In the heady days of last September, when no one’s pipes were freezing and the Carolina Panthers had played two games and had still not allowed a touchdown, 37-year-old defensive end Julius Peppers proclaimed: “This is the best defense I have ever played on.”
Then the New Orleans Saints came to Charlotte and demolished the Panthers by a 34-13 score. Ranked No. 1 in several defensive categories for parts of the NFL season, the Panthers fell off at year’s end. They ended up No. 7 in total yards allowed, No. 3 in sacks, No. 3 in rushing defense and No.