Greatest Panther of all time: Jordan Gross vs. Mike Rucker

by James Dator on Jun 20, 2011 11:23 AM EDT

Happy Monday everyone! The greatest of all time took a break over the weekend, but now it's back as we continue the 1st round with two lineman on opposing sides of the ball- Jordan Gross and Mike Rucker.

After the jump please commence the discussion and remember to vote on who you think should move on.

Jordan Gross, OT

via media.scout.com

Statistics as a Panther: 120 games

Accolades: Pro Bowl (2008, 2010), All Pro (2008)

Since he was selected in the 2003 draft starting LT Jordan Gross has ensured the Panthers have had a clean QB as much as possible. Still regarded as one of the premier LTs in the NFL Gross is routinely named as one of the best linemen in the league. However, he's more than a paragon of good play on the field as he started his off-season charity kickball game, organized the Panthers' offseason workouts this year and has become one of the premier leaders for the Panthers.

Mike Rucker, DE

via image.teamfca.net

Statistics as a Panther: 139 games, 347 tackles, 55.5 sacks, 15 FF

Accolades: Pro Bowl (2003)

Mike Rucker was far more than 'the other guy' to Julius Peppers. Even in a lackluster 2001 season Rucker finished with 9 sacks, which is why it's rather unfair he doesn't really get the recognition he deserves as an elite pass rusher. When Rucker and Peppers bookended the line there were few QBs who could escape their clutches. Most impressive was his 2003 season when he finished the year with 58 tackles and 12 sacks. Now, Rucker continues to call Charlotte home and is a staple at area charity events.

Poll

Who was/is the greater Panther?

Jordan Gross

481 votes

Mike Rucker

257 votes

738 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

This match up ain't fair

Both are at folk hero status for the organization. I chose Gross only because he was a draftee, and due to my bias to the fact that OL get no credit for the game of football. Rucker was a beast on the field, and was a major reason competitor with Peppers during the golden oldie years.

Don't give up, don't ever give up ~ Jim Valvano

by AParker on Jun 20, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

Rucker was drafted by the Panthers, too.

"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "

by ERL on Jun 20, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Toughest one yet.

I’m gonna wait a bit before voting.

"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "

by ERL on Jun 20, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

I think you have to vote for the all-pro over Rucker

Rucker and Gross are both huge for this organization, but Gross is on another level, IMO.

by BusyBeingAwesome on Jun 20, 2011 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

Both are great

However, I think in time Gross, could turn out to be THE greatest Panther of all time when his career is over with.

by Blahbla on Jun 20, 2011 11:50 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed, toughest yet

Likewise going with Gross though, because OLs never get the attention they deserve and I can’t see myself voting for Julius Peppers AND Mike Rucker as the greatest Panther, kind of an either or deal. Plus Gross’ taking the team as his responsibility after a 2-14 year speaks a lot for his character.

by jmreynol on Jun 20, 2011 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

Mike Rucker vs Julius Pepper

Greatest Panther DE of all time?

by jmreynol on Jun 20, 2011 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

Statistics/on the field impact goes to Pep.

Rucker takes everything else.

"Has the whole world gone crazy? Am I the only one around here who gives a sh!t about the rules? Mark it zero! "

by ERL on Jun 20, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme

by Ivan459 on Jun 20, 2011 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I love Ruck, but I voted for Gross

Rucker might make it into the the Hall of very Good. But Gross has as decent shot (for a small market team) at making the HoF someday if he continues to stay healthy and maintain his level of play. Gross has that name recognition that so many linemen hope for when Pro Bowl voting comes around.

Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing you will be an idiot in the future and common sense is knowing you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques

by Vagus on Jun 20, 2011 12:01 PM EDT reply actions

Hard choice, but the fact that its close while Gross still has 5 good years left says it all

My vote goes to Gross

by ppalm on Jun 20, 2011 12:09 PM EDT reply actions

yeah like Vagus I love me some Rucker

But gotta give the edge to Gross in this one. He’s been the anchor of a very good Oline for many years, and will be for several more years to come. He’s now stepping up and assuming more of a leadership role which is what you need from your vets on a young team. Hard worker, great guy (as was Rucker), couldn’t ask for a better LT.

Rules and Regulations of the Game: 89, Bottom Line

by John Chilton on Jun 20, 2011 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

Agree with the sentiment above: toughest one so far. Both are great players, and both have done great things for this team. I had to give it to Gross though because he is still adding to his football legacy here in Carolina, while Ruckus has been gone for a while. Don’t get me wrong though, I’d love to have that guy back with the motor he had back in the day.

Proud Member of Cat Scratch Reader and coiner of the (minus Bowers) meme

by Ivan459 on Jun 20, 2011 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

Hmmm...

…tough one. Gonna have to think about this one a bit.

I kinda like power running football though. It’s iike a bloody violent ballet…
When it was working it was a thing of beauty to me. - Vagus

(Please note that from now on I shall only refer to Cam as "The Newt" and Rivera as "BAMF")

by The Duke Dude on Jun 20, 2011 1:09 PM EDT reply actions

Yea this one was tough!

But Gross does edge Rucker by a hair, but I somehow still feel guilty about the vote…

"When you do something you love you don't have to work a single day in your life... I still haven't worked a single day in my life!" ~Carlos Santana

by Panther4Life!!! on Jun 20, 2011 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

This is exactly how I feel...

I kinda like power running football though. It’s iike a bloody violent ballet…
When it was working it was a thing of beauty to me. - Vagus

(Please note that from now on I shall only refer to Cam as "The Newt" and Rivera as "BAMF")

by The Duke Dude on Jun 20, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Gotta go with Gross

What it came down to for me was that Gross can legitimately be included in the conversation for best of his era. Rucker was great for us but I don’t think anyone could honestly say that about him..

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Jun 20, 2011 6:01 PM EDT reply actions