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SPARTANBURG The trade that brought defensive tackle Tank Tyler home to the Carolina Panthers midway through last season couldn't have been better timed.
Tyler, a Fayetteville native, spent 2 1/2 seasons in Kansas City buried under inconsistent play. He was traded when the Chiefs decided he didn't fit in their new 3-4 defense, a scheme Tyler had never played in.
The Panthers were less than a year from fielding a depleted defensive line. They lost defensive tackles Damione Lewis, Maake Kemoeatu and Hollis Thomas this offseason. It's clear Tyler needed the Panthers, and they need him. Three days into training camp, it seems both are better for it.
"It's a blessing to be back in my hometown where I have all the support," Tyler said Friday. "A lot of people know me. A lot of people know my story."
The Panthers are only concerned with the story Tyler writes this season.
He is one of the few veteran defensive tackles on the roster. He's receiving first-team reps and is a favorite to win one of two starting positions. But after six games with the Panthers during 2009, his effectiveness still is unknown.
Tyler is recovering from a right knee injury suffered during Week12 against the New York Jets. He said his knee feels 100percent but was seen stretching it out several times Friday afternoon.
"In only three practices; it's hard to declare," coach John Fox said when asked if Tyler was at full health.
"When you're a big guy, and you've been laid up for a while, it's (difficult) to get back into football shape. He's worked very hard this offseason to get healthy."
Fox said he expects Tyler to be "an important piece" this season, but it's up to the N.C. State alum to make it happen.
"I always tell these guys I don't make evaluations, they do," Fox said. "A lot of it will be based on his performance, and we still have a long way to go."
"He's still a new player to us, to some degree. ... He's still getting acclimated to what we're doing."
Tyler welcomes the challenge to prove himself.
He said he's mentally tougher than he was a year ago, a testament to practicing in the same Carolina heat he grew up in. He also believes the switch from a 3-4 to 4-3 defense helped.
But mostly, Tyler said, he wants to show he's a good fit with the Panthers.
"When everyone is depending on me, I feel like I play at my best," Tyler said. "I feel like I'm the guy who can be out there and make a difference. Whether it's the biggest role or the smallest role, I just want to play my part this year."
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Read more: http://www.charlotte...l#ixzz0vHYm3Q8j
Tyler, a Fayetteville native, spent 2 1/2 seasons in Kansas City buried under inconsistent play. He was traded when the Chiefs decided he didn't fit in their new 3-4 defense, a scheme Tyler had never played in.
The Panthers were less than a year from fielding a depleted defensive line. They lost defensive tackles Damione Lewis, Maake Kemoeatu and Hollis Thomas this offseason. It's clear Tyler needed the Panthers, and they need him. Three days into training camp, it seems both are better for it.
"It's a blessing to be back in my hometown where I have all the support," Tyler said Friday. "A lot of people know me. A lot of people know my story."
The Panthers are only concerned with the story Tyler writes this season.
He is one of the few veteran defensive tackles on the roster. He's receiving first-team reps and is a favorite to win one of two starting positions. But after six games with the Panthers during 2009, his effectiveness still is unknown.
Tyler is recovering from a right knee injury suffered during Week12 against the New York Jets. He said his knee feels 100percent but was seen stretching it out several times Friday afternoon.
"In only three practices; it's hard to declare," coach John Fox said when asked if Tyler was at full health.
"When you're a big guy, and you've been laid up for a while, it's (difficult) to get back into football shape. He's worked very hard this offseason to get healthy."
Fox said he expects Tyler to be "an important piece" this season, but it's up to the N.C. State alum to make it happen.
"I always tell these guys I don't make evaluations, they do," Fox said. "A lot of it will be based on his performance, and we still have a long way to go."
"He's still a new player to us, to some degree. ... He's still getting acclimated to what we're doing."
Tyler welcomes the challenge to prove himself.
He said he's mentally tougher than he was a year ago, a testament to practicing in the same Carolina heat he grew up in. He also believes the switch from a 3-4 to 4-3 defense helped.
But mostly, Tyler said, he wants to show he's a good fit with the Panthers.
"When everyone is depending on me, I feel like I play at my best," Tyler said. "I feel like I'm the guy who can be out there and make a difference. Whether it's the biggest role or the smallest role, I just want to play my part this year."
Subscribe to The Charlotte Observer.
Read more: http://www.charlotte...l#ixzz0vHYm3Q8j
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