Black and Blue Review
Julius Peppers has lost a step since the Panthers took the North Carolina native with the second overall pick of the 2002 draft. He looks older, because, well, he is. And even though the 34-year-old isn’t putting up Pro Bowl stats like he did when he played in Charlotte, the 6-7, 287-pound Peppers remains a physical specimen.
“For the most part, he’s Pep,” Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said Wednesday. “If you were creating a guy from scratch, he’s pretty much what you’re looking for.”
Peppers, now a linebacker with the Packers, has a chance to improve to 4-0 against the team he spent his first eight seasons with Sunday in Green Bay. Peppers helped the Bears beat the Panthers three times from 2010-13.
Even though the divorce between Peppers and his original team was awkward, time apparently mended fences. After the Bears had released him in a cost-cutting move this offseason, he considered signing as a free agent with the Panthers.
“It was a thought,” Peppers admitted on a conference call with Carolina media. “I just know there was some contact made. I’m not sure what was said or how far it got.”