holy crap. a panthers story.

Del Rio vows aggressive play, better tackling

PAT YASINSKAS
Staff Writer

They ranked last in the NFL in overall defense and allowed 410 points, but there are two statistics that might be even more telling about the 2001 Carolina Panthers.

According to a booklet distributed by the NFL at last week's George Young Coaching Symposium in Houston, Carolina's defensive backs were called once for holding and twice for pass interference. That's in a 16-game schedule, and it goes a long way in demonstrating why the Panthers went 1-15.

Although he's not encouraging his players to draw penalties, new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said those days are over.

"What that tells me is those corners were lined up 15 yards deep and not challenging anybody," Del Rio told a luncheon gathering Monday of the Charlotte Touchdown Club. "We're not going to do that. That's not going to be our approach. Our mind-set is going to be aggressive and in your face. We're going to battle. We're going to knock receivers off their routes and disrupt the timing of the quarterbacks and the wide receivers."

That's a departure from the defense played under former coach George Seifert and defensive coordinator John Marshall, who used a bend-but-don't-break philosophy.

Del Rio, who previously was linebackers coach in Baltimore, has watched the films of last season and not been impressed.

"Sometimes when you look at the screen, you don't see (cornerbacks) in the screen," Del Rio said. "We will be a more in-your-face defense. ... I believe in putting pressure on the offense and making them make mistakes. I believe in attacking more and we will have people playing closer to the line of scrimmage."

Del Rio also pledged another major change from last season.

"I don't know about you all, but that was some of the worst tackling I've ever seen," Del Rio said. "We will tackle this year. I promise you that."

Del Rio said part of the change he's seeking will come from a different mental approach.

"This will be a new team," Del Rio said. "The defense that you see on the field will be something to be proud of. We're going to play with an attitude. We're going to play with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder."

Another part of the transition will come from new personnel. The Panthers signed veteran linebacker Mark Fields, moved Dan Morgan from the outside to middle linebacker and used their first-round draft pick on North Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers. Every move was designed to make the defense faster.

Del Rio said Morgan and Peppers will form the nucleus of the defense. He also believes third-year free safety Deon Grant can become an impact player. But Del Rio isn't ready to scrap everything from the past. He expects big things from veterans such as defensive end Mike Rucker, strong safety Mike Minter and defensive tackle Sean Gilbert.

Especially Gilbert, who was acquired in a 1998 trade with Washington and signed a $46.5 million contract. Del Rio said the presence of Peppers might allow Gilbert to flourish at left tackle.

"I know that he has underachieved for the amount this organization gave up for him," Del Rio said. "Here's my approach on that: I didn't give it up for him. I'm sorry that we gave up so much for that. But we can't worry about that. What we're going to do is go forward. Sean is a good player. Is he worth two first-round picks? Not to me. But I'm not making that deal right now. That deal was made and done in the past. We have a fine football player. We want Sean to do his thing and not try to live under the weight of meeting those expectations. I expect him to have a breakout year."

Note

SCOUTING MOVES: Veteran professional scout Ted Plumb has retired. The Panthers have added former Washington scout Mike Szabo as a college scout.

 

What a night and day difference on the staff.

At mini-camp, Del Rio was running all over the place yelling.

They have alot of, well, *e-word*.

 

Didn't this article run in February?

 

probably. who cares.

 

well, me. Sometimes I have problems determining whether or not something I've read/assumed is or was legit at the time I remember it.

 

Even if it ran three months ago its refreshing to read it (again). He pretty much lays it on the line, doesn't he? "Is Gilbert worth two #1 picks? Not to me". Yeah.

The cushion (15 yd) that he spoke about, I always saw Davis do that and I know that was his style, he was such a smart player he reacted to things quickly and the cushion that he gave the WR didn't seem to matter. Evans on the other hand gave the cushion and got burned frequently. I know other players were supposed to help and didn't, etc., but (finally) my point is I like the aggressive style Del Rio is talking about. I just hope we have some decent enough corners to make the 'in-your-face' play and not watch the WR's back as he is streaking towards the end zone. Gotta wonder about that.

 

those dated it. but i see what you're saying. i'd really rather read SOMETHING than nothing though.

 

I think he meant Del Rio made the same comments in Feb, which I think he did.

Cool article, still.

 

yeah, i almost seem to be losing my addiction, so this story helped. the nfl music they were using for the nfle game last weekend was like sweet nectar to my aching veins. can't wait 'til preseason so i'll be getting fed regulary.

 

It's soon. Aug 3, 5, and 8 are nationally televised.

Aug 10 is the Panthers vs. Spurrier/Lewis. sweet.