ESPN.com - NFL/TRAININGCAMP00 - Panthers: Getting defensive

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 Tuesday, August 15
Panthers: Getting defensive
 
 By Tom Oates
Special to ESPN.com

George Seifert revitalized the offense in his first year as coach. Whether the Carolina Panthers can improve on their 8-8 record will depend on his ability to upgrade the defense. The Panthers scored more than 30 points eight times last year after doing it only six times in their first four seasons combined.

Quarterback Steve Beuerlein had a breakthrough year at age 34 and the lanky group of deep threats at wide receiver ranked among the league's best.

Seifert hopes end Chuck Smith, stolen from division rival Atlanta in free agency, will inspire a defense that ranked 26th last year. If the defense improves and the offense remains productive, the playoffs are in the Panthers' future.

 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Chuck Smith
Chuck Smith will be counted on to replace Kevin Greene's team-best 12.5 sacks.
  Location:Wofford College (Spartanburg, S.C.)
Rookies report: July 17
Veterans report: July 20
Preseason schedule:
   Aug. 4: Jacksonville
   Aug. 10: at Pittsburgh
   Aug. 18: Baltimore
   Aug. 24: at New England

Man in the spotlight
Smith, who is as good in the locker room as he is on the field, is expected to energize a defense that gave up far too many big plays. The Panthers hope Smith can light a fire under tackle Sean Gilbert, protect the pedestrian linebackers and provide a pass rush that will help out the cornerbacks, who often were left in tatters last season.

Key position battle
When he's healthy, Tshimanga Biakabutuka is one of the more spectacular running backs in the league. The problem is he's entering his fifth year and he's never been healthy for an entire season. That's why the Panthers signed free agent Natrone Means, a bit shopworn at 28 but still a powerful runner. Means might not start, but he'll play.

Biggest adjustment
Since the franchise's inception, the strength of the defense has always been the linebacking corps. Now sackmeister Kevin Greene has retired and productive Mike Barrow was cut in a salary-cap move. Lee Woodall, who started for Seifert when he coached the 49ers, will take one outside spot. Donta Jones, the best blitzer on the team, will probably win the other one. Until the team upgrades this unit, however, the defense will never be dominant.

Rookie report
First-round pick Rashard Anderson and second-round pick Deon Grant will compete for a starting position at safety. Anderson was a cornerback in college, so he could also get into the mix there, although Eric Davis is set on one side and shell-shocked Doug Evans will compete with free agent Jimmy Hitchcock on the other.

Carolina Panthers
Signed Waived/released/lost
*WR Muhsin Muhammad
*WR Patrick Jeffers
DE Jay Williams from St L
DE Chuck Smith from Atl.
*FB Chris Hetherington
CB Jimmy Hitchcock from Min.
*DT Tim Morabito
LB Lee Woodall
RB Natrone Means from SD
G-T James Dexter from Arizona
*RB Anthony Johnson

Acquired via trade

Retired
LB Kevin Greene
G Nate Newton

DB Steve Lofton
DB Rod Mullen
G Anthony Redmon
LB Micheal Barrow to NYG
DE Antonio Edwards
S Mike Scurlock
G Norberto Davidds-Garrido to Cardinals
S Brent Alexander
LB Steve Tovar  
 
 
Traded
RB Fred Lane to Colts


 



ALSO SEE
Falcons: Lots of ifs in Atlanta

Saints: Big Easy turnaround

Rams: What next for the champs?

49ers: Time to move on

Operation Beuerlein



AUDIO/VIDEO
video
 ESPN's Kevin Greene sees a lot of unanswered questions for the Carolina Panthers squad.
avi: 3290 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1

 Mike Golic breaks down the impact of Patrick Jeffers' injury.
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1

audio
 George Seifert hopes to have Eric Swann back on the field in the next week.
wav: 91 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Eric Swann talks about his health.
wav: 135 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Seifert dismisses reports that Steve Beuerlein won't play because of opposing team's blitzing.
wav: 136 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Fear of the blitz? Panthers' Steve Beuerlein comments on rumors of his benching.
wav: 128 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6

 Patrick Jeffers talks about his injury.
wav: 170 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6