Panthers Defensive Backs

Our corners have been a pleasant surprise so far.

Great move not drafting Jammer. Howard and Cousins are stepping up big.

Losing Fair winds up not being so bad. We actually had solid depth at a position that had seemed a major weakness.

 

Still need an upgrade at corner, IMO. Our points are low overall but our completions are high.

 

I reallly think with our front 7's play, the db's have benefited tremendously and are being put in positions that can only aid their play and confidence. Instead of throwing young dbs out to the dogs, they've had the help from the front 4 especially- qb's get flustered- hurry throws, throw on the run, off their back foots- which ultimately put the dbs in advantage.

the play of cousin and howard has really impressed me- I dont believe we've been burned all season deep- except for a play or 2 (baltimore, i think). grant is showing his athletic ability to hawk the ball, and is making tackles- something he didnt do last year. minter is still the leader of the 2ndary, no doubt. but our cbs are really impressing me- they've shown durability and toughness- grit that we didnt have last year.

 

The deep plays we got burnt on, I believe, were Grant's mistake on a zone play.

 

Agreed with LJ - amazing how pressure from the line, speed/hitting from the LB's has helped our DBs...

Glad Seifert is gone...

 

There were two I can recall in three games, off playaction. That's part experience, part getting comfortable with
Those aren't what I'm talking about. I'm talking about Howard having about twice the number tackles he should. He's still for the most part our targeted corner. We don't have to go get a Jammer-level player, good because there won't be one for another two years, but we should be expedient in getting another corner.

 

I dunno Mags. Some of that is scheme. In the two deep zone, particularly from Howard’s side, run support is a big part of his responsibility. And he’s made some tackles there in run support. And a lot of his tackles were made in the short zone, even on pass plays. Moss had 4 catches for 16 total yards. I think Howard was in on all those tackles. I’ll give the receiver a four yard out 8 days a week. Got to remember we don’t really have to have that shut down cover corner in the 2 deep scheme.

 

agreed, piper. also, minnesota through a lot of balls to their backs in the flat- they then busted some good yardage up the field.

 

I'm not looking for a shutdown corner, but we can still do better. A guy who is a little faster reacting to the shorter stuff would be nice. Even if we're not looking this year's starter, the need is still there and can be easily filled with a third round pick.

 

cant argue with that. what about rashard anderson? how do you see him fitting in next year- he is a big physical corner, but are we gonna keep him? do you see him fitting in with this defense?