Right now, we're the 2002-2004 Falcons

[panthers55]

Definitely a different approach though.

 

Under Buddy Ryan, the Eagles offensive philosophy was hyst for Cunningham to make a couple of big plays a game and let Ryan's defense take care of the rest.

 

I definitely would not want us going that route.

 

I know you are the historian and might be right overall but not in 1989 when I referenced. I didn't do the stats for multiple years.

 

The Eagles scored almost 22 points a game in 1989  (ranked 13th out of 28) which is not that different from what we did last year at 23 points (ranked 18th out of 32)  Especially given the emphasis on increased offense in modern football.   So actually their offense for the time was actually better than ours was last year.  Meanwhile our defense of 2013 was actually better than their defense in 1989.  We gave up 15 points a game (2nd overall) and ranked 6th against the pass and 2nd against the run. In 1989, the Eagles gave up 17 points a game (ranked 5th) and ranked 12th against the pass and 7th against the run. Again given the increased emphasis on points and offense, what we did last year is even more impressive.

 

You could actually make the argument that with more of an emphasis on passing in the modern era that there are actually more big plays now than there were then.  They averaged 5.3 yards a pass attempt and 4.1 yards rushing in 1989.  Last year we averaged 5.9 yards a pass and 4.2 yards rushing. And frankly our passing average was down last year.   I couldn't find stats on number of big plays over 20 or 40 for 1989.

 

I would think that given Rivera played under Ryan in Chicago, their emphasis on the defense being the most important part would be similar. Ryan for all his aggressiveness often gave up as many big plays as he made by constantly blitzing.  I think that McDermott and Rivera use the heavy pressure rush but are more selective on when they blitz. Their defensive coordinator that year was a young Jeff Fisher.

[panthers55]

 

 

 

i am still thinking that Cam's wild inaccuracy was due to his ankle. i know he threw some head-scratchers in last weeks PS game but once he gets in rhythm with his receivers in real game speed, i think the accuracy will drastically improve. if it doesnt, then there is no excuse for Newton. but that doesnt mean he wont still be my favorite QB in the league. every QB has a weakness, it very well may be that Cam's is the occasional streak of head-scratcher passes. as long as Cam can avoid those streaks with the game on the line, and somehow keep those passes where only the receiver can get them, i wont complain about alittle bit of inaccuracy.

 

Add the rust of not playing and he was definitely not at his best with the ankle.  But his mechanics have been an issue for the last 3 years especially when he is hurried or pressured.  What is maddening is to see him hit one guy across the middle leading him perfectly and then miss a wide open guy standing still 10 yards down the field on the next  play.

[teeray]

I just want to win. Don't care how we do it

[Kurb]

If you look at the way the team approached last season, you'll notice they concentrated a fair amount on the run game. In this case, a run game which included (some would say was powered by) our quarterback. The passing game was there and decent, but it was the run game that was the engine of the offense. And on the other side, an attacking, smothering defense.

Now, if you think back about ten years or so, that style of play might seem familiar.

It's what the Atlanta Falcons of the early 2000s used when Vick was at his peak with them. Their run game, Vick included, was deadly. The pass game - at its best - was complementary but hardly frightening.

So now that we have a quarterback who can beat teams with his legs, here we were last season using a similar approach.

Aaaaand honestly, I'm not in favor of that :(

Why?

The Falcons taking that approach was understandable, even wise when you think about it. Vick was an amazing runner, but a mediocre passer. Teams knew the best game plan against the Falcons was to concentrate on the run and force Vick to throw. Hence, the 'mush rush' by many, except the Bucs who always used heavy pressure to flush Vick to his right where he wasn't as effective.

Still, the run game was so good that even when teams did their best to take it away, they didn't always succeed.

So now, we take a similar path because we have a quarterback with a similar profile, right?

Cool, except we don't :unsure:

Cam Newton is, in only his fourth year, a better passer than Michael Vick was even in his best years. Yes, he's also a great runner and it's wise to use that quality and/or the threat of it. But in the process, let's not get unbalanced too far toward the run.

Now I'd imagine the coaches know this, so perhaps it's just been the lack of a deep receiving corps that's forced them into that approach. It seems more logical when you think about it. Newton, although sometimes lacking consistency, is still a good passer, but of course someone has to catch the ball.

