With 29 days to go until the Panthers season opener, that brings us to safety Mike Adams, one of the Panthers key free agent pick-ups last offseason. In spite of his advanced years (37) Adams has played well and remains a key starter in the Panthers secondary. Adams is known more for his run support and ability to make big hits than his coverage skills though he’s not bad at that either. Here’s an example of his ability to hit wide receivers foolish enough to come across the middle with Adams in zone coverage.
Julio felt that one for a couple days I’m sure.
Prior to coming to Carolina I remember Adams previous service with the Colts but it turns out he was in Frisco and then the Browns before that. Here’s a summary of his 15 year career:
Mike Adams
Started all 16 games at strong safety for Carolina...Key member of a defense that finished the season ranked seventh in total yards allowed, third in rush defense and third in total sacks...Finished tied for fourth most tackles on the team with 75...Tallied ten passes defensed, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble...POSTSEASON: Started NFC Wild Card Playoff at New Orleans (1/7/18)...Recorded four tackles and one interception...Posted first career postseason interception in the fourth quarter, picking off Saints quarterback Drew Brees...At New England (10/1)...Notched a season-high seven tackles...At Tampa Bay (10/29)...Notched his first interception as a member of the Panthers, picking off Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston in the fourth quarter...Vs. Atlanta (11/5)...Recorded two tackles and one interception, his second straight game with an interception...Picked off quarterback Matt Ryan in the second quarter and returned the ball 40 yards, setting up the Carolina offense for a touchdown before halftime...Vs. Miami (11/13)...Played in 200th career game...Recorded five tackles and two passes defensed...At New Orleans (12/3)...Posted first forced fumble of the season in the second quarter, punching the ball out of the hands of Saints tight end Josh Hill.
It takes a few words to summarize a 15 year career, one that didn’t start some promising as a undrafted free agent. Adams finished the 2017 season for the Panthers having started all 16 games and finished with 48 tackles, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. We can probably expect something similar in 2018.