Carolina Panthers: Defensive line remains quite threatening
The Carolina Panthers have put together one of the most threatening defensive lines in the league that should cause havoc in 2018.
There’s the idea that bulletin board fodder is a place where motivation is posted for professional teams. These bulletin boards are filled with clippings and headlines detracting from the team, meant to incite the players to perform at a higher rate. This week, NFL.com may have offered some bulletin board fodder for the Carolina Panthers’ defensive line.
Gregg Rosenthal wrote an interesting piece about the top eight defensive lines in the NFL today. The Panthers were not on that list, regardless of what past performance has shown.
Rosenthal’s listing included some very capable teams that have shown that their defensive front units are a formidable opponent for offenses to face. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texas, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars round out the group that he picked as the top lines in the league.
The list was put together based on the writer’s idea as to which group he’d like to step onto the field with. Even still, one must wonder whether or not the Panthers should have been on this list or at least an honorable mention.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
But looking at the Panthers, it’s hard to ignore the talent that is on this roster. First and foremost, there are two Pro Bowlers in this unit with Dontari Poe and Kawann Short playing side by side. Panthers fans are familiar with what Short has been able to do in his five years playing in the NFL. He’s been a standout for this team and is expected to continue his high level play in the 2018 season.
Poe is coming to the Panthers via a three-year deal worth $27 million dollars, after spending one year with the Atlanta Falcons and the preceding five with the Kansas City Chiefs. While his recent numbers do not jump off of the page, he made the Pro Bowl back in 2013 and 2014, showing that he can produce in a system with adequate support.
Then there’s the returning Julius Peppers, who at 38 years old, was convinced to not retire and come back for one more year. Peppers returning to Carolina last year after leaving at the end of the 2009 season. Back in his original jersey, Peppers would earn 11 sacks; surprising many that thought his time of such production was over. Carolina signed him to a one year deal and his presence is going to open up opportunities for others on the defensive line because he cannot be ignored.
You also have to factor in Mario Addison. For the last four seasons, Addison has been one of the top players on the defensive line. Even though he’s never earned the distinction of becoming a Pro Bowler, his production rivals that of nearly any other person with that award.
Next: NFL 2018: Each team's biggest celebrity fan
At the end of the day the Panthers can have a front four that includes Addison, Peppers, Short and Poe. Those four men are an immediate threat to any opposing offense looking to move the ball down the field. While Rosenthal’s NFL.com piece may have incited a feeling of disrespect amongst the group; if it gets these guys to play at a higher level than they’ve already shown — then Panthers fans should be thankful for the slight.