Why A Little Tampa Two-Step Will Help The Panthers Scamper

The Carolina Panthers enjoyed a successful 2008-2009 campaign, yet their 33-13 playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals left glaring deficiencies in the team's offensive and defensive sets.

Offensively, the team failed to attack the Cardinals with their "Double Trouble" running attack—or abandoned the run because of its early deficit. Therefore, the Panthers may not require changes in the playbook, but rather requires a bout of consistency when it comes to mixing up run and pass plays. 

Additionally, the Panthers' dependence on Steve Smith to make plays in the passing game seems to periodically be one of the team's Achilles' heels, which should encourage other Carolina receivers to step up.

The primary changes in Carolina's playbook, though, will come on the defensive side of the ball. The Panthers will not feature three down lineman—likely to standout lineman Julius Peppers' chagrin—but will integrate some of the features of the "Tampa Two" defense that new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks brings to the table.

The importance of the pass rush comes to light in such a defensive set, and Panthers coach John Fox admits that the Panthers will be a more aggressive bunch on defense in 2009.

"I think we'll swarm to the ball," Fox recently told CarolinaPanthers.com. "We're really stressing running to the ball, putting pressure on the ball, both in the passing game and in the run game as far as stripping the ball and those types of things."

The Tampa Two also requires hard-hitting players in the secondary, which is where Panthers safety Chris Harris will be welcome. Harris has forced 10 fumbles in the last two seasons—eight in the Panthers' 2007 campaign.

The linebacking corps, which features Jon Beason and Thomas Davis, will flourish in the Tampa Two. Strong play at the linebacker position is instrumental in this set, and Carolina enjoys a wealth of talent at the position (Beason, Davis, and Na'il Diggs).

The key to success for the Panthers must come from its cornerbacks, which is asking for a lot, concerning Carolina's history with a shaky secondary. Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall, who will replace Ken Lucas at the second cornerback spot, must step up as ballhawking defenders. The playbook, which should be designed to create an upfront rush, will prove advantageous to the corners and might make Carolina a dark-horse pick to make it to the Super Bowl.