Updated: Current Carolina Panthers Defensive Roster 2010
by LittleKing on Aug 6, 2010 10:15 AM EDT
in Panthers Preseason & Training Camp
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PrintThe next roster deadline is August 31 when the current roster has to be trimmed to 75 players. With training camp well underway, I figured it was about time to update the roster with projected depth. At this point there is still a lot of movement expected but we are getting a good feel for most of the positions.
| Safety | ||||
| Proj. Depth | # | Name | Age | Yrs |
| 1 | 30 | Charles Godfrey | 24 | 2 |
| 1 | 23 | Sherrod Martin | 25 | 1 |
| 2 | 21 | Aaron Francisco | 27 | 5 |
| 2 | 25 | Marcus Hudson | 27 | 4 |
| 3 | 29 | Jordan Pugh | 22 | R |
When I first posted the defensive roster Chris Harris was still on the team and I made noted that Martin wasn't listed here despite how well he played. It turns out Fox agreed and moved him to safety. Also at that time we only had two listed at the safety position. Of course with the larger roster size we have room for a few more. Aaron Francisco and Marcus Hudson were both brought in for special teams, but so far in camp Jordan Pugh has also show promise. It will be interesting to see who get cut from this group as ideally I like them all to stay.
| Cornerback | ||||
| Proj. Depth | # | Name | Age | Yrs |
| 1 | 20 | Chris Gamble | 27 | 6 |
| 1 | 31 | Richard Marshall | 25 | 4 |
| 3 | 41 | Captain Munnerlyn | 21 | 1 |
| 4 | 32 | Brian Witherspoon | 25 | 2 |
| 5 | 36 | Robert McClain | 22 | R |
| 5 | 35 | R.J. Stanford | 22 | R |
| 6 | 27 | C.J. Wilson | 24 | 3 |
Of note is originally Marcus Hudson was listed as a CB on the Panthers website, but was moved to safety. The top 3 guys are assured a roster spot but nobody else is afforded that luxury. Brian Witherspoon was also brought in to help with special teams. Out of all of these I believe we seen the last of Wilson, just to many new faces and needs on special teams.
Last year we had 9 defensive back and I think we'll go with that again.
More after the jump...
| Linebackers | ||||
| Proj. Depth | # | Name | Age | Yrs |
| 1 | 52 | Jon Beason | 25 | 3 |
| 1 | 55 | Dan Connor | 24 | 2 |
| 1 | 50 | James Anderson | 26 | 4 |
| 4 LB/DE | 92 | Eric Norwood | 22 | R |
| 4 | 53 | Jamar Williams | 26 | 4 |
| 6 | 57 | Jordan Senn | 25 | 3 |
| 6 | 56 | Quinton Culberson | 24 | 4 |
| 8 | 54 | Mortty Ivy | 23 | 1 |
| 8 | 49 | Sean Ware | 23 | R |
| * | 58 | Thomas Davis | 26 | 6 |
With Thomas Davis looking very unlikely to play this season, the starting line-up sure has changed. Beason, Connor, Anderson, and Williams will make the team and I suspect Davis will be placed on IR. Last year we ended the season with 7 LB on the active roster (plus two on IR and none of the practice squad). Its hard to imagine starting with less than seven active again. Once we get past the obvious choices however, I'm having a hard time deciding who will be the odd men out, but my gut tells me Ware and Ivy.
It should also be noted that the Panthers roster currently list Norwood as both an DE and LB, so that could determine how many total LB or DE we keep.
| Defensive Tackle | ||||
| Proj. Depth | # | Name | Age | Yrs |
| 1 | 93 | Tank Tyler | 26 | 3 |
| 1 | 94 | Louis Leonard | 25 | 3 |
| 3 | 60 | Corey Irvin | 24 | 1* |
| 4 | 99 | Ed Johnson | 26 | 3 |
| 5 | 61 | Derek Landri | 26 | 4 |
| 6 | 98 | Nick Hayden | 24 | 2 |
| 7 | 68 | Andre Neblett | 22 | R |
*Corey Irvin was placed on IR before the season began in 2009, so 1 year experience is misleading.
