Secret is out: Panthers' defense is crazy good

It’s time to start taking the Carolina Panthers seriously as a threat to win the entire NFC. That’s what happens when you beat up the reigning NFC champs in their own building.We figured the team with the faster, more physical defense would take Sunday’s slugfest San Francisco. We just didn’t expect it to be the Panthers. Maybe we should have.nike shox shoesThe Panthers had four consecutive blowout victories going into the Week 10 matchup, but until they could beat a top opponent on the road, there was reason to want to see more out of them. There came the belief in Sunday’s gritty 10-9 win.While from the outside, it’s easy to make Cam Newton the face of Carolina’s success, the low score was tailor made to bring attention to a no-longer well-kept secret: Their defense is off the charts good.Coming into the game, the elite numbers were all there. The Panthers improved their No. 2 scoring defense (only Kansas City is better).Isuzu Auto Parts They were third in total defense (yardage), second against the run, 10th against the pass and tied for third in interceptions.All that added up to giving up just 145 yards of offense to Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers (just 46 yards passing). He was sacked six times as the Niners went a dismal 2-of-13 on third down. 

You already knew going into 2013 there was something special at the heart of the Panthers defense with last season’s rookie of the year,Wholesale Men Fleece cheap Men Fleece middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (11 tackles, sack on Sunday) covering so much ground as a strong tackler and excellent cover man. But now the Panthers can boast a front seven that can stack up with the one considered the best in the league: San Francisco.This year’s first-round rookie, tackle Star Lotulelei, has been a linchpin, helping the Panthers move up a dozen spots in rushing defense.Wholesale Lingerie Sexy Lingerie No team has bookend edge 4-3 rushers like their combination of Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson. The remarkable comeback of versatile outside linebacker Thomas Davis has given Kuechly a needed consistent running mate. The pressure created up front has set up the secondary to be more aggressive in going after the ball.The Panthers (6-3) now have the same record as the 49ers, and with the win, an epic two-game series with Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense for the NFC South crown.Forklift forks Given what they just did to the 49ers, the Panthers should be very confident about taking down another heavyweight, the Patriots at home in Week 11.Carolina just got its biggest win in the Newton-Rivera era, and the reward is a chance to unleash its defense on Monday night against Tom Brady. Newton has a smile built for the bright lights, but their defense features their real prime-time players.