Davis loss a big blow to Panthers' defense

This was the breakout year the Panthers had been waiting to see from Thomas Davis ever since they picked in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Finally comfortable at the linebacker position and clearly an excellent fit for the new scheme installed by defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, Davis was playing fast and free this season.

There's no doubt he was having a Pro Bowl year before getting injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 30-20 loss at New Orleans.

The news this afternoon confirmed the team's fears at the time of the injury: Davis tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and  is out for the season.

That's a huge blow to Panthers defense that's been fast-improving since struggling in the first three games. At the midway point of the season, Carolina ranks ninth in the NFL in  total defense.

Davis ranked second on the team in tackles with 69 -- unofficially because the updated, official tackle totals based on coaches' tape review won't be available until later this week.

Davis and middle linebacker Jon Beason gave the Panthers an outside-inside linebacking duo that was as fast and talented as any in the NFL.

Now, Davis will be replaced by Landon Johnson, who has plenty of starting experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, but isn't nearly as dominant as Davis.

The timing of the injury comes just as Davis was getting poised to earn a big payday. He's in the final year of his contract. The Panthers almost certainly will still try to re-sign him.

Earlier this afternoon, coach John Fox was still awaiting final test results on Davis, but clearly had concern that the injury could be serious.

"I feel bad for the young man because he's put a lot into it," said Fox. "He was playing at a high level. It's unfortunate. I feel bad for him and his family.

"He's a tough-minded guy. ... I know he'll  deal with it in the right manner."

-- Charles Chandler