The only change to the DT was the addition of Andre Neblett and I haven't seen anything solid enough to think the depth chart would be much different since we first reviewed it. Its going to be a pretty solid rotation anyway. We ended 2009 with four active DT and four DT on IR. This could be one area they try to stock an extra player and go with five but I'm not sold on that idea. Either way I think the depth is pretty close on this one.
| Defensive End | ||||
| Proj. Depth | # | Name | Age | Yrs |
| 1 | 96 | Tyler Brayton | 30 | 7 |
| 1 | 95 | Charles Johnson |
24 |
3 |
| 3 | 91 | Everette Brown | 22 | 1 |
| 3 | 76 | Greg Hardy | 22 | R |
| 4 | 97 | Hilee Taylor | 23 | 2 |
| 4 | 66 | Eric Moore |
29 |
5 |
The first time I posted our defensive roster our defensive ends where Everette Brown, Charles Johnson, Hilee Taylor, and Eric Moore. Our options have definitely improved. With Brayton returning and the prospect of Hardy developing quickly the DE position doesn't have such a large question mark about them. Yes still concerned about the DL in general but only because they haven't been able to show what they can do on the field, but I think they will hold their own. Again going back to last year we had 5 active on the roster and Eric Moore on the practice squad. This will be the end for either Moore or Taylor and possibly both and I give the edge to Taylor as he was actually active last year and Moore being on the PS. However, there is on additional factor in that again Eric Norwood is listed as both DE & LB and they could have him play both roles saving a roster spot for another position.
So what is everyones take on the current defensive lineup and who will make the final roster?
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From what we've seen so far, I've got to go with...
AWESOME, BABY!!!!! What a draft we had. My concerns in the middle are still there to a degree, but with Tank, Leonard, Irvin, and Johnson all looking good so far, I’m encouraged. The secondary is even better than last year — so much speed. And then there’s the additions of Hardy and Norwood, rotating with Johnson and Brown and Brayton off the edge. I think our “no names” will not stay that way for long. Okay, I’m in homer mode, but you can’t find a lot of flaws in this lineup (if they stay healthy).
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
Interesting, LK.
I’d put CJ Wilson at 4 behind El Capitan. Further down the preseason road, I’m thinking between Witherspoon, McClain and Stanford, one of them is ultimately cut from the final 53. But that’s just my take on the CB sitrep.
I like how you have Norwood as the 4th LB. This guy is not going to take long to erupt on the scene. Then again, hopefully Hardy won’t either. Those two were/are easily my favorite picks from the draft.
You have high hopes for Corvey Irvin. Let’s hope he can come in and get after the QB a little.
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
CJ can cancel Xmas
If you’ve kept up with camp, you know the rookies are out-playing CJ Willson especially McClain.
Cornerbacks:
(1) Chris Gamble
(2) Richard Marshall
(3) Captain Munnerlyn (nickle)
(4) Robert McClain (dime)
R.J. Stanford (Roster but short of 45 man roster at best / practice squad at worst)
Brian Witherspoon (maybe a special teams roster spot)
Live bullets
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
by ERL on Aug 6, 2010 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
i like the defense if they stay healthy
I’m looking forward to the development of Greg Hardy at DE. I think we stole one with that draft pick, and we’re going to reap the benefits for years to come.
DT is better than most people think – Leonard played well before he went to IR, and Tank is no slouch. Mr. Ed can contribute in the rotation, and Irvin is out to prove himself since he was hurt last year. Plus, Brayton can slide inside on passing downs to get an extra pass rusher on the outside (imagine Johnson, Brown, Hardy, and Norwood (at LB) on a blitz).
We have weapons at LB even without TD, and we have a great secondary. ST’s will also be improved.
I think we will be pleasantly surprised at how this defense plays this year.
"The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you." ~ David Foster Wallace
by BW Smith on Aug 6, 2010 11:49 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
BTW, excellent update on the defensive situation, LK. Rec'd
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
thank you
The offense will come in the next few days.
by LittleKing on Aug 6, 2010 3:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Tonight!
Do it now!
cracks whip
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Aug 6, 2010 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Like I’ve been saying for a long time, I’d still feel better with another big run stuffer for depth purposes, or perhaps to start, but other than that it’s cool. You misspelled Corvey’s name though. You wrote “Corey”. I thought his name was Corey a while back too.
stuff 'bout stuff.
It is.....
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 6, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
CorVey Irvin Corvey with a V
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
Sorry blade, you were right.
Saw it as Corey all through the draft, and that’s what stuck.
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 10, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Well damn..
Learn somethin’ new every day. Never knew the V was there.
Overall Panthers Draft Grade: A
Yeah, I fell into the same trap
silver82blade is correct though, his name is ‘Cor-v-ey’
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
good to know
Ill update it when I get the chance.
by LittleKing on Aug 6, 2010 3:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Great job LK!
I’m really surprised we haven’t heard more out of Jamar Williams this camp. All indications were that he had a great deal of potential.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
He may be able to play any of the three LB spots
Maybe they figure that makes him more valuable as a backup…especially if he and Anderson are close.
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
by ERL on Aug 6, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I can't get over how good our draft has been
As much an I’ve banged on Hurney in the past, major, major props to him and our scouting department. It’s mind boggling to think that every one of our draft pick could make the team.
I know its early, but it sure looks encouraging from early reports.
Jordan Senn.
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 10, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Fox and Hurney
have taken WAY too much heat. They ROCK guys. The disappointing seasons we’ve had were due to injuries. NEED to sign the FOX man to a long term deal.
I agree that Fox should have been offered an extension
But who knows, maybe he has been offered one, but hasn’t signed it. Maybe it wasn’t enough money. Maybe he’s checking the market value.
I don’t know. But he’s a great coach. He has never ‘lost’ any of his teams. They continue to play hard for him. As long as that is the case, he should have job stability.
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
by ERL on Aug 6, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's the question I keep coming to...
Can youth and speed, in a speed oriented system, be effective against big, smart, veteran O-lines? I tend to think the better D-lines in the league are much like our past Rucker-Jenkins-Peppers group… Beefy in the middle, strong and fast on the edges, and with a nice mix of youth and veterans.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
No
They are going to rely on the back seven for run support. That’s what Meeks prefers, anyway. His D-line is told to tackle the RB on the way to the QB.
My biggest curiosity is how well the secondary can tackle. That, I believe, is the key to this whole run-stopping uncertainty.
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
by ERL on Aug 6, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
That doesn't sound good
It means were either stacking the box, or were willing to allow 4 yards per carry. I’m not sold on this bend but don’t break philosophy. I liked it better when getting a yard meant running through a brick wall.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 6, 2010 4:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
You know I'm with you, Southy
But that looks like its gonna be what we’re doing. In my opinion this style of defense is putting too much pressure on the offense. It’s also relying on turnovers a bit more than our style of old.
"If you ask Jets' CB Darrelle Revis, there is no one who is harder to cover one-on-one than Steve Smith. That has to mean something coming from last year's runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year."
by ERL on Aug 6, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ve gone over this once before in an in depth look at Meeks’s time at Indy.
The philosophy gives up yards, but as you get closer and closer to the end zone, there is less to cover in the backfield, making it easier on the defense to produce more stops. This wears down the offense and demoralizes them when they have to settle for field goals after driving all that way for nothing.
The conclusion, as far as I’m concerned, was that his scheme only worked about half the years he was in Indy. It is a risky strategy, however, having a bigger guy at tackle like Leonard may help the scheme out more than in his time with Indy.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Aug 7, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I never understand the Indy comparison
It seems like shooting for slightly above average.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
If our defense is constantly on the field for a long time each series, that would work against us
Preferably you want your defense to get off the field quick, and your offense on the field as much as possible to maximize scoring opportunities. If an offense is tired they probably won’t be as productive or might turn the ball over more. But when a defense is tired it usually results in the other team scoring.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Really this d is designed to play with a lead
It is going to be important for our offense to be highly effective.
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
In that case ERL is right, and we are forcing a lot of pressure onto our offense
Not to mention a lot of pressure on a first time starting QB. If we are trucking like the Saints and scoring 30+ points a game, then OK, I could see that approach being effective.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
that is the paln
our offense needs to be ridiculous. and it can be. if we can get smitty a touchdown or two then pound the rock the other team has to pass. Then we are able to bring the smaller quicker guys and get after the QB and force mistakes. but yes a lot of pressure is on the offense. but Moore does not look like a guy that is affected by pressure. he should grow a mustache.
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
Un bigote? Sounds gross.
I think he should go back to this look. Very Breez-Brady-ish.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
the soul patch?
nahhh
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
Heck yeah! My teams QB supports my choice in facial hair.
Although I prefer calling it the way the South Africans do. Rocking the “batiste”.
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 10, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
We'll get to see who is better at getting a lead.
