Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó The Carolina Panthers are trying to plug holes in their defense, which has given up four plays of 49 yards or more in the first two games.
Only two games into the season, the Panthers have surrendered touchdown passes of 49, 55, 70 and 84 yards in a pair of seven-point losses to Arizona and Green Bay. Thatís in addition to giving up an 89-yard punt return for a score.
Theyíll have get it done against Jacksonville Sunday without two of their top defenders ó Jon Beason and Thomas Davis.
While thereís never an ideal time to give up a big play, it seems Carolinaís defense has picked the most inopportune times to allow the backbreaking plays.
ěItís the big plays, man, theyíre killing us,î Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said. ěIf we can eliminate those big plays and busted coverages weíll be fine. If we can do that, we will be a great passing defense and be able to hold some teams to under 300 yards.î
Or under 200 yards.
Take away Green Bayís two long touchdowns and Aaron Rodgers throws for 175 yards. Without his two big strikes Arizonaís Kevin Kolb has just 174 yards passing.
Against Green Bay, the Panthers dominated the Super Bowl champions in the first half in time of possession and total yards and took a 13-7 lead into the locker room. But on the first possession of the second half, Greg Jennings beat safety Jordan Pugh for a 49-yard touchdown pass down the middle of the field and the Packers never trailed again.
Late in the game, when the Panthers desperately needed a stop, Jordy Nelson flashed over the middle and beat Carolinaís zone for an 84-yard touchdown, putting the Packers up by 14 and basically sealing the victory with less than four minutes to play.
On Sept. 11 at Arizona, the Panthers led 21-14 before Pugh blew his assignment and gave up a 70-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to Early Doucet and the Cardinals won 28-21.