SB Nation - Nick Hayden

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.

Panthers Sign DT Replacement

Jaxon — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:21:31 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

4 months ago: New York Jets running back Danny Woodhead, below, is tackled by St. Louis Rams defensive end Ian Campbell (69), linebacker Quinton Culberson (53) and Antwon Burton, blocked from view, during the second half of an NFL preseason football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Friday, Aug. 14, 2009. The Rams won the game 23-20. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Browse more photos »

As reported earlier the Panthers worked out Antwon Burton earlier today and have now signed him:

The Panthers have agreed to terms with DT Antwon Burton after a workout this morning, his agent confirmed.

The 26-year-old Burton's not a household name, but he is the kind of big body (6-2, 325) they needed to fill the Maake Kemoeatu- Louis Leonard hole.

Burton was in camp with St. Louis this summer, and had also spent time with Kansas City, Cincinnati and Denver.

Gantt also offers this assessment of how Leonard was playing prior to his injury:

Leonard was playing well at the time of his injury, and appeared to have made the starting job his own whether Nick Hayden came back quickly from his toe problem or not.

Well at least it appears we will have plenty of depth to choose from at the position next year.

Panthers Back in the Hunt for a DT

Jaxon — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:09:14 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

3 months ago: FILE -- This is a Sept. 20, 2009, file photo showing Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Louis Leonard (94) coming off the field injured during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, in Atlanta. Leonard broke his left ankle on the final defensive play of the game. Coach John Fox on Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, wouldn't say for sure that Leonard will be placed on injured reserve, but the Panthers will almost certainly have to sign another defensive tackle. (AP Photo/John Amis, File)

Browse more photos »

The Panthers are going through defensive tackles like my family goes through gallons of milk. "Hi honey I'm on my way home from work. Do I need to stop and get anything? Well yes, stop and get another 320 lb defensive tackle please, they are going quick this week".

So two weeks into the season and we will have 3 DT's on IR and another hobbling about with a bum toe. Don't fear Panther fans there are plenty of no-name DT's out there ready to jump into our starting line-up:

daringantt#Panthers working out some widebodies today, including DT Antwon Burton. When they sign their guy, chances are you won't recognize the name.

Well hey, the store brand milk is just as good as the name brand! It comes from the same place and it's cheaper. Besides, with that million dollar a game DE we need to pinch some pennies somewhere.

Seriously now, does anyone know anything about this Burton guy? More after the jump...

Surely we would all prefer a veteran to fill the void and there are some known names out there:

They kept George Hypolite on the practice squad, but would prefer someone with more size. Multiple sources said they're focusing on finding someone 325 pounds or more.

That's a group that would include veterans such as Terdell Sands, Kenderick Allen and Sam Adams, but the Panthers have tried to avoid going too old (and too expensive) this offseason. One league source said the team might have no choice but make another trade, since the market's so thin.

Yet the Panthers could stand firm if Nick Hayden can be ready by Monday Night. Here's why:

"Well, we'll evaluate that," Fox said of future moves. "We do have Nick Hayden, who wasn't active for the game due to an injury; we'll wait and see how his progress comes. Typically we only go into a game with three (active). We'll evaluate who's available and what our best move will be."

Yeah but those three on have 5 good big toes between them. Yet even with two good toes I'm not exciting about going into Dallas with Lewis, Hayden and Harris as our rotation. I guess we really have little choice otherwise so let's see if Meeks and Baker can coach em up!

We are not the only ones crying the IR blues. The Falcons also lost a DT for the season is the game:

There was a spot after first-rounder Peria Jerry was lost for the year with a knee injury.

At least our latest DT loss will cost a lot less.

Oh and I can never let a classic Fox favorite quote go by without mention. He dropped an oldie but a goodie in response to a question about special teams play:

Asked if it was a matter of new personnel (though only three members of the kickoff coverage team are new here this season), Fox shrugged.

“It is what it is,” he said. “I'm not going to sit here and try to make excuses, but the reality is yes.”

Yes it is John and thank you for that wonderful Fox moment!

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers Open Thread

Dave the Falconer — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:00:16 -0000

More photos » by John Bazemore - AP

Let's see Ovie Mughelli catch another touchdown! (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Browse more photos »

You know, 2-0 sounds pretty great. Think we can make it happen?

