Lewis filling holes

On the Panthers defensive line, Damione Lewis is anything but a silent partner. The veteran defensive tackle with the high-octane motor stands out among the jovial but soft-spoken Maake Kemoeatu and a stoic pair of defensive ends, Julius Peppers and Tyler Brayton.

The former Miami Hurricane provides constant chatter during defensive line drills in his distinctive Texas drawl. On the first day of training camp, Lewis set the tone as the defensive line made a statement with aggressive play in one-on-one run and pass-rush drills.

Entering his eighth NFL season and third with the Panthers, Lewis is anxious to provide more than comic relief. One goal is to provide leadership to a group that has been challenged by the loss of two long-time starters this off-season, Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins.

The obvious conclusion is that Lewis will fill the spot vacated by Jenkins, but defensive line coach Sal Sunseri begs to differ, citing that the two are completely different players.

"It wasn't Jenkins' system," Sunseri said. "It wasn't Rucker's system. He's filling a role in our system."

Sunseri added that Lewis has all the tools to step into his new role.

"He has the respect of his teammates. When you do the right things, making the right calls, people will follow."

(panther.com)