the past gives us reason to be optimistic about the 2009 defensive line

[panthers55]

The O line in 2007 was not in shambles but they surely could have been better. Wharton was a good tackle but is a better guard. Gross was never going to hit the free agent market after being franchised in 2007. It was simple a matter of whether to franchise him again or get a deal done and franchise Peppers.

Hartwig was hurt off and on during the year so he wasn't a factor and actually even though Kalil struggled at guard the first few games, he did a good job at center at the end of the season. We let Hartwig go because Kalil had improved so much.

As for Vincent, he was very good when he played but was hurt throughout his career. We brought in guys who needed second chances like Fonoti but they surely weren't bums.

As for the D line it isn't in shambles. Our depth at DT is by our own design. We didn't resign Gibbs or most of the backups last year preferring to sign other guys from other practice squads and our own guys like Hayden. We have 10 DTs on the roster right now and will keep 4 or 5. Don't know we need to sign anyone else. Lewis and Kemo are more than adequate as starters in Meeks scheme.

DE is good as well with at least 4 or 5 guys likely to make the roster. Right now we have 5 on the roster.

We are not in panic mode and have who we want for the most part. We won't be adding a boatload of folks or rolling the dice as you suggest. We may add one or two guys if the right ones come along at the right price or if we sign Peppers longterm and have significant cap relief but I don't think things will change that much IMHO.

[rayzor]

hartman = hartwig?

[panthers55]

hartman = hartwig?

SHHHHHHH. A senior moment:D

[rayzor]

it happens.

[OneBadassCat]

I think defensively, we are strong all around. But we are 1 premier DT away from domination. I think we can get away with what we have at DT this year especially with the new scheme, but next year the one of the 1st picks have to be DT. Kemo is awesome, Lewis belongs in a back up role but who knows how well he could do under Meeks. Irvin should be able to help the rotation. We are great at DE though, great at LB, great at SS, good at FS, and potentially great at CB.

[southcakalac]

also this thread has bonus footage of jangler

:rofl::rofl:

[Baschski]

Why wasn't it the right move to pick up Otah?

[rayzor]

Why wasn't it the right move to pick up Otah?

you don't really want to get into that...you really don't.

[Smith=God]

Our line is going to be good. We have Charles Johnson who had 6 sacks last year rotating with Brayton fighting for the starting spot, Everette Brown great steal in the second round. A motivated Peppers wanting more $$$ = more sacks and we have a healthy Maake.

[Fiz]

Why wasn't it the right move to pick up Otah?

hindsight they should have taken otah first then drafted forte in the 2nd

[N1kkadeemuz]

Our line is going to be good. We have Charles Johnson who had 6 sacks last year rotating with Brayton fighting for the starting spot, Everette Brown great steal in the second round. A motivated Peppers wanting more $$$ = more sacks and we have a healthy Maake.

It does worry me though that if Kemo goes out the d-line will suffer greatly.

[OneBadassCat]

hindsight they should have taken otah first then drafted forte in the 2nd

Stewart > Forte

[mantal]

Stewart > Forte

Not much question about that. What most don't realize is the Panthers surgeon actually did the surgery on Stewart's toe, so the Panthers knew exactly what the condition of the foot was where nobody else did. Good pick, IMO...

[Jangler]

Will Forte from SNL?