Panthers Stand Test of Time

Last year’s 7-9 run was an embarrassing defeat for the Panthers, but the fresh Carolina team has switched up their defense to give much more hope to this football season. Why the shifts in players and change in dynamic? One big reason is Kris Jenkins, who was traded to the New York Jets in the offseason following disagreements with his contract, letting the Panthers pick up the Jets’ third and fifth round draft picks. Jenkins wasn’t the Panthers’ only defensive changeup, however. Defensive end Julius Peppers switched from left to right, with the new Panther Tyler Brayton at defensive end to replace Mike Rucker.

So how will this reconstructed Carolina team stack up? Sunday’s opener against the San Diego Chargers will tell. San Diego’s relentless offensive team of all-stars LaDanian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates will give the Panthers plenty to worry about, as Tomlinson’s 1,474 rushing yards last year and Rivers’ 3,152 yards of passing will be a definite obstacle for Carolina if they haven’t perfected their defensive strategies yet. We just hope Chris Harris has recovered from that groin injury in time to make his contribution to this defense, as well.

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