Young, inexperienced Panthers defense playing well (from SI.com)

[Dpantherman]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -The Carolina Panthers can't move the ball and it seems nobody can cleanly field a punt.

Thank goodness for the defense.

No, really. The unit that lost five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers in free agency, saw both starting defensive tackles released, the strongside linebacker cut, the strong safety traded and the weakside linebacker blow out his knee has been the lone bright spot in two preseason games.

"Everyone has gone out there and played well and done their jobs,'' linebacker Jon Beason said Monday. "The key is we're just playing fast and guys aren't making mistakes.''

Despite being handicapped by two interceptions, two fumbled punts and another special teams turnover that had the New York Jets starting four drives in Carolina territory Saturday night, the defense allowed only three field goals and 112 yards in the Jets' 9-3 win.

The Panthers gave up just 225 yards and had six sacks in a 17-12 loss to Baltimore a week earlier.

"You really don't know how good you are until you put yourself against an opponent in a game,'' said defensive end Everette Brown, who had two of Carolina's five sacks against New York. "We know we have to prove ourselves. It's not going to be one of those things where teams lay down just because we show up.''

While the defense added team speed, it lost experience and added guys only die-hard fans would know. When asked if he was surprised at how quickly it's come together, the two-time Pro Bowl pick Beason quickly replied, "Absolutely.''...

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/wires/08/23/2020.ap.fbn.panthers.surprising.defense.1st.ld.writethru.0887/#ixzz0xXRxC9pD

[Ricky Spanish]

would it be considered jumping the gun if i were to pick up the panthers' D in my fantasy league?

[Delhommey]

As long as you don't do it with good skill position players on the board.

[DaCityKats]

no not at all

[Peppers90 NC]

Chuck Amato attended, does anyone know if he had bright blue shoes on or any flags thrown at him?

[Future of the Funchise]

would it be considered jumping the gun if i were to pick up the panthers' D in my fantasy league?

I picked them up in 2 of my leagues. Maybe that's a little ambitious, but I think we are going to be ok this year.

[Panthro]

Pick up their D if special teams has nothing to do with the scoring

[smash_n_dash]

if allowing PR and KR returns for TDs count as negative points then you should stay away from CAR D in fantasy.

[Future of the Funchise]

Pick up their D if special teams has nothing to do with the scoring

good point. i didnt think about that.

[rayzor]

Pick up their D if special teams has nothing to do with the scoring

this.

[therealmjl]

I was able to claim their D off the waivers, I just pray to God that our special teams at least begins to play average.

[Ricky Spanish]

Pick up their D if special teams has nothing to do with the scoring

eww, good point, i'll abstain then.

[PantherFanOne]

I am real impressed with the added team speed on defense because it seems to have canceled out the lost experience.

Like Jon Beason,I was also was surprised at how quickly it's come together.

If we can just get the offense up to par,the Panthers fans may be looking at a big winner this year.

[Planiversal]

I just traded arizona's D (my bench) for carolina's... 14 teams. It's not like it could get any worse, so I'll take the gamble on our ST.