Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers (56) prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Fox Region: 4 Seed Julius Peppers vs 13 Seed Stephen Davis
Fourth Seed – Julius Peppers
The rugged defensive end came to the Panthers in the number 2 spot in the NFL draft in 2002. He became part of a solid Panthers defensive line that controlled the team’s success through 2005. Peppers was 6’6 283 pounds and could run like a gazelle. In a couple of situations the Panthers even tried to throw the ball to him. Peppers was in double digit sacks all of his Panthers except two. In those seasons he had a suspension and an illness. Peppers was comfortable doing his job, but never saw himself as the leader of the defense and ultimately left for Chicago.
Thirteenth Seed – Stephen Davis
John Fox needed a grinding running back and by the grace of Steve Spurrier, Davis fell into his lap. Davis responded with one of the great rushing seasons by a Panther. He ran for 1440 yards in 2003. Davis was a key piece of the formula that got the Panthers to the Super Bowl. Injuries and mileage caught up with him soon after, and he missed the Panthers’ 2005 playoff run.