A closer look at defensive performance
January 20, 2009
With the news being reported that the Carolina Panthers have offered a contract renewal to Defensive Coordinator Mike Trgovac, I thought it would be helpful to take a closer look at how his defense has performed since taking over the coordinator position in 2003.
Here is the Carolina Panthers Defense, ranked using two different metrics:
Ranking by Yards allowed per Game
2003 – 8th
2004 – 20th
2005 – 3rd
2006 – 7th
2007 – 16th
2008 – 18th
Ranking by Points allowed per Game
2003 – 10th
2004 – 15th
2005 – 5th
2006 – 8th
2007 – 15th
2008 – 12th
The most positive thing here, in terms of the more important points allowed per game ranking, the Carolina Panthers have stayed in the top half of the league Trgovac’s entire tenure. This certainly indicated some level of success, and the Panthers front office most certainly recognized it.
The bad news? The Panthers have had relatively healthy defensive seasons now over the last two years, but still manages some of their worst performances. If the same coaching staff was in place, and the team was healthy, why would that be? I would wager it boils down to a lack of leadership. Heavy turnover occurred in the losses of Minter, Morgan, Rucker, and Buckner. In losing those players, the defense also lost its swagger, its confidence. Jerry Richardson made a mistake in calling on Julius Peppers to be a team leader. Peppers is not and never will be a leader, his personality make up has foot soldier burnt into it. The coaching staff cannot be on the field with the defense during the plays. Leadership from the core group of players is as mandatory for a successful franchise as any other facet of the game.
The good news is this, Jon Beason and Chris Harris have begun to fill the void. I believe with stronger on field leadership alone, the Panthers defense will be propelled back in to top 10 form in 2009.
Defensive Line coach heads to Alabama
January 20, 2009
As news of the Julius Peppers departure lingers, the man that has been his positions coach for 6 seasons is also leaving.
Sal Sunseri has reportedly accepted a coaching position at The University of Alabama under Nick Saban.
Sunseri was always an exciting character in Training camp. Ever energetic, you could always count on Sal for colorful language being yelled at rookie and veteran alike. From summer school to the post season, Sal brought a strong presence to the defense. He clearly was passionate about his job in Carolina, which begs the question, why leave now?
This news only adds to the speculation that defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac is on the hot seat. If Sunseri felt that Trgovac’s position is in question, he would realize that his own position is also not assured next season. Many times new defensive coordinators prefer to bring in their own staff to implement their own defense. This could be the reason the Panthers for the first time under John Fox have advised the coaching staff to consider other options that may come their way.
Currently the coaching staff is attending their annual Senior Bowl outing, so don’t expect any big news this week. I suspect by this time next week, the Panthers coaching staff could look much different.
