July 31, 2008

Julius Peppers

Panthers DE Julius Peppers is lighting it up in the early stages of training camp, according to sources in Carolina, and he has impressed observers and teammates alike as he attempts to bounce back following a woeful ’07 campaign. Word is Peppers has added even more muscle to his imposing frame and has been pushing OLT Jordan Gross back with his bull rush, which is something he struggled to do in the past. Gross knows Peppers well, having practiced against him for the past five-plus years, and he has been spreading the word that his teammate is better than ever before. Sources say it’s not uncommon for Peppers to dominate a practice. It is, however, rare for Gross to exaggerate. Gross should be taken at his word, which has to be encouraging for the Panthers, who are relying on Peppers’ turnaround to spark the defense and return it to its playoff form from a few seasons ago.