One of the problems the Panthers had in losing their first three games was they couldn’t stop the run.

That stopped last week against the Redskins, thanks to a free agent pickup, so writes Charles Chandler of the Charlotte Observer.

Thomas is the rather portly (6-foot, 340 pounds) veteran of 14 seasons whom the Panthers signed to play the nose guard position that’s been their Achilles heel since Maake Kemoeatu tore his Achilles on Aug.3 in the opening practice of training camp.

Thomas’ presence helped clog the middle of the defensive line against the Redskins and freed middle linebacker Jon Beason to have his most productive game of the season (10 tackles and a sack).

This should be an interesting matchup in this game: the Panthers’ improved rush defense against the Bucs sometime struggling rush offense. It sure as hell helps that it appears Sean Mayhem will not be starting.