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Early signs are good that receiver D.J. Hackett, defensive end Hilee Taylor and center Ryan Kalil weren't seriously injured in the Carolina Panthers' 34-0 win against Kansas City Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
Hackett and Taylor left the game with knee injuries, and Kalil hurt his ankle.
Coach John Fox said Monday he didn't expect any of the injuries to be season-threatening, but he was awaiting reports from team doctors before providing further updates.
Though Fox insists “stats are for losers,” the Panthers' defensive prowess is showing in the league statistics.
Before Monday night's Minnesota-New Orleans game, the Panthers ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense, fifth in pass defense, tied for third in fewest points allowed, fourth in third down efficiency, and second in fewest first downs allowed per game.
Carolina's defensive players were excited during training camp about the coaches' decision to simplify the defensive scheme this season and allow them more freedom to make plays using their athletic ability.
Fox downplayed that change Monday, however.
“We've had some really good defenses in the past,” he said. “We've been to two (NFC) championship games (in 2003 and '05) and a Super Bowl (‘03) and won a championship game on the road.
“We had a good scheme then and when we've executed that scheme at a high level, we've won. I don't know that a simplified defense is the answer. Getting guys executing the defense is the key.”
The Panthers had one of the best defensive performances in team history against the Chiefs, holding them to one first down in the first half and 127 yards for the game.
“The results were really good, but there's always room for improvement,” said Fox. “We'll turn on the tape and see if we could have done this better or that better.”
Fox said the Panthers would've used Frank Omiyale at left tackle against Atlanta on Sept.28 after Jordan Gross suffered a concussion, but couldn't because Omiyale already had been deactivated. That necessitated the move of Travelle Wharton from left guard to left tackle.
With a week to prepare to play without Gross, the Panthers got Omiyale ready and started him against Kansas City. He was part of an offensive line that didn't give up a sack.
Gross might also miss Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers could be switching quarterbacks – again.
Jeff Garcia began the year as the starter, but fell out of favor with coach Jon Gruden and was replaced by Brian Griese.
Griese was injured in the Bucs' loss at Denver on Sunday and Garcia filled in. Now, he might get the call again.
“It's their ball and they'll do what they want with it,” said Fox. “They're fine quarterbacks.
“They're tough, hard-nosed games (against the Bucs over the years) no matter who the quarterback has been.”
Carolina's Rhys Lloyd no longer leads the league in touchbacks on kickoffs. His 42.3 percentage trails the 42.9 by New England's Stephen Gotskowski. But he's still well ahead in the highest percentage of kickoffs that reach the end zone (76.9).
The leading scorer in the Panthers' 34-0 win against Kansas City was No. 34, running back DeAngelo Williams (three touchdowns). He was playing in his 34 {+t}{+h} NFL game.
Charles Chandler: (704) 358-5123.