Manning/Addai/Brown/Wayne or Moore/Williams/Stewart/Smith.
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 10, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with your rule ST... but what is the exception to that rule?
The Indianapolis Colts and their defensive line installed by Ron Meeks.
We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but a lack of orthodoxy doesn’t always mean the wrong path. Perhaps Meeks is ahead of his time? Like the West Coast Offense… but again, only time will tell.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I think you've nailed it
In theory I think it sounds great. I’d just like to see it in practice… And from a more dominant defense than the Colts. I’d like to think our ceiling is higher than them. But maybe you’re right about Meeks, and were embarking on something new that team’s won’t have an answer for.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
First reply on site
The bucs won a super bowl with an undersized defensive live. They did have warren Sapp but he was no run stopping giant. If a defensive line can create havoc in the backfield it negaits size because it makes the running backs have to change direction one to many times and allows the rest of the defense to swarm to the ball. When people talk about our defense I see a younger and maybe even faster Bucs defense and we have a better offense than they did.
*sorry I am a horriable speller!!!
Yes, you are, but I agree with all of the points you tried to spell.
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
Sorry for the smartass response, and welcome to the site.
I’m a bit of a joke(ster) around here, but I ddn’t want you to think I cared about your spelling. Grammer and spelling nazi’s are not encouraged on this site, so post away. You make good points. I don’t recall seeing a comparison to the great Bucs defense on here before. I hope we can come close to what they did.
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
"Grammer and spelling nazi’s"
Haha! There’s one of each mistake right there.
Achtung!
I'm better than this. Definitely and off day. Please don't disown me bd.
or worse, disinherit me.
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
No worries
I reread mine after I post sometimes and wish I could edit them. Unfortunatly SBN doesn’t have such a feature.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 6, 2010 7:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Amen to that...
What really drives me insane is when I get preoccupied with something else and put the wrong name/number/position/etc, then can’t go back and change it. Not much worse than commenting about a great sack by Jimmy Moore.
Overall Panthers Draft Grade: A
I post from my iPhone often
And the spell check when I’m typing fast screws me over sometimes.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Welcome to CSR..
We like all kinds here, even the ones who can’t spell :). Kidding, I didn’t see too many problems, unless someone wants to get anal about it, then things could get a little painful for everyone.
Overall Panthers Draft Grade: A
I am satisfied with the current group of starters on the roster.
As long as the Panthers put Everette in during a high probability of passing situations, we will have a decent group of guys to make ourselves some good stops.
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
Matt Ryan. Drew Brees.
We must destroy them. The key to winning this division is putting pressure on the QB. As long as we are as aggressive a defense as we were last year, we stand a good chance!
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
Great job LK
I think if they think Davis can play in 2nd half they may not put him on IR and I think replaces Senn. But if he is on IR, I like your thinking. I think it comes down to Witherspoon vs. McClain for the last corner. I suspect the offense will be a little tougher call.
PUP Reserve List
They could put Daivs on the PUP reserve list when the season starts and he won’t count against the 53 man roster for the first 6 weeks. Then they have to make a decision to active him and clear a roster spot or place in on IR.
That would give him something like 24 weeks of recovery (just at 6 months). That’s cutting it close, but we do have a bye week in week 6 so who knows.
Clearly I can’t count or add or something. Week 6 is 19 weeks from the date he had surgery. Either way, it’s going to be a long shot to see him on the field this year. He might not be ready by week 6, but maybe week 7 or 8.
re read his comment
nah i will just break it down for you since im a nice guy. After week 6 they will have to make a decision. After week 6 they will evaluate his situation and decide to put him on IR or activate him at that point. If he is activated they will have to let 1 of the 53 go to make room for him. he will not be back on the field untill week (IMO) 13 or 14 at the earlyest. But he could definately make it back on the field for the playoffs.
this will all depend on our record, and his recovery and how bad the injury bug bites the rest of the team. but in no way shape or form is anyone suggesting he will be back on the field or team week 6.
glad to get you up to speed. anything else you need to know about the team? i will be glad to explain anything you need to know. the more informed panther fans the better ;)
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
you...
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
not to sound like a pompous ass… but nothing you explained is news to me so… not quite sure what you were getting at.
k
you just. seemed confused. tried to help
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
Good breakdown of the situation.
