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My excitement thermometer is about to bust.

Ivan The Awesome

By Ivan The Awesome,
in Carolina Panthers

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Ivan The Awesome Mentor

Ivan The Awesome

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I'm really excited to see the Defense more than the Offense. I would suppose that it's because we all know what to expect from the Offense-High Octane insane scoring. The Defense, even with all the question marks, has me very excited to see them. The competition in the secondary with all the new parts being infused via the draft and free agency. Haruki Nakamura being one of the prime suspects, Josh Norman and his confidence. Of course he needs to be on the field and work hard. He's not arrived yet, but with guidance and dedication I believe he can become that #2 that's been badly needed in that secondary.

Then there's the Line backing corp that is amazing with the addition of Stud LB Luke Kuechly. Which to me, will more than likely be the kryptonite to Jimmy Graham and any other TE that faces him. He's big enough, strong enough, Fast enough to keep up with any of these TE's in this division. What's the icing on the cake is that his football IQ is out of this world. Jon Beason ascension from the very depths of hell to be reborn. Every Panther fan should know what he's capable of, everyone in the league knows who Jon Beason is and what he's capable of. Thomas Davis is another feel good story even if he doesn't come back full force. Anything you can get from this man is a plus in my opinion. Some say that he's the same as Otah. "He never plays", non sense. Davis determination and drive are more than enough. He will be on that field and if we see a fraction of the TD we all know and love. This defense is going to be dominating. James Anderson, the unsung hero. The guy that does his job every year and some seem to think he's just another guy. I have more respect for this man. He's taken the reigns so to speak and driven this carcass of what we call a defense. To his credit, his services have been short of phenomenal. Your corp is only as good as it's back ups. I have peace of mind knowing that Anderson can come in and take over if needed.

..now the defensive line. Probably the most perplexing part of the defense. Other than Charles Johnson, everyone else is unknown. Hardy has been consistently average, but is primed to make some noise. Frank Alexander is the prototypical DE. I realize he's a rookie, yet there is plenty to be excited about. I've heard good things about him at camp. Getting preseason snaps will only make him better. Thomas Kieser is a dark horse in this. His numbers were Hardy-esque, he has a great motor which could very well make him stand out this season. Antwan Applewhite also had multiple sacks last season. He's another rotational guy. This will more than likely be a pass rush by committee, unless one of the previous mentioned players emerges to become the bookend of CJ.

Lets take a look at the inside of the line. Probably the most scrutinized and critiqued of places in this whole line. I share the concern most of us have. It seems Rivera is relying a lot on the return of Ron Edwards. By the video I've seen of him and the chats people have about him on radio and video, he's a force in that line. He commands double teams and opens up opportunities for other players to come in and produce a sack, force a fumble or tackle for yard loss. I'm sincerely hoping his recent injury isn't serious. We as fans don't know what to expect from him. Not with this unit. He was average with KC from what I've seen and read but he did his job which was generate double teams. Even if Edwards goes down again, god forbid of course. I have confidence in the other DT's that ready to take over. The pair of 3rd rounders that have been polarizing are now two years in to the system and have had a full off season. Frank Kearse, Terrel McClain, Sione Fua have much to prove and yet this is the only area that I'm concerned about.

The rest of the team, all the other facets of it. I'm not concerned with. The offense with Cam under center will just be potent. The Special Teams has been revamped and every position is being competed for.

Ladies and gentlemen. The time to Temper your enthusiasm has come and gone. It's time to back this team with everything. Buckle up for this ride that will be a memorable one. It's in the air, electric, infectious. I'm ready for it and I will be damned if I don't make noise each and every Sunday (Thursday too) where I live for everyone to hear my support for this team.

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