Carolina Panthers: Top questions on defense entering training camp

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Does Julius Peppers have one more good year left?

There is no question the signing of Julius Peppers last offseason was a feel good story for most Panthers fan. The former second overall pick started his career with the Panthers, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections along the way.

However, last year the return of Peppers was more than a feel good story as he went on to the lead the team in sacks, along with Mario Addison, with 11. He now has a streak of 10 straight years with seven or more sacks and has had double digit sacks in two of the last three years.

The question though is at 38 years of age, does he have one more good year left?

For the sake of this defense, the hope is that he does as the depth behind Addison and Peppers is untested. Players like Wes Horton, Bryan Cox Jr. and last year’s third round pick Daeshon Hall certainly can be capable pass rushers but they are still not at the level of Peppers, even at 38 years old.

The performance of Peppers will be a key determining factor if the Panthers are able to finish in the Top 6 in sacks for a fifth straight year.

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