Regardless of who it was for. :)
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 10, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
can I vote for
has potential, but I’m wary of the youth on the line? Honestly, the secondary looks great, so it boils down to the D-line. Unlike what others have said, I think the problem will be with the DE’s. I think the DT’s have plenty of motor to get a push, especially in a rotation system. But I don’t see them being so good that teams have to stack the inside, and I don’t see the DE’s being good enough to warrant double coverages on any one player. The D-line works best when there’s at least one star there to draw coverages. That way either one guy is covered well and the rest of the line can get to the QB easier or they leave that guy in single coverage and he brings the pressure. Either way, it looks like the pressure will be on the secondary to stop any runs that get through and defend the pass long enough for the line to get there.
I like the potential, but I just haven’t seen enough from any of these guys to warrant all the optimism I’ve seen from some on here. I hope I’m wrong and somebody breaks out. Some of the guys look like they could, but I just don’t have a feeling that it’ll be this year, or if it is it will be late in the season.
There hasnt really been anythign to see from them. You will get to see during the preseason games.
You really cant tell from practicing against their own team mates. I prefer to have a positive attitude though.
I'm with you, but I'm concerned about the DTs and DEs
I want to see these young motors all over the place swarming to the ball at all times. They should have the energy and athleticism to do so. But there are also a lot of fast, elite offensive players at skill positions on many teams. And good QBs know how to get rid of the ball quick. Speeds nice, but I’m just not sure there’s enough talent to handle some of these premier offenses.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Want to see Davis back on the field as much as everyone else...
but, am I alone thinking that rushing the rehab process for the 2nd time, might be too risky and asking too much? Would hate to see him rush back, and suffer yet another injury to that same knee. Think a 3rd knee injury could be catastrophic to his career. Would hate to see him go out like that.
Take the world as it is, not as it ought to be.
Of course you're not alone. We all want TD back, when he's completely healed and ready to go...
If that’s this year without rushing anything, great! If not, he’ll be ready for next year. I have to echo something Flowing Willow pointed out. While ACLs used to be an automatic year of rehab, new techniques and advances in physical therapy are now bringing athletes back much faster. If Welker starts and stays healthy in N.E., I will hold out hope for a return late in the season by TD. What a jolt that would be to start an extended playoff run.
So, while I definitely think he needs to follow the program and get back to 100%, I’m not going to say at this point that he can’t do it. If (for instance) Dr. James Anderson says he’s good to go, who are we to say keep him off the field.
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
Uh, that would be Dr. James Andrews, not Anderson. Sorry about that chief.
Wouldn’t want him to be diagnosed by another linebacker.
Where there’s a will… I want to be in it.
It will be interesting to see what TD is like post recovery
He might not be the same guy after two knee surgeries. I thought it was amazing that he was as fast post surgery as he was pre-surgery. He may not be as luck the second time. Time will tell.
He still will be fast.
Going from 4.4 speed to 4.5 or even 4.6 won’t be too catastrophic for a linebacker.
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
by Flowing Willow on Aug 10, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor man's approach to defense?
Our offense has a specific “system”. But that’s not why they’re good. They’re good because they have so much talent executing that system. 2 top 10 RBs, a top 5 WR, and one of the league’s best O-lines which also boasts a ProBowl OT.
Now our defense is just one ProBowl LB and a bunch of other guys that fit Meeks Cover-2. And we are assuming this “system” is so great that it will be able to match up against offenses which have their own “system”, but also might have a lot of talent. Sounds awfully risky to me.
It just seems like the poor man’s approach to defense. We aint got the weapons, so let’s just run around a lot and try to create havoc.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
we got a lot of talented players
athletic talented players. they might not all have pro bowls or whatever credentials that you look for. but I think this D has more talent that the Ds that Meeks has ran previously so i think he will get more out of them.
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
Dwayne Jarret is not a bust!
I understand this argument a year ago, but it slightly confuses me now.
I think whatever questions were raised last preseason were dispelled by the performance on the field.
I understand the weariness that people have being excited about a system that was utilized by the traditionally weak Colts, but this isn’t Indianapolis and we’re seeing a coach get to enact his system with the financial support of a HC.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
The thing that gets me is that it wasn’t our defense that let us down last year… It was a QB who threw 18 INTs, had 6 fumbles, and only played in 11 games. So I don’t really understand the hate for this system.
Honestly, I don’t really think the system is all that different from what we had before.
