Line Depth Could Be Tested Early on Panthers' Defense......

[AKPantherFan]

The Carolina Panthers have one backup defensive tackle with NFL experience, and he (Nick Hayden) has played in only two games with three career tackles.

As a result, the Panthers appear dangerously thin behind starters Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatui in a position group essential to stopping opponents from running the football.

Much like in boxing, one of the most effective ways to debilitate a defense in football is by attacking its midsection _ something Carolina opponents likely will try often this season.

In the first four games, the Panthers will face aggressive offenses with dangerous running backs _ Philadelphia (Brian Westbrook), Atlanta (Michael Turner), Dallas (Marion Barber and Felix Jones ), and Washington (Clinton Portis ).

This potential problem is even more glaring for Carolina than its lack of experienced offensive line depth, which we examined Wednesday.

While there rarely are substitutions on the offensive line without injuries, defensive linemen rotate frequently. It's helpful to have veteran backups like Darwin Walker, who filled that role for Carolina last season when he appeared in 10 games.

But even with Walker, the Panthers discovered how vulnerable they were without Kemoeatu and/or Lewis late last season. After the defense went 14 games without a missed start, Kemoeatu was unable to play Dec. 21 against the New York Giants, and Kemoeatu and Lewis had to sit out the regular-season finale at New Orleans.

The impact of their absences was minimal against a Saints team planning to pass, but not so the previous week against New York.

The Giants, the NFL's top rushing team, ran for 301 yards against the Panthers, the most Carolina has allowed in team history. New York had four of the 10 rushing plays of more than 20 yards the Panthers allowed all season.

During those final two weeks, the Panthers fell from 10th in the NFL in total defense to 18th.

Their No. 20 final ranking vs. the run was the worst in John Fox's seven seasons as coach.

The absence of experienced line depth can be traced at least in part to the $18 million defensive end Julius Peppers is counting against the salary cap, plus the new contracts given to other key veterans such as left tackle Jordan Gross, cornerback Chris Gamble, quarterback Jake Delhomme and kicker John Kasay.

Perhaps more than ever, the Panthers roster is weighted with "haves" and "have nots" in regard to salaries.

While it's possible _ perhaps likely _ Carolina will add a veteran defensive tackle before the regular season, it's not planning any additions before camp.

Hayden was a 2008 sixth -round pick. Team officials think he has the potential to be a steady backup, but he must prove it.

more.......

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/133547537

[WilkinsonDonnie]

we have better depth at DT at least this year. Im not concerned about DE's at all.

[MadHatter]

The article was correct that Giants ran for 301 yards....however, it did not mention that both starting DT's were out that game.