Gross: Peppers set for best-ever year

Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross has gotten a first-hand look at defensive end Julius Peppers in training camp, blocking him directly almost all the time they're both in the lineup.

Gross has been so impressed that, just a few minutes ago, he predicted a sensational season for Peppers, who is trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2 1/2-sack performance last year.

"I'll say this with 100 percent confidence: I think he's going to have his best year ever," Gross told reporters of Peppers. "He's better than I've ever seen him. Barring anything unknown, there's no reason he won't go out and just set records. ... He looks real, real good."

Gross said Peppers looks bigger, stronger and faster than ever before, which is a profound statement given the fact that Peppers is universally considered one of the most talented athletes in the NFL.

Gross was asked what's different about Peppers this year.

"I know he really enjoys being on the defensive right side," Gross said of Peppers' offseason switch from left end to right. "I think it's a bit of a new challenge for him.

"I know he's been training all offseason. I've talked to him as much as he'll talk, and he said he just feels stronger, faster, bigger than ever. It's definitely true just in these few days I've been going against him. He's been making me earn everything I've been getting."

In a one-on-one drill during Monday morning's practice, Peppers drove Gross backward with a bull rush. On Sunday, Peppers used a lightning-quick spin move to blow past backup left tackle Frank Omiyale.

Gross has blocked Peppers in previous camps and is able to continue to do so now because they both switched positions. Jordan moved from right to left tackle.

"It's great for me switching back to left again to go against him because there's really not going to be anybody better than him this year," said Gross. "If he keeps on the same pace he's on now, he's just going to kill people."

-- Charles Chandler