2011 Season Panther Player Recap - DE Charles Johnson

by James Dator on Feb 2, 2012 6:58 AM EST

Charles Johnson played well in 2011, but he'll need to do more in 2012.

Next to drafting Cam Newton the most important off-season move by GM Marty Hurney was ensuring that Charles Johnson remained a Carolina Panther long term. During the 2010 season Johnson showed that he had turned the corner from 'cusp of greatness' and made the jump to just being great. A true three-down defensive end he has astounding ability both in rushing the passer, and in run support. Now, CJ is the most important member of the Carolina Panthers defense next to Jon Beason, yet he still has his critics.

Some are willing to point the finger at Big Money and say that his nickname was the reason for a drop in production; that perhaps the Panthers were duped by a defensive player in a contract year who was able to maximize his value in free agency. If you base your analysis on nothing more than rudimentary tackle and sack stats then you'd probably agree, but like most things the truth is far more complicated. Lets look further in CJ's 2011 season...

After the jump

Season	Team			Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		G	GS	Comb	Total	Ast	Sck	SFTY	PDef	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TDs	FF
2011	Carolina Panthers	15	15	40	30	10	9.0	--	4	--	--	0.0	--	--	1

2010	Carolina Panthers	16	16	62	51	11	11.5	--	1	--	--	0.0	--	--	1

These numbers put Johnson tied 14th in the NFL in sacks among 4-3 DEs, and 15th in tackles among 4-3 DEs. While these probably aren't what fans were hoping for when he was signed to a giant contract a year ago, ultimately CJ had a lot more to contend with in 2010.

There was no pressure from the interior defense line, and as such Johnson was doubled on almost every down, and on occasion three blockers (help from an RB) were used to account for Big Money.

Key stats

While his sack numbers wont wow the casual observer, his run stopping was impressive. The Panthers were 10th in the NFL in run stopping on plays run directly at Johnson, and 13th on plays run to his outside. The run stopping was woefully bad as a team, but as an individual he shone.

Season Highlights

Week 8 vs. Minnesota: Johnson finished with 5 tackles and a sack against the Vikings
Week 7 vs. Washington: CJ made a key sack and FF that contributed to the win.
Week 13 vs. Tampa Bay: Three solo tackles were coupled with a sack and PDef in the Panthers big win.

2012 Contract Status

Here is where it gets a little tricky in knowing what the Panthers liability to CJ will be next season. His base salary will be $4.75 million, plus a portion of his signing bonus. We'll have to wait and see how his signing bonus will be dolled out.

2012 Outlook

There is no player on the Panthers' roster who relies more heavily on free agency and the draft than Charles Johnson. We are in desperate need to get pressure up the middle, and find someone to pair with him on the other side who can be a force on every down. A defensive end is a lot like a QB in a lot of ways, the quarterback can only be as good as his offensive line, and a DE can only play as well as the players next to him. When Johnson is one on one he's near unstoppable, and he can get around of a lot double teams, but in 2011 too much was asked of him. The Carolina Panthers need to get better in order for him to play better.

Tweet Comment 51 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It should be noted that I believe he finished 5th or 6th in the league in TFL for the season...

and at that, I think the only lineman he finished behind on that front was Jared Allen lol

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Feb 2, 2012 7:16 AM EST reply actions

exactly

And I believe he was actually leading the league in tackles for loss with a few weeks left, and he finished the season hurting and you could tell on game day.

Best part is he’s consistent.

by quiteunequal on Feb 3, 2012 4:30 AM EST up reply actions

CJ had a nice season period...

The critics are just looking at the sack and tackle numbers. Your post on the run defense really made it obvious Hardy did not get it done on 1st and 2nd down. He is a good edge rusher and running stunts but he has yet to show he can stop the run consistently. Of course he would benefit from better guys around him too.

Follow Cat Scratch Reader on Twitter and Facebook

by Jaxon on Feb 2, 2012 8:12 AM EST reply actions

I was a little worried about how he would perform this year.

But, I think he was excellent. My concerns were that he would be getting a lot of extra attention from Offensive Coordinators in 2011, and that these double-teams and extra blockers would completely negate him. The double-teams definitely brought his numbers down a little, but I think it actually increased his productivity. I’d rather have a DE taking up two (or sometimes three) blockers and still put up respectable stats than a DE going against single blockers and putting up more impressive stats. Locking CJ up long-term was definitely a good move.

by cj5 on Feb 2, 2012 8:41 AM EST reply actions

We also seem to forget

That he was battling a back injury all year as well. And when your back hurts, all of you hurts.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 2, 2012 8:49 AM EST reply actions

just an outstanding player

For all the critic’s… How badly would we have been battered without big money this year? Good god it would have been more ugly than starship troopers 2.

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 9:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Or a Bobcats game .......BAAZING

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

or basketball in general?

ducks and hides to wait for ’soccer is shite combacks

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 10:05 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

So that’s how you do bold font! Ha

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 10:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

ughh soccer

Basketball is way more interesting the worst part of basketball is all the flopping which it got from soccer. If it wasnt for Zidene Zidon I would say their weak Euro pussies. Steve Nash chose basketball over soccer for a reason and it is soccer in this country and screw your metric system.

"If I have to find Jesus does that mean he is hiding ?" THE SOESBEAST " death solves all problems, no man no problem" Joseph Dzhugashvili

by allthatremainsstillowns on Feb 2, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

oops they're not their

"If I have to find Jesus does that mean he is hiding ?" THE SOESBEAST " death solves all problems, no man no problem" Joseph Dzhugashvili

by allthatremainsstillowns on Feb 2, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

too right

You clearly no nothing about football then. What’s the appeal seriously? I just don’t get it

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 4:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

*know

And you’re talking about the biggest sport in the world

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 4:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Soccer is shite.

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

Soccer is crap!

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

Its actually called football and its amazing. Basket however is sooooooooooooooo boring? Best of 7??? Why? Isn’t one game enough?

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 10:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

At least we don't riot over games

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 2, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions

Football is crap!

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

Much better

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 11:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

no no your football is crap not Am. Football!

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

obviously i dont think american football is crap!

I was applauding your correct use of ‘soccers’ proper name

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 4:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

well people love both football and hand egg

by jovox on Feb 2, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions

Oakland? San Fran?

by jovox on Feb 2, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Hey, some bad stuff has happened around football.

But hit up youtube and tell me when the last time something like a soccer riot has happened around a football game.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 2, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

they're passionate about their sports

by jovox on Feb 2, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions

if you're on about eygpt.. that country is just a mess atm

If you’re talking about the english specifically… Not really. Very very rarely anyway. Not like you guys where you trash cities cuz a teams won something. That’s mental

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Feb 2, 2012 11:30 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

That's just an excuse to release some primal rage.

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions

I'm sorry but the atmosphere at a "soccer" match in Europe is so so so much better than at any American sport.

by jojoisthemann on Feb 2, 2012 5:45 PM EST up reply actions

You don't have apologize

I’ve never been to Europe, but even having never been, I’d agree.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 3, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

It's not like we came up with it!

http://www.cs.utexas.edu/~pstone/why.html

by hunt! on Feb 2, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

Quite frankly, I'd rather watch soccer at this point than another Bobcats game...

worst basketball team I’ve ever seen in any season, even with Kemba giving his all lol

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Feb 2, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

I know this is off subject..

but is anyone else severely disturbed by the “Delocated” Ad?

Rocking the boat and righting the ship! Making the moves needed...Go Panthers!!!

by UNCMattyt99 on Feb 2, 2012 9:32 AM EST reply actions

Yeah...It's pretty freaking weird.

I wish they would stop taking pictures of me and using them without my permission. It’s starting to get annoying.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Feb 2, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

Would you please tell Cartoon Network that your show, and all the other live action shows are terrible?

