1. Julius Peppers is off to a slow start » Peppers has one sack and is being criticized heavily for his play against the run. For this he’s receiving approximately $1 million per game. After causing a ruckus in the offseason about wanting out, Peppers has not responded. It’s why some have called him one of the most overrated players in the NFL. But he also had 14 1/2 sacks last season. They do like to move him around and the Redskins tackles have not proven they can stop good pass rushers.
2. The defense has struggled » Carolina signed 35-year-old defensive tackle Hollis Thomas during its bye week, hoping a guy others think is done can shore up the run defense. Three defensive tackles already are on injured reserve. Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jon Beason, limited in preseason by a knee injury, is not moving freely to the ball. Strong safety Chris Harris, one of the signal callers, hasn’t played yet. The Panthers also are adjusting to defensive coordinator Ron Meeks’ Cover 2 scheme. And they’ve faced three good offenses in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Dallas. The result? A 23rd-ranked defense and last against the run.
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3. The offense has legitimate talent » But the quarterback, Jake Delhomme, has been terrible. In three games, Delhomme has thrown seven interceptions and lost two fumbles. He finished last season with a five-interception performance in a playoff loss. When he faces pressure, turnovers occur. But the talent is there: The running game is strong, or at least should be, with DeAngelo Williams (1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2008) and Jonathan Stewart, and Steve Smith is a dangerous receiver (who is often doubled). Carolina must emphasize the run.
4. They need a win » How’s that for stating the obvious? After going 12-4 and making the playoffs last season, the Panthers are 0-3. Since 1990, only three teams have started the season 0-3 and made the playoffs. That means jobs are on the line, specifically those of Delhomme and coach John Fox.