The Falcons are staying put this weekend and taking on the stalwart Panthers, who are looking to bounce back while the dudes in the throwback uniforms look to keep rolling. Unfortunately, I won't get to catch any of it due to (what else?) work, so I expect you guys to run comments up well into the triple digits without me. Pour out a little Falcohol, too.

Personally, I think this is a very winnable game if the Falcons can muster the same defensive effort they did against the Dolphins. Here's to what should be a great game to watch, though like last week, I wouldn't complain if the Falcons just absolutely trash the Teal Cats. Enjoy!

Let's break it down to the atomic level.

Who? Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. EST

Where? Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Weather? Confucius say "man under dome roof not worry about rain."

Injuries? S William Moore is still questionable, but will likely get a few snaps this weekend. It'll be nice to see how helpful he can be against a quality running game. K Jason Elam and DT Peria Jerry are probable, but I fully expect them both to start and be effective, particularly because Elam has something to prove after a subpar performance Week 1.

The Panthers have listed S Chris Harris as doubtful and DT Nick Hayden as questionable. A few other players are probable, but the biggest effect on us would be if second-year T Jeff Otah or RB Jonathan Stewart were at all limited.

Odds? Atlanta over Carolina 6.0, O/U 44.0

Foe? Your friends and mine over at Cat Scratch Reader. You know the drill by now: Stop over and comment, but be polite. And comment more here. Don't embarrass me in front of the Panthers fans.

GO FALCONS! Let's reduce these cats to kittens!

Defensive Key Match-ups: Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons

LittleKing — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:09:52 -0000

If there was one bright spot last week it was the defense, but that really isn't saying a lot. Saying the Panthers offense spotted the Eagles 14 points and then special teams allowing the KO return, that was 21 points right there. So when the defense was on the field they only allowed 17 points, which is respectable.

We all know the troubles the offense is facing, but how will the defense play this week. It could be argued (although it is early in his career) that Matt Ryan is a better QB than McNabb. Michael Tuner is a completely different RB than Westbrook but they are both clearly a threat when given the ball, yet Turner is more of a threat up the middle (our weakness). With the addition of Tony Gonzales at TE, the Falcons have the better pass catching TE. I would give the Eagles an the edge at WR however. I list these to point out that in total our D should be able to withstand the Falcons offense. Here are the match-ups I'll be watching when our D is on the field.

1. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez vs Panthers S Quinton Teal

The SLB and Safeties usually are given the responsibility of covering the tight ends. With Chris Harris sidelined again this week Teal will get the start. His first game is going against the NFL best pass catching TE. Last week Gongo has 78 yards and 1 touchdown on only 5 catches. Matt Ryan is very comfortable with his new target and it could get ugly if Teal doesn't play well.

2. Falcons RB Michael Turner vs Panthers DT

There is no question Turner is a power runner. Our already thin DT position now had Nick Hayden as questionable for Sunday. Louis Leonard and Ra'Shon Harris better be ready to play. Turner isn't easy to take down so the DT will need to get double teamed to open the tackling lanes for the LB.

3.Falcons LT Sam Baker vs Panthers RE Julius Peppers

Peppers stat line: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, and a few hurries. Really not that bad. Not earth shattering but good. As I said last week, fans will be all over him this year because of his salary and I am no different. I will expect him to play at a high level. Until he does this for several games in a row he will be on my list. I would love to see a couple of sacks but a game like last week is definitely in the right direction.

4. Panthers ~~none~~ Special Teams

It hasn't been a strength of the team in quite some time, but through the preseason and then the first game this year, the kickoff and punt return coverage units are definitely a liability this year. They will need to keep the Falcons out of the endzone to give the offensive and defensive a chance to win.

Panthers Fall to Steelers 21-10 in Preseason Finale

Jaxon — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:13:30 -0000

More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

3 months ago: Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Reilly (13) is brought down by Carolina Panthers players Charles Johnson (95), Everette Brown (91), and Nick Hayden, left, during a preseason NFL football game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

Browse more photos »

Going 0-4 in the preseason isn't exactly the preferred way to prepare for a season but the Panthers will start season just like that none the less. Preseason game 4 mean absolutely nothing so I will spare the doom and gloom because in the end I think our 1^st team offense would put up more points if they played the entire game. Instead here are my capsules from the game which as I look it over it looks like a repeat from the previous two preseason games.

