A Few Stats after 3

Mike Rucker leads the NFL in sacks (5) and forced fumbles (3)

Deon Grant leads the NFL in int's (3) with Minter tied for second (2)

Peete is 4th in passer rating in the NFC w/ a rating of 93.0

Smith is second in the NFC only two yards behind Jones in rushing yards w/ 298.

Muhammad is 11th in receiving yards (207)and 10th in catches (16) in the NFC


Our overall offense in 6th in the NFC and 14th in the NFL

Our overall defense in 2nd in the NFL and 1st in the NFC

Our defense is second overall in the NFL and 1st in the NFC in sacks (13, half of last years total) and also tied for 1st in the NFL in interceptions with 7.


With all the stats out there, many can still bring up the argument that we haven't played anybody yet, but look at Minnesota's stats before we played them. They were averaging over 400 yards a game, w/ over 150 per game on the ground. They hadn't exactly played sorry defenses in Chicago and Buffalo. I think its time our defense starts getting a little bit of the respect they deserve.

 

That's great about Rucker. Granted, he's getting single blocking, but he always was. He's doing exactly what we need him to do.

Grant - likewise. I mean, it never hurts that he was taking advantage of Moss' laziness in at least one case but he's a playmaker and the ability to get him a freebie only results in the confidence to make more plays.

 

both rucker and peppers should have favorable matchups this weekend as well. i think there pressure will determine the outcome of the game. i'm not convinced that favre can depend on his receivers to be where they need to be right on time. if he is rushed and has to throw the passes anyway, we ought to be able to get a few turnovers. also, if green isn't available to play, these two guys should be able to pin their ears back and get after favre all day long. it'll be interesting to see how this defense continues to progress. i've been very impressed so far.

 

I'm cheating, this is from the Panther's webpage.

"Cat Stats
September 23, 2002

By Brett Borden
Panthers.com

* Carolina is ranked second in the NFL in defense. They are fourth in rushing defense and second in passing defense after three games. The Panthers are ranked first in the NFC in all three categories. They are first defensively in the NFL in percentage of passes intercepted, third down efficiency, kickoff return average, and field goal percentage. They are second in total yards per game, passing net yards per game, passing net yards per play, sacks per pass play, and points per game.

* One similarity between the 2002 and 2001 Panthers is their knack for creating turnovers. Carolina leads the NFC at plus-seven in the take-aways, give-aways department. The Panthers have nine take-aways and are tied with Miami with seven interceptions to lead the NFL. Carolina trails only Philadelphia (11) and New England (10) in take-aways. With just two give-aways, they trail only Miami and Tampa Bay, who plays St. Louis on Monday Night.

Julius Peppers had three sacks versus Detroit, while Mike Rucker added two and then followed with three of his own against Minnesota. Rucker leads the NFL with five sacks. (Getty Images)

* Mike Rucker leads the NFL with five sacks. Julius Peppers is tied for fourth in the NFC with three. The Panthers are tied for second overall in the NFL with 13 sacks. San Diego has 16.

* With his three interceptions Sunday, Deon Grant now leads the NFL with three. Mike Minter is tied for second with two.

* The Panthers lead the NFC in yardage on first downs with 6.37 yards per play. They are ranked third in the NFL, trailing only Kansas City and Cleveland.

* Quarterback Rodney Peete has a 93.0 rating, fifth in the NFC. He is second in average gain per attempt.

* Running back Lamar Smith leads the NFC in rushing touchdowns with four. He is tied with Warrick Dunn of Atlanta for total touchdowns. Dunn has three touchdowns rushing and one receiving.

* Smith is two yards behind Arizona's Thomas Jones for leading rusher honors in the NFC. Jones has 300 yards on 58 carries, while Smith has 298 on 74 carries. Smith's longest run is 26 yards, while Jones has a 58-yard touchdown to his credit.

* Muhsin Muhammad is tied for 10th in the NFC with 16 receptions. Steve Smith is tied for 19th with 13 catches. Meanwhile, Muhammad is tied for 11th with 207 yards receiving and Smith is 14th with 190.

* Todd Sauerbrun is tied for second in the NFC in punts inside the 20 with six. His average of 45.0 ranks fifth in the conference, while his net average of 39.4 ranks third.

* Carolina has produced 55 first downs while surrendering only 40. Opponents have converted only eight of 39 third downs this year, and are 0-for-1 on fourth down.

* The Panthers have outrushed opponents by an average of 53.7 yards per game. They have outgained opponents, rushing and passing, by an average of 119.7 yards per contest.

* The Panthers and their opponents have an identical average drive start on kickoffs of 23.0. That gives Carolina the second best average defensively in the NFC but the worst offensively.

* Lamar Smith leads the NFC in first downs with 18. Smith has gained 14 on the ground and four via receptions.

* Rodney Peete is ranked second in the NFC in fourth quarter passing with a rating of 99.0. He trails only Aaron Brooks of New Orleans (101.4).

* Muhsin Muhammad is tied for fifth in third down receiving with six catches.

* The Panthers are fourth in the NFL in time of possession average, trailing only Oakland, San Diego and the New York Giants. Carolina averages 34:19 in time of possession.

* The Panthers are now 3-0 against teams with purple in their color scheme over the past two seasons. "

 

>>The Panthers are tied for second overall in the NFL with 13 sacks. San Diego has 16.

You know one reason why this is so important?

DL sacks - 13. LB - 0. DB - 0.

 

Actually, Howard got credit for one, pushing Culpepper out of bounds. But point taken. We are getting pressure with 4, and dropping 7.

 

Yeah, I guess so. Probably didn't take that one down at first assuming it would have been considered a run. That's another good thing, we were able to contain a good runner at the QB position and still score five sacks.

 

wow. impressive!

all i can say is.... brace yourselves. the cheeseheads will take you guys seriously. they can read. they know now. you are a threat and they will be glad to end your winning streak.

DONT LET THEM! go panthers!!! i will be pulling for you big time.

 

Do they MAKE pins big enough for Peppers' ears?

 

It's SO NICE to have a dominating front four.