Anyone worried about the DTs?

[Swaggasaurus]

McClain looks all pro going against tackling dummies. So far in his career he looks pedestrian when somebody put their hands on him. I believe that will change.

[CatMan72]

Is anyone not worried about the DT's?

[stirs]

Only if I quit drinking cold turkey

[panthers55]

I don't understand the worry as long as Edwards, Johnson and Hardy stay healthy. It means we have a number of guys to fill one position at the 3 technique. From the tweets at camp, McClain is doing fine. I am looking forward to watching the backups to see who ends up making the team.

[CRA]

I don't understand the worry as long as Edwards, Johnson and Hardy stay healthy. It means we have a number of guys to fill one position at the 3 technique. From the tweets at camp, McClain is doing fine. I am looking forward to watching the backups to see who ends up making the team.

Edwards has never played a down yet...and is an aging DT coming off a season of not playing. It is a legit question about how good and for how long he can go.

Hardy needs to be less one dimensional and we need to see what this unrequested weight does in regards to his pass rushing.

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

I am more worried about our DT's than anything else this season. Without a question, the group that took the field last season was a sad excuse for NFL players. It was the lack of presence at this position that was the epicenter of all of our defensive issues last season!

Of all the issues I hope to see addressed, I hope we bring in another DT before the season.

All these people resting the hopes and dreams of the D-line on Edwards are mistaken. The man was not THAT good before he missed a season.

I really hope the rookies prove me wrong with an amazing preseason. The only bright spot in the group, Neblett, is going to miss the first 4 games. I hope we are able to steal a FA when teams cut to final roster.

I love the Panthers, and hate to badmouth anyone on our team, but if an entire position is failing your team, you have to say something about it.

[davos]

I'm not really worried but moderately optimistic with a heavy dose of being cautious simply because its everyone from last year plus Alexander. There could be some guys like Hardy who really step it up but that's what we got to wait and see happen. We're 1 starter injury from being last year on the line overall.

Now for DTs in particular I've said this before and will say it again, McClain was the new regime's 2nd guy after Newton. I think there's some pressure on his development and I'm anxious to see how he's doing. He'll be a vital component to creating a strong unit.

[Marguide]

The only one I have heard absolutely nothing about, positive or negative, is Fua. That's probably not a good thing.

Like others, I feel we should be okay as long as Edwards stays healthy. After week 4, we should be okay with the Nebbs and McClain rotating at 3.

We're not going to be great, but for now I'd settle for average.

[Icege]

I expect them to be better, but I'd like to see the results of the offseason. Despite what a lot of the more pessimistic posters might believe, I think Ron Edwards will provide a lot of help at NT. The Chiefs have been disappointed that 1st round pick Poe is not beating out an undrafted free agent in their 2nd season, which tells me at least that Edwards did a better job than some might believe.

I was hoping to see Neblett lined up next to Edwards, but with that 4 game suspension I would think that they'd either cut him or start one of the other guys in his place until his suspension is up. McClain and Fua I still don't think are ready to be starter calibre, but this is based off of what I saw last season and have been reading this offseason. Hardy and Johnson I've been comfortable with from day 1.

I suppose I'm one of the few actual realists... Acceptable levels of improvement will eventually lead to the desired W's, and failure provides the learning necessary for success. I just hope that we've done enough failing since Delhomme's last game to have learned enough :lol:

[panthers55]

Edwards has never played a down yet...and is an aging DT coming off a season of not playing. It is a legit question about how good and for how long he can go.

Hardy needs to be less one dimensional and we need to see what this unrequested weight does in regards to his pass rushing.

You worry too much. Edwards is a proven veteran who has done very well in camp and has a history of being solid for a decade. Likely the year off will extend his career a few years.

Hardy has bulked up to be solid against the run and has reportedly kept his speed and athletic ability. I really think he is going to have a breakout year.

All this negativism is really premature. I guess some think it is better to predict bad things and then if you are wrong you can be excited but if things suck then you can act all knowing.

I personally will stay optimistic until I have reason to think otherwise.

I think we will be able to find at least 1 solid guy to play the 3 technique.

[Leeroy Jenkins PhD]

Edwards is 33 years old. Just saying

[Marguide]

As to the idea we are going to cut Neblett, the only reason would be poor performance in camp. I don't see that happening unless they bring someone else in.

If they were going to do it for the suspension, he'd already be gone.

I expect to see a lot of him in 12 games (plus the post-season of course) this year.

[TheRed]

Wait, I thought we had THE Ron Edwards. What's to worry about bros?

[panthers55]

Edwards is 33 years old. Just saying

I seem to remember Hollis Thomas a few years ago coming off a serious injury and was 35 at the time. He came in and was solid for us in 2009. Again last year off was likely good to help Edwards heal up totally and recuperate from all the wear and tear over the years. I expect him to be very solid.

Just sayin......................