Emergence of a man named Ealy

[TheRumGone]

There were 4 preseason games--are we going to pick the ones we want to prove that he was not erratic?. Regardless, 2 preseason games does not establish any player.

no doubt but some of yall have to realize those first two games are for getting back into football shape more than anything. 

You can't replicate game intensity at practice. 

[MHS831]

Kony Ealy is the most improved player on the team from last year.

 

We have had the rotation at RDE since Hardy left, and if Ealy is able to command the position himself then our defense will have improved.

Looks like G-man's still doesnt have a bad draft pick yet. 

Yep.  "If" being the operative word here.  I hope it becomes "when " or "now that" very quickly.  Improvement is subjective, hard to gauge vs. a variety of talent.  He is showing signs of emerging, I will give him that.  Hope we all think so in a few weeks.

[Clicheking]

He better break out because I'm scared of Johnson starting off slow again. He is in a similar situtation like last year, hurt with few few practice/reps going into the season.

[MHS831]

He better break out because I'm scared of Johnson starting off slow again. He is in a similar situtation like last year, hurt with few few practice/reps going into the season.

good point. We need balance at DE to keep the offense from loading CJ's side with blocking and running left.

[BigBoss]

We'll see. I'm not totally convinced, but I believe something IS there.

[MHS831]

This is what Mike Rucker said about Ealy in today's Observer:

Rucker, who knows a thing or two about the position, made a case for Ealy.

“He needs to take that step. He needs to understand the responsibility of being that total package and having teammates counting on him, and him ready to spring out of the box and be consistent,” Rucker said. “I think he’s shown flashes. If he’s consistent, he can hold that right side down.”

He did not say, "He has taken that step."  He said, "IF he is consistent..." Not "now that he is consistent...." 

Again, fingers crossed, but a preseason game or two does not mean much, in the grand scheme of the defense.
 

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article33744972.html#storylink=cpy

[CPF4LIFE]

How does Greg Hardy having a child have any significance with the topic of this thread??

[Daddy_Uncle]

He better produce this year, or we will be looking to replace him next year

[scpanther22]

Yep.

Hardy didnt emerge until year 4 IIRC.

Hardy showed flashes pretty early on.

[Blackmagic]

People need to understand that DE's take awhile to be good. Ealy had a better first season than Hardy. The third season is when you really see them put it all together.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I remember telling everyone he'd be okay. It's a pleasant surprise that he's making strides this quickly. It's the NFL norm that DEs take 3+ years to develop.  Took Hardy 3, Johnson 3, expect Peppers. He's a freak of nature. Ealy could have a 9 sack season if our interior linemen don't go down. Minimal sacks I'd say around 6. He could see double digit sacks. He's young,  dedicated, and hungry. 

 

Who was it that wanted to part ways with him? lol man that's hilarious. 

[DaveThePanther2008]

I am optimistic that he'll take that challenge and be the man.  Hopefully he takes that next step and eventually takes Johnson spot. 

I think what will be more important is CJ.  As long as CJ is healthy and can provide the pressure from his side. Ealy will continue to get better and better.