By Times Staff and Wire Reports
Published November 7, 2003
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers is in a slump, desperate to add to his total of just two sacks.
The Panthers' second-year player was rattled by the Bucs in September.
Kenyatta Walker, playing right tackle, toyed with Peppers in the first meeting, continuously swatting at Peppers' face until Peppers lost his cool and threw a punch. Peppers was called for a personal foul, and while nursing a bloody lip after the victory, accused Walker and the Bucs of cheap shots.
Due to injuries on the offensive line, it's unlikely Walker will line up opposite Peppers on Sunday. Walker has practiced primarily at left tackle and would face right defensive end Mike Rucker, who leads Carolina with 10 sacks.
"I don't think I called it dirty play," Peppers said Thursday of his first game against Tampa Bay. "I think I said there was a couple of dirty, dirty things that happened. There was a couple of cheap shots, but that's just football."
Not to Walker, who said he has developed a rivalry with Peppers. "It's personal as long as it's on the field," Walker said. "Once the clock is over, it's nothing, really. But when we're on that field, we definitely don't like each other.
"I definitely like going against him. ... I've never seen someone like him before and he's never seen anyone like me. I definitely respect the guy, and I just want respect, too."
Peppers acted surprised by Walker's assessment of their relationship.
"Who? No.67?" he asked. "It's whatever, man. I'm going to play how I usually play. I don't care who is on the other side of the ball."
