Julius Peppers is one of the big question marks on the minds of many Panthers’ fans. Many rumors of illness and lack of motivation have surrounded this twenty eight year old defensive end, but no one knows the true reason for his mediocre 2007 season. Peppers has been with the Carolina Panthers for seven years (since the 2002 season) and shows no sign of dissatisfaction with his current location. Peppers has been one of the Panthers’ best defensive ends, up until last season in which he recorded only two and a half sacks. If the rumors of illness are false then Peppers should show some improvement in this coming season because he has a contract renewal coming up this year. Julius has also been moved to the right side of the defensive line, a familiar position for Peppers because he played that position in college.

With the recent retirement of Mike Rucker, Julius will be required to step up as one of the veteran players on the defensive line. If Julius Peppers can step up into his new position, and get his sack average back up to par (he averages about twelve sacks per season) then he will be a major asset to his team, he will also be greatly appreciated by fans. Although we saw several bright spots from Peppers this past season, it is consistancy that the Panthers need, and hopefully we will see that consistancy in the 2008-2009 season.

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