Slightly new perspective on CJ vs Peppers

[JawnyBlaze]

Found this website linked from catscratchreader, some interesting info and opinions there - http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/02/21/your-guide-to-free-agency-the-nfc-south/

Please Don’t Go: Question: Who was a better player, 2009 Julius Peppers or 2010 Charles Johnson? It was Johnson and it’s not even close. That’s not even a criticism of Peppers as much as an indication of how superb Johnson (who led all defensive ends in QB disruptions and defensive stops) was. You ideally want to get him locked down as well Ryan Kalil but Carolina definitely can’t let another franchise pass rusher get away.

[Peppers90 NC]

I agree with the last sentence, but not the sentence following the question. Then again, I'm not a stat nerd either.

[SorthNarolina]

Johnson will never match the versitility of Peppers or his dynamic play making ability. But in terms of just your standard DE he did look very good.

[LinvilleGorge]

I agree that we need to lock up CJ. Our DL is pretty damn weak right now. He's the only stand out player in the unit. Our DTs are the NFL equivalent of thrift store pick ups and our other DEs are young and promising, but that promise hasn't produced a whole lot on the field yet. Gotta hang onto CJ or our DL is likely to be in truly sad ass shape.

[JawnyBlaze]

Yup. While I believe Hardy will follow a similar career path as Johnson, maybe even accelerated a bit, Johnson really is our only proven talent on the D-line. I have complete faith Johnson will be resigned.

[Catalyst]

I don't think there's much of a chance that we don't re-sign him. Hurney isn't an idiot; Johnson is a young pass rusher just coming into his prime on a team that prides itself on youthful talent. He will be re-signed.

[CatMan72]

Peppers is more versatile and Johnson doesn't take plays (games) off... which would you prefer?

[RWatson43]

Certainly they both have upsides. Yet with the Ego of peppers you want to go with Johnson every week/every down. Peppers maybe a better athlete, but Johnson certainly proved his worth. His next season will be a deciding factor in this overall comparison. Now that he has shown his abilities and the opposing DC will account for him. Should be interesting to watch for sure.

[pantherclaw]

Peppers is more of a game changer.