On Defense, the Offense is key in 2010

[mountainpantherfan]

No matter what side of the fence you are on one thing is undeniable; the defensive line is very young, inexperienced and in many way less talented. They won't have vetern like Peppers, Kemo, Brayton and Lewis backing them up much less starting infront of them. But the players on left on the defensive line or the players that have left won't be as big of a factor as the offense will be in determining the level of play the defense as a whole can strive to in 2010.

Ron Meeks brings a style of Tampa/Cover 2 that really is different in many ways than what other teams run. Meeks' defenses have been known to produce at the highest level when they are able to "pin their ears back" (I actually hate that term but oh well) and play more freely and with the ability to take more risks. And this style of play usually comes from the offense being able to score often and score a lot.

Many of the younger players being asked to step up on defense are an ideal fit for this type of defense. With all of that youthful poteniel, players like Brown and Irvin will be given more freedom to just go after the QB, something that seems to be very natural and talented at doing.

The biggest concern will be the offense giving that type of production that will allow the defense to play in this manner. When the defense fears that any and every miscue could be the one play that leads to a lose, the younger players will play tight and start over-thinking. But if the defense has the confidence that no matter what happens on defense, the offense can turn around and march down the field then these younger players will be able to play more lose and let their natural abilities take over; resulting in better play and more turnovers.

[panthers55]

The cover 2 only works when there is pressure up front. Meek's system depends on it. Much of our success at the end of 2009 was due to the defense creating turnovers and limiting the other team's offense so Moore wasn't pressured to do more than he was capable of. Tampa Bay comes to mind. I wonder what will happen when the offense is under pressure to score and essentially win a shoot-out. Even the best offense in 2008 (the Saints) only finished 8-8 without a stout defense. And as promising as Moore is, he still isn't Drew Brees.

[mountainpantherfan]

The cover 2 only works when there is pressure up front. Meek's system depends on it. Much of our success at the end of 2009 was due to the defense creating turnovers and limiting the other team's offense so Moore wasn't pressured to do more than he was capable of. Tampa Bay comes to mind. I wonder what will happen when the offense is under pressure to score and essentially win a shoot-out. Even the best offense in 2008 (the Saints) only finished 8-8 without a stout defense. And as promising as Moore is, he still isn't Drew Brees.

Exactly, and the time that Meeks pressure from the front 4 is at its best is when the offense is able to allow them to be more aggressive. The 2nd half of the Vikings game and the Giants game last year come to mind of how the defense was able to generate more pressure as the offense was able to march down the field and score points. Even the Arizona game with Jake starting had that same feel to it.

[Big Ed]

Do Panthers need to trade for Peyton ?

Moore will do fine in his starting roll.

The defense played better last season when Moore started B/C they had a chance to rest .

Jake was not running the 3 and out offense

I see the D -Line being better this season

Last season Peppers played ever now and then

D/T's were a revolving door due to injuries

Brayton was the only solid player all season

[Rags]

I see the D -Line being better this season

Wouldn't say that.

[Cyberjag]

I see the D -Line being better this season

Um... let's be reasonable. I think that our linebackers and secondary will be great and the overall defense will be fine, but a weak link's a weak link.