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Carolina Panthers: 5 burning questions for 2018

By Rucker Haringey

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws downfield during organized team activities in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/TNS via Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws downfield during organized team activities in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer/TNS via Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 17: Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers against the Buffalo Bills during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

3. Can Julius Peppers keep beating Father Time?

It’s been a long time since Peppers stood out as a rookie for the Panthers back in 2002. The talented defensive end will be 38-years-old this season. Carolina needs him to keep playing more like he’s 28.

Frankly, Ron Rivera and company would be happy to see Peppers simply repeat his performance from the 2017 season. He notched an impressive total of 11 sacks in limited playing time last year. The front office was certainly relieved when Peppers agreed to come back for another season.

The team did make a move to acquire his potential successor via the draft. Marquis Haynes wasn’t necessarily a high draft pick, but he didn’t become the all-time leading sack artist in the SEC by accident. He lacks the size to hold up against physical run games, but he has plenty of bend to get around the edge and hit the quarterback.

Even if Haynes does pitch in to help shoulder the load, Peppers is going to be counted on to produce another double-digit sack season. If age finally gets the best of him, it could leave his defense short on players who can disrupt opposing quarterbacks. The Panthers defense will largely succeed or fail based on Peppers’ ability to rush the passer.

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