Big plays missing in Jon Beason's stats

CHARLOTTE – He has no interceptions, no forced fumbles and no fumble recoveries.

He’s not even leading the Carolina Panthers in tackles.

For Jon Beason the unselfish voluntary transition from middle linebacker to weak side linebacker to help his team out has certainly been one that has tested his patience -- especially given the team’s 1-6 start -- even though Beason hasn’t complained at all.

“Moving from middle to outside linebacker has definitely been hard on me because I know I have the ability to dominate a game,” Beason wrote Wednesday in a blog on his website. “…Personally, I have yet to make the big play that I think so many people are accustomed to seeing from me.

“It’s not from lack of effort. I just have to find a way to ensure that when the opportunity comes, I find a way to take advantage of it and give my team a better opportunity to win the game.”

For the season, Beason has 70 tackles, which is second on the team behind James Anderson, but his only other stats are two pass breakups and one quarterback pressure.

By comparison, Beason finished last season with 169 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries while playing at middle linebacker. But he agreed to move positions earlier this offseason when Thomas Davis tore the ACL in his knee a second time, even though he knew at the time he would be miscast as a weak side linebacker.

However, Beason is still making his presence felt in other ways.

The Panthers rank fourth-best in the league in total yards allowed per game and third-best in total yards allowed per play.

"I think for the most part I've done a decent job of filling in," Beason said after Sunday’s loss to St. Louis. "And I think Dan Connor's done a great job of playing the Mike (middle linebacker), and James (Anderson) has played lights out.”

Still, it’s pretty clear Beason is anxious for Davis to return to the starting lineup so he can move back to his more comfortable spot in the middle, which allows him to use his instincts and run the field from side to side.

"The thing I do well -- and the thing that is my knock -- is I try to do more than is expected of me," Beason said. "I'll sacrifice what I think my instincts are versus just doing my job. Sometimes it gets me in trouble and sometimes it helps me make the big play. I think when you're at the Mike (middle linebacker), you have more leeway to do that. When you're outside you have to be very disciplined.”

Beason said it’s particularly discouraging when teams run away from his side because he’s often required to stay on his side of the field.

“I wouldn't say I’m tentative, but a lot of time they run away from you, the action's away from you and you have to stay backside,” Beason said. “I feel like I'm out of the game a little bit."

But Beason knew this when he was asked to switch positions.

He told everyone right up front that “I’m no Thomas Davis” when it comes to playing weak side linebacker.

And that statement has proven correct.

“There's no doubt he feels more comfortable at Mike position,” Fox said. “It's a position he's played and went to a Pro Bowl playing. But being a team guy he's made the move to Will, and I think he's continuing to improve there.”

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said if there’s any frustration from Beason, he hasn’t sensed it.

“I know I would be down on myself if I wasn’t making the plays, but Beason just keeps grinding,” Munnerlyn said.

Beason joked that there might be some “controversy” when Davis returns since Connor has done such a good job inside.

But in reality it might take Davis a few weeks to get into football shape when/if he’s activated from the PUP list. The Panthers must make a decision on Davis by next Wednesday.

If the team doesn’t activate him, Beason will likely remain at the weak side linebacker spot.

The move has basically killed any chances of Beason making a third straight Pro Bowl unless he does so on reputation.

That, say his teammates, is what they appreciate the most about Beason – that he was willing to forfeit individual goals for the good of the team.

“I praise him for that because there aren’t many guys willing to move from their Pro Bowl position to a totally different position,” Munnerlyn said. “But he was willing to do that for the good of the team and we totally appreciate that.”

Click here to order Jon Beason’s proCane Rookie Card.



(gastongazzette.com)