Truthfully though, the reason behind why we went that route last year doesn't really matter.

The bottom line for me is that I don't want to see us looking that way again this coming season.

With a deeper receiving corps, another year under Newton's belt and a super-talented mega-tall receiver as a target, there's no reason why we shouldn't air it out as much as anybody. Rivera's preference has always been to be able to attack teams any way we choose, and that's exactly what I want to see in the year ahead.

Here's hoping we do.

The issue I have with your comparison is our Running Game pales greatly when compared to DVD. DUNN VICK ...the other D.

I am annoyed we have followed their steps in not having a dominate OL to protect the Franchise QB.

I think the comparison will fall away even more as we develop the offense.

[iamhubby1]

I think our scheme will work out great. Like stated earlier, we really need balance. Anything can happen when you start slinging the ball around. Especially tipped passes. With the defense we have, we dont have to sling it. We can methodically move the chains, eat up T.O.P., and do it more effectively than last year. (Because of our new additions offensively)

What's that old saying? 3 things can happen when you throw the ball, and 2 are bad. Run first, or as much as possible. Pass to set up the run, or to exploit the D. But, I would not be mad if we ran more than we pass. Just my preference. Even with Cam.

 

 

Our differences aside, how is our wrs deeper? Than last year?

Jerricho's 10tds were an anomaly, you're not getting that from him every year. Do you realize that Brandon Lafell, yes THE Brandon Lafell had more Receptions and Yards last year than any WR currently on our roster?

No one expects Cotch to have 10 TDs this year. No one expects Lafell to outplay our WRs this year. No one expects you to say anything remotely optimistic.

If our WR corp. winds up like most think it will. It is most definitely a better corp. than last year. Don't be afraid of the future, it isn't going to hurt you. Let the past go, it will only drag you down.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

The issue I have with your comparison is our Running Game pales greatly when compared to DVD. DUNN VICK ...the other D.

 

 

think that last guy would have been tj duckett iirc

[Growl]

that is a terrible comparison.

[PantherWake]

The Falcons didn't have the defense we have now

[AceBoogie]

What's that old saying? 3 things can happen when you throw the ball, and 2 are bad. Run first, or as much as possible. Pass to set up the run, or to exploit the D. But, I would not be mad if we ran more than we pass. Just my preference. Even with Cam.

No one expects Cotch to have 10 TDs this year. No one expects Lafell to outplay our WRs this year. No one expects you to say anything remotely optimistic.

If our WR corp. winds up like most think it will. It is most definitely a better corp. than last year. Don't be afraid of the future, it isn't going to hurt you. Let the past go, it will only drag you down.

You can say it has the potential to be better, only because Cam has never had a WR like Benjamin. It's all based on potential tho. By the way I think if Lafell gets on the field, he will put up numbers.

[tiger7_88]

Not even close.

 

From 2003 on, the Falcon's did a TERRIBLE job building their OL and DL (especially their DL).  And they're still paying for that to this day.

 

Dave Gettleman isn't ignoring the lines which is where GOOD TEAMS ARE BUILT.

 

Now some will say "Well what about the OL, isn't he ignoring that?"  And my answer is, one thing at a time.  With his limited budget and BPA philosophy, the first shot he had was to strengthen the DL.  And now the DL is easily a strength.  The OL is next.

[iamhubby1]

You can say it has the potential to be better, only because Cam has never had a WR like Benjamin. It's all based on potential tho. By the way I think if Lafell gets on the field, he will put up numbers.

How are we supposed to view the future if not by potential? Our WR have the potential to be the best corp., top to bottom, that we have ever had. That potential makes me giddy as all get out.

As far as Lafell goes, with Brady throwing him the ball I would expect him to have numbers. If he figures out that Offense. Plenty of WR have failed in that system. He has the potential to fail more so that succeed. But...he could fool me. Nah.

[carolina-chuck]

We're the 2012-2014 Seattle Seahawks!!!!!!!!!

[Diehardpanther02]

Right now we are the 2014 panthers

[SIGCHI222]

We're the 1970's Pittsburgh Steelers, 'cept Cam ain't bald...or missing teeth.  Other than that, carbon copy.