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions

Yes, as soon as they stop making me millions of dollars. :-)

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Feb 2, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

mwahahaha!

(Except the one with Malin Ackerman can stay.)

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

(Yeah, that one’s not going anywhere.)

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

Follow me on Twitter! @bdubsmitty

by BW Smith on Feb 2, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

Yep

Even more so by the ad on tv

Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values

by Disciple of Carolina on Feb 2, 2012 9:44 AM EST up reply actions

Week 8 vs. Minnesota:, etc

5 tackles and 1 sack against a rookie QB and one of the leagues worst o lines. I agree that the over all quality of the D line/players around him dragged CJ down some ….. the regression of our defense was really bad as a whole and not so bad for CJ.

We had to resign him, we had no choice. I don’t have any problem with this season but CJ definitely has a contract that he needs to grow into in the future.

by Relax on Feb 2, 2012 10:06 AM EST reply actions

he took a step backwards this year

for sure….I believe…..guaranteed money does that to almost 98 percent of professional athletes

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions

His counting stats took a hit

But I don’t think his level of play was worse. When your defensive tackles are a downgrade from Derek Landri and Ed Johnson, it’s going to effect what you’re able to do as a DE. Not to mention he fought a back injury all year.

I don’t think guaranteed money had anything to do with it. He was just on a noticeably inferior line than the one he was on last year.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 2, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

i was more referring to his contract relax was talking about....

yes i agree Fua was Pooa and mclain was a shame! why we stuck with the two rookies so long is odd. Shirley and kearse were much needed at the end of the season. they should have been in there before they were.

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

We stuck by the rookies for development's sake.

The same reason Cam was passing so much early in the season. They needed as much exposure as possible to develop.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 2, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions

With Beason back, and a couple upgrades in the secondary...

We can start to bring more pressure. That’s one way to help CJ. The other way, as people have eluded to, is to upgrade a couple spots on the DL.

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 10:26 AM EST reply actions

im sure that will happen!

but we don’t have much to work with[due to cap space] but some draft picks

by TheWhite Mamba on Feb 2, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

Some cap room is going to be made.

Extending Smith, and Wharton just can not make what he’s due this year.

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 2, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions

Smith, Gamble, Davis, Wharton, and maybe Gross can be re-worked.

Doing that would probably save us about $20M.

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

In Hurney we trust

At least for cap management and 1st round draft picks. Johnson was playing semi-hurt at the end of the year and Hardy just isn’t a starting DE at this point no matter how much I like him. Johnson was the only legit starter we had on the defensive line with Edwards going down. I like Shirley and Neblett, but you need at least 2 game changers in a 4-3 defense on the line to have a decent to good defense.

Ingram, Brockers, or Coples should be a big help…

by LeventiJ on Feb 2, 2012 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

I can't remember where i found it

but at one point i posted a FanShot where CJ was leading the NFL in TFLs

"The way y'all are lollygaggin around here with them picks and them shovels, you'd think it was 120 degrees...can't be more than 114."

Follow @greg24211

by SouthernPanther on Feb 2, 2012 4:40 PM EST reply actions

Someone said earlier that he finished 2nd behind Jared Allen.

We need a nose tackle.

by ERL on Feb 2, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

I think at one point he was leading...

he tailed off a tad near the end of the season with his back issues, but last I checked at the end of the season he was like 5th or 6th, with Jared Allen and CJ being the top two lineman (as expected, most of the top 10 for that stat were LB because of the opportunities that blitzing provides for them to get TFL). I think that stat more than any other illustrates just how good CJ is on our line; it means he gets penetration and wraps up on more than just pass plays (a criticism that applies to many D-lineman who can rack up the sacks, but little else). Considering he’s not even the highest paid DE in the league (pretty sure Pep is), I think we came out big winners keeping him on board.

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Feb 2, 2012 6:40 PM EST up reply actions