The Good:

When talking about the Good there is no better place to start than rookie RB Mike Goodson. He again looked brilliant running (15 for 79 yds, 5.3 TPC) and catching the ball (2 for 13 yds) but still made some rookie mistakes. He got run over trying to block DE James Harrison which led to a sack and fumble and then had a costly fumble in the red zone. I know the coaching staff wants to get this kid on the field but the turnovers have to be a concern.
I feel like a broken record in my praise of WR Kenny Moore (6 for 59 yds) but he again delivered big time. After watching Moose stone hand a pass I started to think Moore could be the #2 on this team by the end of the season. That off-season work with Steve Smith has paid off big time. I even loved his post game interview in that he wasn't happy with his performance (he had an illegal motion penalty). This guy is a keeper.
WR Dwayne Jarrett finally showed something getting 4 catches for 44 yards. With a long of 11 yards though I wonder why the Panthers don't try to use his height downfield.
DE Charles Johnson recorded 1.5 sacks as he showed nice speed coming off the edge. He should see increased PT in 2009.

DT Nick Hayden had his best game as a Panther. He had 3 tackles, half a sack, a QB hurry and a nice tackle for a loss. But was it enough to stay with the team? Probably but more help at DT is needed.
New Panther DT Louis Leonard got significant action and he appeared to play well ringing up a tackle for a loss.
Rookie RG Duke Robinson had some nice blocks when pulling to support outside runs

The Bad

Neither QB Matt Moore (49 rating, pick 6 INT) or Josh McCown (11 for 15, fumble) distinguished themselves from the other in my view. McCown had a decent rating of 86 but he missed a wide open Jeff King for an easy TD. Overall it's a toss up in my view meaning for the #2 McCown holds his spot.
The PR coverage was horrid in giving up a 80 return for a TD for Stefan Logan.
RG Keydrick Vincent got run over by LB Kenyaron Fox for a sack. He's got 80 lbs on the guy but went down like a domino.
The back-up offensive line got pushed around a lot, gave up too much penetration and didn't inspire anything but doubt. It will be interesting to see who sticks.
Sideline reporter Pete Yannity called WR Kenny Moore a UDFA during the broadcast when he's actually a 5^th round pick in 2008 of the Lions. He then repeated his error during his post game interview with Moore. Moore coolly corrected Yannity in his response and then conveyed his dismay with his own performance right after Yannity praised his game. So he's cool and mature too. What's not to love about him?

The Bubble Watch

RB Jamal Lee finally got significant playing time and he responded fairly (11 for 37 yds). You can tell he has some potential with his size and speed though he does still run a little upright. Look for Lee to make the practice squad.
RB Decori Birmingham and T Patrick Brown didn't get on the field and it cannot be good for their chances. Time for them to cut bait.
S Joe Fields missed a couple tackles so I'm bearish on him. Look for Quinton Teal to be the back-up SS.

Poll

Do you think the Panthers still need to add another veteran defensive tackle?

Yes

169 votes

No

33 votes

202 votes | Poll has closed

Panther Players On the Move

Jaxon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:21:00 -0000

Darin Gantt announced a couple moves yesterday of interest. The first involves Panther CB and special team gunner Dante Wesley's move to safety.

"Hammer came to me this morning before practice, told me the plan, asked me if I minded," Wesley said with a shrug. "I said ‘I don't mind, just help me with it. I don't mind playing anything, but I just want to know what I'm doing.

"'Give me a day or two just to learn it, learn where I'm supposed to be. Once I get comfortable, I'll start making plays and be all right.'"

The speculation is that the Panthers feel they have plenty of depth at CB with CJ Wilson, and rookies Captain Munnerlyn and Sherrod Martin. The person who should be concerned is S Nate Salley who can't seem to get over the injury bug the past two seasons. Given the Panthers need for salary cap space Salley may be a cost cutting casualty.

In another significant move it looks like DT Marlon Favorite has overtaken Nick Hayden for the LDT spot formally occupied by Maake Kemoeatu who is out for the season with a ruptured Achilles.

The Panthers were giving more work with the starters to rookie defensive tackle Marlon Favorite, in place of Nick Hayden.

