Panthers Defense New Strength, "The Back Seven"

The successful Panther teams of 2003 to 2005 were led on defense by a formidable front four led by DT Kris Jenkins and DE's Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers. These guys became the face of a defense that harassed opposing quarterbacks and shut down running games. The 2008 defense may not have the signature pass rush of those teams but they are getting similar results:

Before Monday night's Minnesota-New Orleans game, the Panthers ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense, fifth in pass defense, tied for third in fewest points allowed, fourth in third down efficiency, and second in fewest first downs allowed per game.

Instead of a formidable front four, this defense is led by its Back Seven. The Panthers have cobbled together arguably one of the deepest and most talented LB's corps and secondarys in the league. Starting with the LB's the Panthers have a nice mix of youth, speed and experience that runs five players deep (6 before Dan Conner went on IR).

2^nd year MLB Jon Beason is easily the leader of the defense, not because owner Jerry Richardson declared him the leader, but because he is able to motivate his team mates, not just on the field but in the locker room too. 

4^th year man Thomas Davis switched positions in the offseason from strong-side LB to the weakside to take advantage of his speed. Judging by the results the move was a good one as he is second on the team in tackles(33) and is on pace for a career year. Davis excels at pursuit from the back-side and has improved in his pass coverage.

The strong side is manned by 9^th year LB Na'il Diggs. Though many people (including myself) assumed Diggs would lose his starting position the past two training camps due to his age when in fact I think he's just gotten stronger with age (the guy has some guns!). Diggs provides some spark and has the strength to take on opposing full backs.

Working in the rotation is 4^th year player Adam Seward at MLB and Landon Johnson, the Panthers prize FA pick-up who was the leading tackler for the Bengals last season. Both players bring speed and big hits when on the field.

The defensive backfield is gelling into one of the best secondaries in Panther franchise history.

The leader of the secondary is SS Chris Harris, a fierce tackler who has taken ball stripping to an art form. Harris brings the wood on every play and not just to ball carriers. In the Bears game Harris knocked pulling Bears guard Roberto Garza on his ass twice on the stretch play, blowing it up.

Another guy setting the example is 5^th year CB Chris Gamble. Always a good cover guy Gamble has stepped up his tackling; he is the third leading tackler (25) on the Panthers in 2008. Gamble is showing good break on the ball and has the speed to stay with most WR's in the league. His team leading 8 passes defensed through just 5 games is one away from his career high in a season.

Ken Lucas mans the other side and though he tends to be the preferred target of opposing QB's he's held his own this season. In his 8^th season Lucas is still a good tackler who is book smart and hard to shake.

The best athlete in the group might be 3^rd year nickel corner Richard Marshall who many think could start elsewhere. Marshall excels at the nickel coverage (and special teams) and loves to hit too. He's got a nose for the ball and the speed and strength to stay with anybody coming across the field.

The group is rounded out with rookie Charles Godfrey, the FS the Panthers have needed since 2005. Godfrey brings good speed, leaping ability and agility. He's made some rookie mistakes and made some good plays as well. Opposing OC's will try to isolate him deep but so far the rookie is learning quickly. It won't be long before the game slows down for this guy and he starts making those QB's pay.

Though there are no Pro Bowlers in the Back Seven, the group is playing at a high level, with on-the-field camaraderie and a spirit that as a fan is very fun to watch. This 2008 version of the Panther defense may not record the sacks like years past but the results are very similar. They will give up some yards but when it gets to the red zone they tighten up look to make a play. Who makes that play is most likely to come from the Back Seven.