I think most of us agree the QB performance is what let us down
I’m not suggesting that was the defenses fault. I guess what I am getting at is that I’d like to actually see the defense win a couple for us. The current system it seems like a solid defensive game means not giving up an already established lead and maybe sealing the game with a 4th quarter INT.
But I suppose I’m sort of stuck in Fox’s Jenkins, Rucker, Peppers, Buckner glory days. I want to see the defense creating a lot of turnovers or not letting offenses score at all. It use to be that we could win many games by scoring only 15 points. That’s a defense doing it’s job! That dynamic has changed now, and I just don’t understand the advantage.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Even in those glory days, we gave up lots of fourth quarter leads, dude. It wasn’t the juggernaut you’re pretending it was.
by SlayerGhaleon on Aug 8, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm mainly referring to the D-Line
Our secondary is far better now. And Dan Morgan couldn’t stay on the field… I’d definitely take Beason and a healthy Thomas Davis over those LBs.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I might also note that last year’s defense hammered teams the longer the season went on. The Giants and Vikings come to mind.
by SlayerGhaleon on Aug 8, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
That's a good point
It sure seemed last year our defense improved as the year went on… But then again some of that had to do with inserting Hollis Thomas and the offense improving late. But maybe you’re onto something.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
We only have 1 year of this system. Saying it can’t produce the kinds of defensive stops you seem to be reminiscing about is kinda quick to judge.
I'm basing that on what the Cover 2 is designed to do
And on what you guys have shared.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I fear we are playing the Colts defense with less talent
They had ProBowl talent in guys like Dwight Freeney, Antoine Bethea, Robert Mathis and Bob Sanders. We are trying to replicate this with just speed and athleticism. I keep harping on this because even if this system does work to perfection and even produces 2-3 ProBowlers, it still doesn’t seem like the type of system that will be a top Vikings-Ravens like defense.
I feel like we have just accepted a lesser system because it’s the only system the best defensive coach available at the time knew.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
Outside of those guys you mentioned (Freeney, Bethea, Mathis and Sanders) who did the Colts have of any value? While the Panthers may not have that extremely high top end talent, I feel that we have a lot more talent across the board.
The other thing to think about is how much of Meeks system was it that turned guys like Mathis and Sanders into probowlers? Thomas Davis exploded in 2009 prior to the injury in a manor we hadn’t seen in his prior years in the league, Sherrod Martin was deadly in his limited time etc.
Everyone has to break out at sometime. It could be some of our guy’s time.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
Rookies "breaking out" their first year seems unlikey
It could happen but only with very slim odds. So I’d be looking at guys who already have a year of Meeks under the belt. Guys like Sherrod Martin, Brown or Johnson. It would be killer if one of our DTs did!
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 8, 2010 2:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What rookies are you talking about? Norwood and Hardy are about it as far as guys who could actually see playing time.
by SlayerGhaleon on Aug 8, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes Norwood and Hardy
I think they could be really good given a little time to learn the ropes. But I have a hard time believing they’ll have a “break out” year as a rookie. Even guys like Beason and Stewart didn’t have a year like that until their 2nd years.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I don’t know about either of those examples, dude. When Morgan went down in 07, Beason was a revelation in the middle. We shipped Morgan out because the Beast played so well.
Stewart had over 800 yards in his rookie season, and would’ve had more if he hadn’t split carries.
by SlayerGhaleon on Aug 9, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I'd consider their 2nd years far more superior
Maybe this is semantics again over the term “break out”.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Aug 9, 2010 2:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think a good season for Norwood and Hardy would be the equivalent of Martin or Brown last year
But that does not equate anywhere close to 16 games of solid production. If anything this year will likely be just getting their feet on the ground (maybe a couple big games) so that they’ll be bigger contributors next season.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
seriously what rookies?
I dont think that we are asking much of rookies on the defensive side of the ball. We will get some production out of some rookies. but we are not relying on rookies to make an impact. Maybe Pugh for safety depth. and either Stanford and/or McClain for 4th/5th CB. And then some special teams. but again we have a ton of veteran proven special team players here. So if any of these rookies I just mentioned get on the field, it will be because they earned it.
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
OH!
those players excelled because of this system
you might not know them if it were not for Meeks
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
~Winston Churchill
OH!
maybe
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
I think what we can take away from all of this.....
is that Thursday can’t come soon enough!!! ;D
Ready for 2010 football already!!!
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