pbmax
07-22-2006, 10:33 PM
• Keith Adams versus Na'il Diggs (Carolina Panthers, weakside linebacker): The Panthers lost a big-time talent when Will Witherspoon bolted to St. Louis as an unrestricted free agent, and replacing the very athletic veteran will be a challenge. Until last season, when he started all 16 games for the Eagles, Adams was primarily known as a special teams star and situational linebacker. But provided with extensive playing time, the five-year veteran registered 101 tackles. Adams is a bit undersized, at just 5-foot-11, but he certainly has the kind of quickness Carolina coaches demand from their linebackers. Diggs is bigger, at 241 pounds, and has much more experience. But he suffered through an injury-plagued 2005 campaign, one in which he had career lows in appearances (nine), starts (six) and tackles (45). In the three previous seasons, he averaged 14.8 starts and more than 100 tackles. Adams will go to camp working with the No. 1 unit, but no one should write off Diggs, particularly if he is healthy, just yet. Rookie James Anderson, an impressively fluid defender, probably won't be a factor in camp, but could carve out some playing time for himself in nickel situations.
I don't know the other guy, but I always liked Diggs over the TE. Might be an uphill climb.
I don't know the other guy, but I always liked Diggs over the TE. Might be an uphill climb.