Minter: Gamble will be great cornerback

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter is not one for bold statements, but on Thursday he predicted teammate Chris Gamble will become the NFL's next great cornerback.

"I believe that this guy can be the best cornerback in the league, period. He's going to a special player, I'm talking Deion Sanders-type special," said Minter, who has seen dozens of cornerbacks come and go during his nine seasons in the league. "You are going to be talking about this kid for a long time."

Yes, that's the same Chris Gamble whom Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers abused earlier this season at Miami. And it's the same Gamble who gave up three passes of longer than 45 yards in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals, although doing so on a severely sprained ankle he should never have played on.

But since sitting out one game and benefiting from a well-timed bye week, Gamble has put together three straight outstanding games in wins over Minnesota, Tampa Bay and the New York Jets. In those games, he has three interceptions, including one he returned 61 yards for a touchdown against the Bucs. He also has 20 tackles, two passes defended and fumble recovery.

"He has gotten better every week," Panthers coach John Fox said. "He is a guy that is gifted. He has worked at it hard. He is gaining experience each week. I think he is learning how to better prepare himself. He's growing as a player and he's got a lot of talent."

The Panthers traded up a few spots in the first round of the 2004 draft to acquire Gamble, who played at Ohio State, even though he had played mostly wide receiver in college and came out of school after his junior year. Still, Gamble, 22, finished his rookie season with Carolina tied for the NFC lead in interceptions with six.

He impressed his teammates when he returned to training camp this past summer for his second season.

"When you looked at him in training camp you could see all of the athletic ability beginning to come together on the football field and the confidence, too," Minter said. "He has the athletic ability. He has the size. And now he's starting to understand the game."

In the offseason, the Panthers a six-year, $36 million contract that included $13 million in signing bonuses to acquire free agent Ken Lucas from the Seattle Seahawks. And in most games, Lucas still draws the tougher assignment.

That has helped Gamble regain his confidence, Minter said. And now it's starting to show.

"I think I can be that Deion-type guy," Gamble said. "I just have to keep watching more film and helping myself be a better DB and approach every play like it's my last."

With both Lucas and Gamble at cornerback, the Panthers defense has stopped 11 turnovers in the past three games, recorded 19 sacks and even scored twice. They have combined for four interceptions in those three games.

"Now you have two corners that you don't want to mess with," Minter said.