Hayden struggled in the opener at New York and looked ill-equipped to fill the vacancy left by nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu. Favorite is not going to make anyone forget Kemoeatu, either, but the squatty rookie from LSU might be better against the run.

This move is no surprise as Favorite played the run much better in the Giants, albeit against the Giants 2nd teamers. Don't be surprised to see Favorite start against the Dolphins as the Panthers see what the kid can do against 1^st teamers. I don't see this as any slam on 3rd round pick Corvey Irvin. Irvin is more of a one-gap penetrator who will likely succeed Damionne Lewis when his time is up in Carolina. The fact Favorite seems to be handling double teams has to be the reason for his rise.

Panthers Release Depth Chart with a Few Surprises

Jaxon — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:20:30 -0000

Panthers.com has now posted a depth chart and it has a few surprises worth discussing. I agree it doesn't mean too much at this point but I think it does reflect some things we have already seen in Training Camp. Let's start with the offense:

Offense:

WR1 — Steve Smith, Ryne Robinson, Jason Carter, Kevin McMahan
LT — Jordan Gross, Patrick Brown, Mackenzy Bernadeau
LG — Travelle Wharton, Jonathan Palmer, C.J. Davis
C — Ryan Kalil, Justin Geisinger, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Keith Gray
RG — Keydrick Vincent, Duke Robinson, Justin Geisinger
RT — Jeff Otah, Geoff Schwartz, Gerald Cadogan, Garry Williams
TE — Jeff King, Gary Barnidge, Dante Rosario, Andrew Davie
WR2 — Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett, Kenneth Moore, Marcus Monk
QB — Jake Delhomme, Josh McCown, Matt Moore, Hunter Cantwell
FB — Brad Hoover, Tony Fiammetta
RB — DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson, Decori Birmingham

In spite of the high praise sent his way in TC C/G Mackenzy Bernadeau is still 3rd string at center and is not listed at guard anywhere. He is instead listed 3rd string at LT (huh?). Justin Geisinger is #2 at center and has obviously improved his stock given he can play multiple positions.
T Gerald Cadogan is listed as 3rd string RT behind Geoff Schwartz. Patrick Brown is slated as Jordan Gross back-up on the left side where I thought Cadogan would compete. This doesn't bode well for Cadogan.
TE Gary Barnidge has passed Dante Rosario (no surprise there)
WR Ryne Robinson remains ahead of Jason Carter.

Defense:

LDE — Tyler Brayton, Charles Johnson, Everette Brown
LDT — Nick Hayden, Marlon Favorite, Lonnie Harvey, George Hypolite
RDT — Damione Lewis, Corvey Irvin, Lorenzo Williams
RDE — Julius Peppers, Everette Brown, Hilee Taylor, Casper Brinkley
OLB1 — Na’il Diggs, James Anderson , Landon Johnson, Kelvin Smith
MLB — Jon Beason, Dan Connor, Jeremy Leman
OLB2 — Thomas Davis, Mortty Ivy, Anthony Heygood
LCB — Chris Gamble, Dante Wesley, Captain Munnerlyn
RCB — Richard Marshall, C.J. Wilson, Sherrod Martin, D.J. Clark
SS — Chris Harris, Nate Salley, Joe Fields
FS — Charles Godfrey, Quinton Teal, Paul Chiara

The biggest surprise here is LB James Anderson is listed above Landon Johnson. Cutting Johnson might save some cap space if Mortty Ivy can fill the #7 back-up LB spot.
DE Tyler Brayton is still listed over Charles Johnson
DT Corvey Irvin is slotted behind Damionne Lewis at RDT and not LDT. It looks like until a vet DT is brought in Nick Hayden and Marlon Favorite will battle for the Kemo's spot.

Special Teams:

K — John Kasay, Rhys Lloyd
P — Jason Baker, John Kasay
H — Jason Baker, Josh McCown
PR — Ryne Robinson, Larry Beavers, Captain Munnerlyn
KR — Ryne Robinson, Mike Goodson, Larry Beavers
LS — J.J. Jansen

Robinson is still getting the benefit of the doubt in kick returns. Beavers over Munnerlyn so far and Goodson over Beavers in KO's.

Any other surprises for anyone else?

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.