Williams makes a little history, plus some team news

[Jangler]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/449636.html

Carolina's DeAngelo Williams not only has emerged this season as one of the NFL's most electrifying running backs, he's also one of the league's most sure-handed players.

Williams didn't fumble during the regular season, joining San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson as the only non-fumbler among the 16 backs who rushed for 1,000 or more yards.

Williams has carried the ball for 495 consecutive rushes without a fumble, second only to Tomlinson's 844, according to the league.

Williams has only one fumble on a running play in his three-year NFL career, and he recovered that against St. Louis on Nov.19, 2006.

Williams also fumbled once after making a pass reception during the 2007 season opener at St. Louis. The Rams recovered the ball.

Williams ranked fourth in the NFL this season with 1,515 yards rushing and was first with 20 touchdowns. Both statistics set team season records.

Coach John Fox sounded optimistic Friday that his team's injured players have been able to heal during their playoff bye this week.

“We got probably a lot of good rest for them this week and we haven't pushed them too hard,” Fox said. “They still have (Saturday) and Sunday and we'll form back up on Monday. I anticipate they'll be a lot healthier then than they are now.”

Starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu (ankle) and Damione Lewis (shoulder) didn't play in the final regular-season game in New Orleans, and starting offensive linemen Jeff Otah (toe) and Geoff Hangartner (ankle) were injured during the game.

It's likely that at least some of them would not have been able to play this weekend if the Panthers had not earned a bye.

Fox kept practices light this week. Players had three hour-long practice sessions without pads. They also lifted weights.

“We got some guys hopefully stronger and faster during the week with some good lifts,” Fox said.

Now that the regular season is over, the Panthers can resume negotiations with offensive tackle Jordan Gross regarding a long-term contract extension.

NFL rules prohibited any negotiating during the season because Carolina put its franchise tag on Gross during free agency last year and Gross played the season under a one-year tender.

The contracts of Gross and defensive end Julius Peppers expire after this season, and the team hopes to keep both Pro Bowlers.

General manager Marty Hurney has declined to comment on negotiations with their agents.

[goodoleboy]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/449636.html

Williams didn't fumble during the regular season, joining San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson as the only non-fumbler among the 16 backs who rushed for 1,000 or more yards.

Williams has carried the ball for 495 consecutive rushes without a fumble, second only to Tomlinson's 844, according to the league.

Williams has only one fumble on a running play in his three-year NFL career, and he recovered that against St. Louis on Nov.19, 2006.

Williams also fumbled once after making a pass reception during the 2007 season opener at St. Louis. The Rams recovered the ball.

Williams ranked fourth in the NFL this season with 1,515 yards rushing and was first with 20 touchdowns. Both statistics set team season records.

Had Foster been able to accomplish this he would still be here. I bet we would have had another playoff year as well. Sort of glad he didn't thought. I like Stewart better.

[Jangler]

I just can't believe one damned reporter for the AP didn't vote for DWill for MVP.

Makes you freakin' wonder...

[2jakefansinva]

What makes your wonder is......3 votes for James Harrison w/ the Steelers. I'm still trying to figure out why. Just by glancing at the stats he was like 30th in tackles and 4th in sacks and I believe had a few ints. I guess what put him over the top was.....he was one of the few players to tackle someone for a safety. fuging Joke.

[mmmbeans]

What makes your wonder is......3 votes for James Harrison w/ the Steelers. I'm still trying to figure out why. Just by glancing at the stats he was like 30th in tackles and 4th in sacks and I believe had a few ints. I guess what put him over the top was.....he was one of the few players to tackle someone for a safety. f*cking Joke.

are you serious? 101 tackles, 16 sacks, 7 ff, an int and a safety? what more could he have done?

[flex]

are you serious? 101 tackles, 16 sacks, 7 ff, an int and a safety? what more could he have done?

Rush for over 1500 yds, 20 touch downs while sharing almost half the running play's with his backup.

[Fireball77]

I hope all these nice articles aren't a jinx...when it comes to football I am superstitious to the MAX.

[OneBadassCat]

Ive got a question for you guys. When teams like the panthers have a bye week do coaches typically makes these guys go on lock down and study alot more film? I understand light practices to keep them fresh but at what lengths would fox go to get the panthers a heads up on the next team they face?

[neverlosethefeeling]

Ive got a question for you guys. When teams like the panthers have a bye week do coaches typically makes these guys go on lock down and study alot more film? I understand light practices to keep them fresh but at what lengths would fox go to get the panthers a heads up on the next team they face?

Fox said they'd be preparing for the Vikes, Falcons, and Cards this week, though I believe he meant the coaching staff.

[panthers55]

It should be easy to gameplan for each of them. We have already played each team at least once and have developed a gameplan. This time we can also have the advantage of tweaking the old plan based on what worked and what didn't.

[2jakefansinva]

are you serious? 101 tackles, 16 sacks, 7 ff, an int and a safety? what more could he have done?

Lead his team in tackles. Hey not trying to bash the guy but, didn't lead the league in anything except FF. If he played for the Chiefs or either of the teams in Ohio and had those stats.....he's my MVP.