Gross on Peppers: He's better than ever

[RTBP]

Offensive tackle, who faces Peppers at practice, said he's stronger, faster, bigger.

By Charles Chandler - cchandler@charlotteobserver.com



7/26/08 Carolina Panthers (90) defensive end Julius Peppers enjoys down
time prior to the team's evening practice Saturday at Wofford College in
Spartanburg, SC. JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com





SPARTANBURG --

Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is set to have a smashing season, says offensive tackle Jordan Gross.

“I'll say this with 100 percent confidence: I think he's going to have his best year ever,” Gross said Monday after getting bull-rushed backward by Peppers during a morning training camp practice.

“He's better than I've ever seen him. Barring anything unknown, there's no reason he won't go out and just set records. He looks really, really good.”

Peppers, 28, is coming off the worst season of his career. After recording 531/2 sacks in his first five seasons, he had 21/2 last year. His 55 tackles were one shy of a career low.

Gross wouldn't speculate on why Peppers had a down year.

“He got sick, (but) he's the only one who can tell you what he was going through last year.”

Like in previous years, Gross has to block him in practice. He said Peppers looks more imposing than ever and offered reasons for the improvement.

“I know he really enjoys being on the defensive right side,” Gross said of Peppers' offseason switch from left to right end. “I think it's a bit of a new challenge for him.

“I know he's been training all offseason. I've talked to him as much as he'll talk and he said he just feels stronger, faster, bigger than ever. It's definitely true just in these few days I've been going against him. He's been making me earn everything I've been getting.”

Peppers' skills and strength are more well-rounded than when he first entered the NFL in 2002. Back then, he was known as a quick, athletic pass rusher, but now he gets more straight-ahead push. Gross found that out when he was shoved back quickly by Peppers' bull rush Monday.

On Sunday, Peppers put a lightning-quick spin move on backup tackle Frank Omiyale in one-on-one drills.

“There's really not going to be anybody better than him this year,” said Gross. “If he keeps on the same pace he's on now, he's just going to kill people.”

[ProwlingPanther]

Maybe Gross is just worse than ever

[Bucamaniac40]

I'm going for Peppers is back to form!