Looking forward on the defensive side of things (LUKE!)

[davos]

So..I'm avoiding shenanigans tn and had a thought about the defense that could generate some discussion (well hopefully).  

Luke freaking Kuechly is on pace to surpass Jon Beason's CAREER numbers in tackles this season.  Also, he's still only 25.   When he stands out in a game (which seems to be so freaking much of the time), he commands, leads, and is just so freaking in his zone.  It's hard to desribe but the guy is on another level.

So, TD is unfortunately in his twilight but Shaq looks awesome.  Now giving the rest of this defense a look and our recent track record with retaining guys, I can't say who I'm sure will be here in 3-4 years outside of those two minus the rookies (It's way early with the rookies so let's give them a pass in here).

What I'm getting at: We're in position to retain a stellar LB core but we NEED to build the secondary and DL (most pressing).  CBs go in and out so we have to  be realistic and think 2 or just 1 of them will stick.  

Overall--I think it would be wise to see if this squad can turn it around and start looking like a competent D this year rather than making any rash decisions.  

In light of this--My question:

If you had to pick ONE defensive position to add a certified stud; a guy who can inspire, lead, give us an edginess, what would it be?  

For me, I want a talented DL like no other but I feel a commander at SS would be HUGE for us and should be priority #1 moving forward.  I love Coleman but he's a center-fielder.  DE is a position that a silent but deadly guy can excel.  You don't see a ton of diva types on defensive lines.      

I dunno but let's discuss what we think should be our defensive priorities moving forward.  

[motocross_cat]

I would go DE man.  A 2004 ish julius peppers would drastically change everything more than say a brian dawkins.

if julius had any of lukes desire he would have been the best ever and its not close.  Maybe the best athlete i watched play.

[davos]

32 minutes ago, motocross_cat said:

I would go DE man.  A 2004 ish julius peppers would drastically change everything more than say a brian dawkins.

if julius had any of lukes desire he would have been the best ever and its not close.  Maybe the best athlete i watched play.

The thing is, those guys are so hard to come by.  A Watt, Strahan, Peppers, etc.  

Kind of OT but Peppers will go into the top-5 ALL TIME this year surpassing Kelly's cohost.  That really hasn't been publicized much, even in GB.  Not to mention, if he has 1 more year after this, could end up 3 behind only 2 guys...Smith & White.  

This past year, I really wanted Judon but it seems the 4-3 style DEs are slim pickems as of late and 3-4 teams are even trying hybrid types that you would think could be better fits in a system like ours (I.E.-Preston Smith, Judon, etc.)

We've been missing such a crucial element dating all the way back to the Minter/Grant days IMO and I would love to find us in a similar secondary situation again.     

[LinvilleGorge]

DE for sure. 

[motocross_cat]

Dont get me wrong, a minter, even chris harris type would be great.  I just feel DE could have a bigger immediate impact off the bat.  A back end enforcement type guy would be great also.

[panthers55]

I hate the idea we can't retain multiple guys. Our defense needs stud safeties and great D linemen. I hope this season shows Gettleman he error of his ways and he starts retaining more of our core given they aren't interchangeable chess pieces like he thinks they are.

Sent from my XT1254 using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

[Krovvy]

12 minutes ago, Promethean Forerunner said:

Norman was never a core player. If he was, he'd still be here. DBs aren't valued in Carolina. As long as we don't let Kuechly, Shaq, Star and Short go, I'm fine with the others walking. Bradberry might be a special case since he's young and humble.

You're basically saying you're fine with the Panther's having one of the weakest defenses in team history.

[davos]

29 minutes ago, Promethean Forerunner said:

Norman was never a core player. If he was, he'd still be here. DBs aren't valued in Carolina. As long as we don't let Kuechly, Shaq, Star and Short go, I'm fine with the others walking. Bradberry might be a special case since he's young and humble.

Excuse the double negative but I wouldn't say they aren't valued.  I felt we had Gamble+Lucas as a strong combo for a bit.  Eric Davis, Norman.  Also, people gave Cousin and Howard a lot of crap, but they look pretty damn good in retrospect.  To this day, I think Reggie Howard is one of the most overlooked Panthers of all time.    

This is the only point of the season I will look this far but I'm just saying...Jabrill could be a huge piece of the puzzle

[t96]

3 minutes ago, davos said:

I wouldn't say they aren't valued.  I felt we had Gamble+Lucas as a strong combo for a bit.  Eric Davis, Norman.  Also, people gave Cousin and Howard a lot of crap, but they look pretty damn good in retrospect.  To this day, I think Reggie Howard is one of the most overlooked Panthers of all time.    

DG got rid of Gamble pretty quickly.

[davos]

2 minutes ago, thomas96 said:

DG got rid of Gamble pretty quickly.

That has nothing to do with the point.  Especially given the stage he was at in his career.  

[MechaZain]

Norman was never a core player. If he was, he'd still be here. DBs aren't valued in Carolina. As long as we don't let Kuechly, Shaq, Star and Short go, I'm fine with the others walking. Bradberry might be a special case since he's young and humble.

This is is hilarious considering our record and scramble to find another CB


Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle