Williams justifying his status in draft
By Charles Chandler
cchandler@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Saturday, Dec. 06, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/panthers/story/397367.html
Finally, 13 years after first using a first- or second-round pick on a running back, the Carolina Panthers are nearing the reward of having a draftee with a 1,000-yard rushing season.
DeAngelo Williams, a first-round selection in 2006, has 955 yards entering Monday night's home game against Tampa Bay.
The Panthers have invested five first- or second-round choices on running backs, but the only two 1,000-yard backs in team history were free agents – Anthony Johnson (1,120 yards in 1996) and Stephen Davis (1,444 in 2003).
Williams said Friday he hasn't thought much about nearing the 1,000-yard mark.
“I don't put much stock into it at all,” he said. “If it translates into winning games, I'm all about it (and) I'll keep that stat. If it doesn't, I'm not worried about it because I know a lot of backs who didn't rush for 1,000 yards who played in the Super Bowl.
“If we were to get it, we'd have a 1,000-yard (offensive) line because without those guys, I wouldn't be getting the yards I'm getting.”
Carolina general manager Marty Hurney had high praise for Williams.
“We knew he was a very good back when we drafted him, he's improved every year and it's great to see the success he's had,” Hurney said.
The Panthers drafted three backs in the first two rounds before Williams – Tshimanga Biakabutuka (first round, 1996), DeShaun Foster (second round, 2002) and Eric Shelton (second round, 2005). They also chose Jonathan Stewart in the first round in April. Stewart has 586 yards and is on pace for a 781-yard season as a rookie.
Briefly
Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers was fined $10,000 for his out-of-bounds hit on Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter of Carolina's 35-31 win at Lambeau Field last Sunday.
An NFL spokesman said Peppers “unnecessarily struck the quarterback late and out of bounds.”
Peppers wasn't available for comment Friday.
Panthers fans are encourage to wear all black to Monday night's game against Tampa Bay to match the team's jersey color. Despite rumors to the contrary, team officials say the Panthers are not going to unveil new black pants and black helmets for a “black-out” uniform. In fact, other than a few samples, the Panthers don't have black pants and black helmets in their equipment room.
Linebacker Adam Seward (ankle) and defensive end Hilee Taylor (calf) were listed as doubtful for Monday's game after missing practice for the third consecutive day. Linebacker Na'il Diggs (thigh) and cornerback Ken Lucas (head) were listed as probable.
Calendar
