The Cardinals' defensive line

[Cyberjag]

Meet the Cardinals' defensive line:

Antonio Smith, 5th round pick in the 2004 draft.

Bryan Robinson, undrafted free agent in 1997.

Darnell Dockett, 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft.

Travis LaBoy, 2nd round pick in the 2004 draft.

No pro-bowlers, no first round draft picks, no superstars. But, an effective unit nonetheless.

I know some people will use this as an excuse to bash the coaching staff, but the fact is a lot of good lines out there aren't packed with stars. We don't need Peppers to be effective, and we're going to be just fine on defense next year.

[charlottenian]

well said.... the sky is not falling that a prima dona no longer wants to be here

[Ncstatefan]

Ok.....

[stankowalski]

Meet the Cardinals' defensive line:

Antonio Smith, 5th round pick in the 2004 draft.

Bryan Robinson, undrafted free agent in 1997.

Darnell Dockett, 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft.

Travis LaBoy, 2nd round pick in the 2004 draft.

No pro-bowlers, no first round draft picks, no superstars. But, an effective unit nonetheless.

I know some people will use this as an excuse to bash the coaching staff, but the fact is a lot of good lines out there aren't packed with stars. We don't need Peppers to be effective, and we're going to be just fine on defense next year.

We're not going to be "just fine". We weren't even "just fine" this year. We're going to be even worse if we have the same defensive coaches next year. Some of you people make it sound like there is some magical ingredient out there that we've just acquired that will make our defense even better with lesser players. Not going to happen.

[Wolfcop]

The Cards also gave up about 400 yards to the Eagles.

[Zaximus]

Their D coordinator = skilled, ours = sucks. There ya go.

[Cyberjag]

I know some people will use this as an excuse to bash the coaching staff

We're not going to be "just fine". We weren't even "just fine" this year. We're going to be even worse if we have the same defensive coaches next year. Some of you people make it sound like there is some magical ingredient out there that we've just acquired that will make our defense even better with lesser players. Not going to happen.

Their D coordinator = skilled, ours = sucks. There ya go.

Wow, it's like I'm psychic or something!

[stankowalski]

Wow, it's like I'm psychic or something!

Seriously, I'd like to hear a logical argument on how our defense is going to be better next year losing Peppers and keeping the same defensive staff. I haven't heard one yet.

[Cyberjag]

Seriously, I'd like to hear a logical argument on how our defense is going to be better next year losing Peppers and keeping the same defensive staff. I haven't heard one yet.

Well for starters, there's free agency and the draft. The staff will likely change the scheme to focus more on our linebackers. Godfrey will have a year in the system. The current staff has been very good in the past.

If you think our defensive successes before this year were dependent on Peppers, then there is no logical reason to think they will improve. If you think it's been a team effort, then history suggests a big improvement.

[Russell]

We're not going to be "just fine". We weren't even "just fine" this year. We're going to be even worse if we have the same defensive coaches next year. Some of you people make it sound like there is some magical ingredient out there that we've just acquired that will make our defense even better with lesser players. Not going to happen.

What he said.

It does seem people have this notion that out of thin air the Panthers will turn good over night.

It's simple; we change the scheme the defense will be better. If not, expect another sub par season..ON DEFENSE.

[tight lines]

Seriously, I'd like to hear a logical argument on how our defense is going to be better next year losing Peppers and keeping the same defensive staff. I haven't heard one yet.

I may be wrong but I would assume that they will be aquiring some players to replace some of the players that didn't perform well, or in JP's case are leaving. I am not psychic so I can't tell you for sure what players or how it will work out, but judging by past performance there is a decent chance it will.

Now if they don't replace JP and play with 10 men on defense we could be in serious trouble.

[chbright]

i wanted dockett when he came out something terrible. i hope we can get a de out of a trade of pep (everette brown or m. johnson please).

[stankowalski]

Well for starters, there's free agency and the draft. The staff will likely change the scheme to focus more on our linebackers. Godfrey will have a year in the system. The current staff has been very good in the past.

If you think our defensive successes before this year were dependent on Peppers, then there is no logical reason to think they will improve. If you think it's been a team effort, then history suggests a big improvement.

I think our success on defense is very dependent on Peppers. Do we not rely on the front four to get pressure? Is he not the career sacks leader in Carolina? Is he not the only defensive lineman to average more than 10 sacks a year?

[Fox007]

GJ on countering yourself in your own post.

You just showed us how a good coaching staff can put together an effective unit, by developing their players, regardless of their position in the draft or FA.

How that pertains to us I have no idea....