07-Nov-2009 20:15pm
 
RealTime Fantasy Sports
Log In
Quiet season puzzles Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers

By MIKE CRANSTON - AP Sports Writer
    2007-12-13 16:29

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -In a season full of disappointment for the Carolina Panthers, Julius Peppers' disappearing act has been the most puzzling.

To find where Peppers ranks among the leaders in sacks, you have to go through 76 players who have more than Peppers' meager three-sack total through 13 games.

``I know I can do it,'' said Peppers, the former North Carolina star and second overall pick in the 2002 draft. ``It's been done, five years in a row. Even before that at Carolina, it's been done. I know I can do it. I'm just not doing it right now.''

The three-time Pro Bowler insisted again Thursday that he feels fine physically.

The illness that sidelined him in training camp can't be blamed for why Peppers has gone from one of the most feared defensive ends who demanded a double team on nearly every play, to someone who is single-blocked on nearly every down and a virtual non-factor.

And as the Panthers prepare for Sunday's game against Seattle and defensive end Patrick Kerney, whose 13 1/2 sacks lead the league, Peppers' lack of production becomes even more glaring.

``Patrick is on a good team,'' Peppers said. ``And when you're playing on a good team, most of the time you find yourself leading those games. Teams have to catch up, so teams are passing on you. You have more opportunities to rush the quarterback.

``When you're playing from behind, you're going get run on all day. When teams are running on you, you don't get a chance to get sacks. That's been the story for a lot of the year, not as many opportunities.''

Peppers then stopped himself.

``I've had opportunities,'' he said. ``I just haven't capitalized on some of them that I did have.''

While the 29th-ranked offense is getting most of the blame for why the Panthers (5-8) have guaranteed their second straight non-winning season, the defensive line has been a huge disappointment.

With the high-priced Peppers, Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu, Carolina has an NFL-low 16 sacks in 13 games. Six of them came against lowly San Francisco.

Peppers, who has been held to 19 quarterback pressures and 54 tackles, has looked nothing like the freakish athlete who also played college basketball and even lined up as a receiver a few seasons ago.

Watching the 6-foot-7 Peppers off the ball is a head-scratching experience. He's routinely stood up at the line of scrimmage by one blocker, providing little push to get through the line.

One play in Sunday's 37-6 loss to Jacksonville provided an example of Peppers' decline. Not only wasn't Peppers double-teamed, 5-foot-7 Maurice Jones-Drew blocked him. It worked, as Peppers failed to get to the quarterback.

``It's in the books. So I'm not going to sit around and dwell on it,'' said Peppers, who had a career-high 13 sacks last season. ``All I know is to come back and keep working.''

Peppers' down season leaves the Panthers with a big decision before next season. Peppers has one year left on his deal, and his huge salary cap figure will make it imperative the Panthers do something with his contract.

Before the season, it was thought Peppers could command more than the six-year, $72 million contract given to Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney.

``Tell them you want the A-Rod money,'' blurted teammate Mike Rucker to Peppers on Thursday, in reference to high-priced New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

But there's a question of whether Peppers is worth the money after a bad season that will likely end his three-year Pro Bowl streak.

``I'm still the same guy. The numbers are just not the same,'' Peppers said when asked if his value had dropped. ``If I come back next year and have 25 sacks, then it'll be a different story. I don't really think it's affected anything.''

Notes: Panthers 44-year-old QB Vinny Testaverde missed practice for a second straight day with general soreness, although coach John Fox insisted he's not injured. Fox said he likely won't decide until Sunday whether Testaverde or undrafted rookie Matt Moore would start. ... WR Keary Colbert (knee) missed practice for a second straight day, while G Jeremy Bridges (abscessed tooth) was back on the field.


Recommend this story: Email to a friend Submit to Digg.com Submit to Del.icio.us Save to Technorati.com

Fantasy Football News RSS FeedFOOTBALL HEADLINES

Fantasy Football News RSS FeedPAUR REPORT

Fantasy Football Player Notes RSS FeedPLAYER NOTES

Ryan McBeanNov 7 05:33p

Denver Broncos DE Ryan McBean (knee) did not participate in practice Saturday, Nov. 7. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Ryan HarrisNov 7 05:33p

Denver Broncos OT Ryan Harris (toe) did not participate in practice Saturday, Nov. 7. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Alvin PearmanNov 7 05:03p

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans RB Alvin Pearman is expected to be the team's punt and kick returner in Week 9.

