Randy Inman
Bruce Bostwick
James Rickard
jesse-podoll
Robin PottratzMy conversation with two former NFL Players
October 26th 2008 23:09
The Panthers have to decide between Defensive End or Offensive Tackle
The idea to ask them came up because the Panthers probably have to decide that question for them selves next season. Offensive Tackle Jordan Gross and Defensive End Julius Peppers both need new contracts. It is doubtful that the Panthers can afford to keep both players.
This didn’t shock me but Frank said Offensive Tackle is more important than Defensive End. And I agree with him. The tackle keeps the franchise quarterback safe from harm. And the Panthers saw what happens last year when Jake Delhomme went down with injury and the team tanked. If you have a strong O line you can do lots of good things with your offense. If you don’t then you won’t score much no matter how good the defense is.
Now Brenston Buckner had a different take. He said it depends on the system being run by a team. He said a big time passing offense needs the Offensive Tackle. But he said that a ball control, defensive minded team like the Panthers needs that Defensive End more than an Offensive Tackle.
I can see his point to a degree, but I still think OT is more important than DE. I think a defense without a quality pass rushing Defensive End can still pressure the defense. You can blitz which is risky but can still be effective. But it is hard to overcome the lack of a good offensive lineman.
But it would sure be nice to have both and I hope the Carolina Panthers figure out a way to do that. Football is a basic game and it starts with the big uglies up front. If you can’t block your skill position players don’t get to show how good they are.
And if you can’t pressure the quarterback then it does not matter how good your defensive backs are. Most NFL receivers will eventually get open if given an extra second or two. And pass rushing isn’t just sacks. Pressure causes incomplete passes and interceptions. And blocking the passing lanes can disrupt the offense as well.
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