CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers sit 2-0 on the season, and while it may be a surprise to some, there are two very simple reasons why that's the case:
1. Everybody knows the defense is one of the best in the NFL, and it shouldn't be that much of a surprise that in the two games Tampa and Detroit have combined for a total of 21 points.
The defense of the Panthers has corralled three interceptions and forced six fumbles, recovering three of them. That's six turnovers total, which have led directly to points for an offense that struggles at times to move the ball.
2. It's also not a big secret this offense, guided by Cam Newton, isn't exactly explosive. In two games, it's averaging just 22 points per outing. However, what the Panthers have done is protect the ball and not turn it over.
"That is something we try to work on," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "It's one of those things that you have to continue to do things the right way and we talk about the details of our work. I think if we do the details of our work and we do the things that we are supposed to, we give ourselves a good chance to win.
"In this league you really don't want to beat yourselves."
And that's exactly what Carolina did at the start of last year when it began the 2013 season 1-3.
In those first four games, they committed a whopping nine turnovers. However, they committed just six over the remaining 12 games and went 11-1.
At the same time, they forced their opponents into 10 more turnovers with 25.
It all led to an NFC South Division championship.
"We make a big deal out of (not committing turnovers)," said Panthers Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil. "We always say good things happen when you keep the ball."
Kalil said not committing turnovers is such a high point of emphasis that if there's a fumble during the center-quarterback exchange during practice, those two have to stay and practice the snap for a considerable extra amount of time after practice.
"Some teams are really good at making an emphasis of not turning over the ball," he said. "We are one of those teams."
Then there's the defense, which is forcing fumbles and then capitalizing by recovering them. There's also the interceptions Carolina's getting. After two games, it adds up to a plus-6 in the turnover ratio.
"Coach (Rivera) always preaches running to the ball is important," said linebacker Thomas Davis. "As a defense, we've definitely bought into what our coaches have been teaching us. It shows up on the film."
Follow Brett Jensen on Twitter at @Brett_Jensen