Muhsin MuhammadNov 7 04:43p

Panthers.com reports Carolina Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee) did not travel with the team for their Week 9 game.

Brad HooverNov 7 04:43p

Panthers.com reports Carolina Panthers FB Brad Hoover (ankle), FS Charles Godfrey (ankle) and TE Dante Rosario (knee) did not travel with the team for their Week 9 game.

Kendrick ClancyNov 7 04:33p

Adam Schefter, of ESPN.com, reports the New Orleans Saints have placed DT Kendrick Clancy (knee) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season.

Travis KirschkeNov 7 04:23p

Mark Kaboly, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports Pittsburgh Steelers DE Travis Kirschke (calf) and LB Lawrence Timmons (ankle) both said they will not be able to play in Week 9.

Jack WilliamsNov 7 12:03p

The Denver Broncos announced Saturday, Nov. 7, that they have waived CB Jack Williams.

Greg EllisNov 7 11:13a

Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports Oakland Raiders DL Greg Ellis (knee) underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his arthritic knee. Head coach Tom Cable would not rule Ellis out [ More ]

Al HarrisNov 7 01:13a

The Associated Press reports Green Bay Packers DL B.J. Raji, DL Johnny Jolly and CB Al Harris have each been fined $5,000 by the NFL for their actions Week [ More ]

Jason FergusonNov 6 08:33p

Miami Dolphins DT Jason Ferguson (elbow) and LB Channing Crowder (shoulder) were limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6, but both are listed as doubtful for Week 9.

Devin HesterNov 6 08:33p

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9, [ More ]

Jack WilliamsNov 6 07:03p

Denver Broncos CB Jack Williams (illness) and SS David Bruton (groin) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are expected to play in Week 9.

Calvin JohnsonNov 6 07:03p

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9. He looked [ More ]

Scott StarksNov 6 07:03p

Jacksonville Jaguars CB Scott Starks (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Josh BarrettNov 6 06:53p

Denver Broncos FS Josh Barrett (undisclosed) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He will be a game-time decision for Week 9 but should play.

Kevin SmithNov 6 06:53p

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Jeremiah RatliffNov 6 06:43p

Dallas Cowboys DT Jay Ratliff (knee) and SS Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are listed as probable for Week 9 and will be able to play.

Demetric EvansNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers DL Demetric Evans (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and will not play in Week 9.

Takeo SpikesNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Reggie SmithNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Reggie Smith (groin) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9. He will be a game-time decision.

Kelvin HaydenNov 6 06:23p

Indianapolis Colts CB Kelvin Hayden (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Stephen SpachNov 6 06:03p

Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals TE Stephen Spach (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9. He will be available, but might [ More ]

David StewartNov 6 06:03p

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans OT David Stewart (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 26. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and [ More ]

Nick FergusonNov 6 05:53p

Houston Texans DL Tim Bulman (ribs), LB Xavier Adibi (ankle), LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder) and SS Nick Ferguson (knee) are expected to play in the team's Week 9 game.

Benjamin WatsonNov 6 05:43p

New England Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (back) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and will be a game-time decision.

Matt LightNov 6 05:33p

New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (forearm), RB Fred Taylor (ankle), RB Sammy Morris (knee), OT Matt Light (knee) and DL Jarvis Green (knee) did not participate in practice [ More ]

Donald BrownNov 6 05:13p

Indianapolis Colts RB Donald Brown (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

Pierre GarconNov 6 05:13p

Indianapolis Colts WR Pierre Garcon (ankle) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

Sinorice MossNov 6 05:13p

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants WR Sinorice Moss (foot) and WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) will be able to play in Week 9.

Chris CantyNov 6 05:13p

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants DT Chris Canty (calf) and LB Michael Boley (knee) are expected to play in Week 9.

Dominique BarberNov 6 05:13p

Houston Texans SS Dominique Barber (ankle) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and will not play in Week 9.

RSS Feeds

NFL News:
 
Player Notes:
 
Forum Posts: