Panthers notes | Everyone healthy for Atlanta game
By David Scott
dscott@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/367182.html
Earlier this season, Atlanta's Matt Ryan (2) is chased by the Panthers' Julius Peppers, who leads the NFL in forced fumbles. DAVID T. FOSTER III – dtfoster@charlotteobserver.com
In what's a rare occurrence for an NFL team this deep into the season, the Carolina Panthers had everybody healthy and on deck for Thursday's practice.
Offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges, who had an irregular heartbeat that forced him out of last week's victory against Detroit, and linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle) practiced after taking Wednesday off. Center Ryan Kalil's sprained ankle apparently is OK and he was out there, too.
“Beats the alternative,” coach John Fox said of the 100 percent participation as the team prepared for Sunday's NFC South game at Atlanta.
Notes
Kickoff-specialist Rhys Lloyd continues to lead the NFL with 19 touchbacks. His touchback percentage of 38.0 is also best in the league and a major reason why Panthers' opponents' average drive start is the 23.9, trailing only the Jacksonville Jaguars (23.4).
Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has taken over the forced-fumble mantle from teammate Chris Harris. Harris' two forced fumbles in the first two games led the NFL at the time, but he hasn't forced one since. Peppers has five now and leads the league.
The Panthers' plus-3 turnover ratio is tied for 10th in the league.
Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis says the Falcons team the Panthers will face Sunday is different from the one Carolina beat 24-9 in September.
“We played well against them (in Charlotte),” said Davis, who had eight tackles (two for a loss) in that game. “But looking at them on film, they're a totally different team at home. They're playing tougher there. I don't know, maybe it's the crowd noise.”
The Falcons (6-4) are 4-1 at the Georgia Dome, losing for the first time there last week to the Denver Broncos.
Quarterback Jake Delhomme has clear memories of the Panthers' game in Atlanta two seasons ago. He played much of that game, a 44-11 victory, with an embarrassing tear in the back of his pants. Delhomme said he still has those pants – at home.
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