Why These 2 Carolina Panthers Returning From Injury Is Huge For 2010
Injuries during a football season are always something you want to avoid. Teams that can find ways to stay healthy normally put themselves in a good position to win games late in the season. In 2009, the Carolina Panthers lost two key players during the middle of the season, and both are now looking to return in 2010 to help the Panthers contend for the NFC South title.
Thomas Davis, Linebacker: Before he went down with a torn ACL and missed the last eight games of the 2009 season, Davis was a tackling machine for the Panthers. He was averaging about 8 tackles a game and was on pace for around 130 tackles for the season pri
or to his injury. These are very impressive numbers considering he plays next to Jon Beason.
Davis is overshadowed because of his linebacker counterpart, Beason, who is more of a household name. Davis could be a name that people start to remember if he plays like he did in the first seven games of 2009.
The Panthers’ defense is counting on Davis to have a big year to help fill Julius Peppers’ shoes. Even though Davis plays a different position than Peppers, the fact that another quality defense player is on the field helps fill the void.
Look for Davis to have a big year in Carolina. I like when players come back from injuries better then before, and this could be what happens to Davis in 2010. The Davis/Beason linebacking duo could be one of the best in the NFL.
Jordan Gross, Offensive Tackle: The offensive line gets a huge boost with the return of Jordon Gross who was out of action for the last seven games of 2009 
due to a broken leg. Even without Gross, who many people say is there best offensive linemen, the line still blocked for two 1,000 rushers.
The Panthers’ offensive line could be scary in 2010 if Gross comes back from his injury at full strength. The offensive line is the backbone of the Panthers, and with Gross returning, I see the offensive line dominating in 2010.
Gross will anchor the line, who will be asked to pass protect more this season now that the offense will be more balanced. Without Gross, the left tackle position might have been in a mess for 2010. Look for the Panthers’ offensive line to dominate and be a bright spot for the Panthers’ offense this coming year, with Gross leading the way.
Even though you probably wont see Gross or Davis on Sportscenter highlights, they still are very important pieces to the Panthers football team.
| Carolina Panthers Linebackers, Carolina Panthers Offensive Line, jordan gross, thomas davis
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