The Carolina Panthers will continue to start Ricky Manning Jr. at cornerback after another strong showing in the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys. However, he will have his work cut out for him against Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce.
"I think Ricky played well. Played well for us all season," Panthers head coach John Fox said. "He just continues to get better every week."
Fox is happy with by rookie starters -- Manning (third-round pick) and offensive tackle Jordan Gross (first-round pick).
"We've got a young football team. They're mature guys. That's why we selected them. Now they're coming through like we expect," Fox said.
--Rookie right tackle Jordan Gross had this to say about Rams Pro Bowl defensive end Leonard Little: "He's just a speed guy. He has a lot of sacks and causes people problems. I think the best thing for that will be if we can run the ball because he's not a big beefy guy. You have to keep him out of a free rush up the field on third-and-10."
The Rams plan on double-teaming Pro Bowl DT Kris Jenkins because in the Rams last game against the Lions, the Lions where able to get a pass rush up the middle on the Rams with their defensive tackle.
“If the Rams double team me that mean that other guys will be able to get one-on-one match-ups, I have been getting double teamed a lot this season and it won’t surprise me if the Rams do double team me,” said Jenkins. “But hey if they double team me they better watch out for the rest of the d-linemen.”
PERSONNEL/INJURY NOTES:
--S Jarrod Cooper is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Cooper is a fine gunner on special teams and a key element for the Panthers. He doesn't play much on defense.
--TE Marco Battaglia is also questionable for the Panthers, but probably wouldn't play even if healthy. Other than that the Panthers are pretty healthy.