the most sackless OL ever, and that's with Denver passing on almost every down! Cutler also throws well outside of the pocket. If you really want to beat Cutler, just keep the back 8 (DBs and LBs) in zone, and let Cutler's aggressiveness beat himself. Cutler is likey to force some throws, and a player is more likley to take advantage in zone than getting a sack.
Win the turnover battle. Cutler may throw INTs, but Denver is as likely to make a fumble or two. Make sure you get to that ball when you have the chance. Denver's high power offense will take advantage when you don't.

Summary

I've only picked against Denver twice, and was wrong both times. I hope I'm wrong again this time.

Both teams have excellent offenses, though along very different lines. I expect Denver to score several times with their high powered offense against a defense that isn't as good as some we've seen. On the other hand, Carolina's run game won't be stopped. Only the Vikings DL can blunt a running game like Carolina has.

I expect the game to be high scoring, unless we turnover the ball a couple of times and Carolina eats the clock.

I'm also concerned about injuries. Carolina has a couple of injured players who won't make a difference. Still unknown is Bailey, Larsen, DJ Williams, Stokley, Young, and others. With a team as dominant as Carolina is, and with Denver a virtual lock for the playoffs, will Denver really want to risk some of their high profile players in this game?

Carolina is coming off a short week, but Denver is traveling to the east coast (even though they've won their east coast games so far this year). Carolina is playing for homefield in the playoffs, while Denver can sew up a playoff spot with a win (or a SD loss).

Last, a look at records and consistency make Carolina one of two teams likely to make the SB from the NFC. I still have Denver at 10-6 for the year, and a playoff appearance (with the fist round being a 50/50 propostion to win).

I give the edge to the Panthers, but I'll be the loudest fan supporting my team in my neck of the woods.

Go Broncos!

Arizona Cardinals Scout the Carolina Panthers Defense

cgolden — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:08:19 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals offense has gotten plenty of publicity this season as Kurt Warner is putting up MVP-type numbers and the trio of Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston create match-up problems on a weekly basis. The passing offense will face a stiff test this though as the Carolina Panthers secondary that ranks second in the league in yards per game and yards per attempt. The Cardinals struggle running the ball and they could be in for another long game on the ground considering that the Panthers allow just four yards per carry and rank 14th in yards per game.

When the Cardinals Throw the Ball: The Panthers corners are accomplished, talented veterans and they've very capable of turning Warner's day into a nightmare very quickly. Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas have combined for 16 passes defended and three interceptions. They will be charged with the huge task of keeping Fitzgerald and Boldin under wraps and off of the young safeties. Charles Godfrey at free safety is a rookie who was corner back at Iowa and Chris Harris a fourth year pro who will come down in the box on occasion. One interesting aspect of the Panthers secondary is that for being such a highly rated unit, they don't pick up a great deal of sacks (11) or interceptions (4). 21 teams have registered more sacks and 18 teams have picked off more passes which means that the onus will be on the offensive line to protect the quarterback and on Warner to protect the ball. This is a talented secondary and they don't need any extra help. Speaking of Panthers pass rush, the guy to keep an eye on will be Julius Peppers (four sacks) who will be going up against Mike Gandy. Gandy will likely need some help but if he can do a decent job of limiting Peppers' impact on the game, the Cardinals chance of winning will rise dramatically.

When the Cardinals Run the Ball: As I said in an earlier post, the Panthers run defense is very similarly ranked to the Cardinals. They both allow 4.0 yards per rush and they've given up the same number of 20+ and 40+ yard runs. The big name to remember in the Carolina run defense is second year middle linebacker Jon Beason who might have ended up as defensive rookie of the year last season, if not for Patrick Willis. He totaled 140 tackles last season and he's on pace for nearly 130 tackles this season. The middle of the front seven is anchored by experienced yet unspectacular veterans Damione Lewis (6'2 301) and Maake Kemoeatu (6'5 345). They're main job is too occupy blockers and let Beason roam from sideline to sideline. Lewis does have the ability at times to shoot a gap and blow up a play in the backfield or pick up a sack. Thomas Davis (OLB) and Charles Johnson (DE) anchor the side opposite of Julius Peppers and they're both young capable players. Teams haven't had a great deal of success running at these two, although the defense is somewhat vulnerable to rushes on the edge of the defense.

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When I look at the Carolina defense and how I think the Arizona Cardinals match up against them, I tend to think that this game will come down to the Cardinals ability to protect Warner and in turn how well Warner protects the football. One thing that does worry me is, I hope that Whiz doesn't look at their defense and try to attack them on the ground. Earlier in the season, we've seen them come out with a conservative game plan against teams with strong secondaries and weaker front sevens. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them run the ball early, especially running directly at Julius Peppers to try and wear him down. We know that this offense is built around the passing game and I hope that their plan is to attack and impose their will instead of letting the defense dictate. Thoughts? What kind of gameplan should they take to Carolina? Can they protect Warner and air it out?