Just some historical perspective on the linebacker position

[Fiz]

So let's go back to 2002. The Panthers signed a free agent linebacker, and he was maybe the best player on the team. The defense was arguably designed to flow to his position, and he performed.

I'm talking of course about Mark Fields.

After the 2002 season, he was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma and would miss the entire 2003 season.

In 2004, the Panters would stumble out of the gates (due largely to injuries) and would end with a furious charge that fell short due to a miracle play by mike vick and a Jake Game against the New Orleans Saints** in week 17. however, what most people don't remember is the late season charged was spurred by a game against the poo awful 49ers.

Specifically, on one play. An interception by Mark Fields.

It'd taken him nearly half a season to get back in the full swing of things. That play was the first step in a memorable charge to the playoffs that fell just short.

I'm bringing this up because of a similar situation the Panthers now face. Arguably the two best players on defense, Beason and Davis, are coming off of major injuries. Obviously nothing as serious as cancer, but football limiting injuries nonetheless.

I do not think the Panthers will benefit from the contributions of these two players until well into the season. Beason probably blew out his achilles because he rushed himself back last year. Davis, well, not so much. He was injured on a play that would have torn anyone's knee to pieces.

Still, I don't think either will be at full strength until at least after the buy.

Luckily, the Panthers are in good position to weather that storm. they have like a billion nfl starting caliber linebackers.

I predict a second half defensive surge for the Panthers, with the coaches smartly rotating Beason and Davis in and out depending on situations.

If the team performs well in the first half, and can just tread water, the defense will surge in november, and have healthy difference makers heading into the playoffs.

[Jackofalltrades]

Sorry, what did Beason rush himself back from that lead to his Achilles tear?

[tarheelpride]

Sorry, what did Beason rush himself back from that lead to his Achilles tear?

Something with his hammy. Think he strained it pretty good in the preseason or training camp last year. I remember a bit of a debate whether to sit him week 1 last year or not.

[Snake]

Sorry, what did Beason rush himself back from that lead to his Achilles tear?

Achilles Tendinitis I believe was what he had before the tear.

[Jackofalltrades]

For whatever reason I don't remember that.

[Ivan The Awesome]

So if Beason and Davis aren't going to play for much of the year what's the starting lineup looking like?

Anderson-Kuechly-????

[jtnc]

For whatever reason I don't remember that.

Yeah, it was sore. And they ordered a special cleat for him, but it would not be delivered in time for the game. But Beason played anyway without the special boot.

[jtnc]

So if Beason and Davis aren't going to play for much of the year what's the starting lineup looking like?

Anderson-Kuechly-????

He never said they wouldn't play, he pretty much said we won't see a impact out of them till they get into the swing of things. And their bodies adjust to the game again.

[frash.exe]

He had tendonitis in his achilles last summer, had a minor procedure done before the season began and then blew it out in the opener.

http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/nfl/4192/jon-beason

...It used to be an achilles tear was basically career-ending, however today any player as fit as Beason can come back strong. But it's still one of the most devastating injuries in a football sense and it still takes more than a year before you can even get back to playing speed, let alone back to prior form. I don't know if we'll see the old Beason at any point this season and I'm sure he won't look anything like his former self until at least around midpoint. At least we've got Luke to contribute at the LB position.

[Tarheels23]

He actually had surgery 2 weeks before the season started to have a screw inserted to alleviate Achilles tendinitis.

The Achilles was going to go whether he came back on week 1 or week 6, so him coming back to soon had nothing to do with his Achilles tearing.

[rubberpantz]

Achilles Tendinitis I believe was what he had before the tear.

didn't he actually have screws placed in his heel in the off season to help with the tendinitis?

[Jackofalltrades]

Well, I was pretty high after major surgery last summer and early fall, who knows what else I might have missed.

[panthersphan]

So if Beason and Davis aren't going to play for much of the year what's the starting lineup looking like?

Anderson-Kuechly-????

Probably Jason Williams

[CRA]

I remember that 49er season changing game. Fox made a halftime adjustment. It stood out since they were so rare....got aggressive on D. Started to blitz heavily. Was a nice moment. He kept that mindset to finish that season