If Kemo can't go, is Fox worried? No

If Kemo can't go, is Fox worried? No
December 19
Charlotte Observer
"Although the Carolina Panthers don't know - or at least won't say - if defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu will play Sunday against the New York Giants, there are some fall-back plans being made.

Kemoeatu, the Panthers' 6-foot-5, 345-pound starting defensive tackle, hurt his right ankle in Sunday's victory against Denver. Kemoeatu, who hasn't missed a game in his three seasons with the Panthers, hasn't practiced this week.

That's put backups Darwin Walker and Gary Gibson on alert.

"I think a lot gets put into who starts and some of those things, who gets their name announced as they enter the stadium at home games," said coach John Fox. "(Walker) has played a lot for us. We have a lot of confidence in what he can do, and Gary Gibson and (Damione Lewis), also. We've used pretty much a three-man rotation on the year, and if Maake can't go - he's still not ruled out by any stretch, there's still a chance he could play - we feel good about all four of them."

Walker is a nine-year pro who's in his first season with the Panthers. His two sacks last season for Philadelphia against New Orleans is an Eagles playoff record.

Gibson was signed by the Panthers in 2007 and has played in 10 games this season.

Another replacement for Kemoeatu might be Lewis, who has started alongside him all season.

None of those three matches the bulk of Kemoeatu, whose main value in run defense is taking on the blocks of offensive linemen and allowing linebackers to make tackles.

That doesn't concern Fox. "We lose a little size," he said, "but gain a little quickness.""
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