3rd Downs must improve this year

[pantherpaw06]

We were middle of the road last year. I think I read in an article that we were 18th. I think it would be great to see D. Jarrett, Goodson and maybe Barnidge pick it up and change that stat.

It would be a nightmare for opposing teams D. Coordinator's. Smitty, Moose and Double Trouble are a given so I would think that if thats ALL any of those three could do our offense would be top three in the NFL this year.

Just dreaming...

[Cyberjag]

Before you put a lot of stock in the 18th place ranking, look at our average yards to go on third down. It makes a difference, and we converted a LOT of second downs last year, more than normal.

[pantherpaw06]

True, I remember that. I just think we can do better. Ya know? I hope Jarrett uses that stat as a personal goal. It would be nice for Jake to have someone of his physcial stature to depend on for 3rd downs.

[panthers55]

Before you put a lot of stock in the 18th place ranking, look at our average yards to go on third down. It makes a difference, and we converted a LOT of second downs last year, more than normal.

Plus on third and short we were number 1 in the league converting 79%.

[pantherpaw06]

hmm, you guys are good. ok, then the thread should have been 3rd and long downs. haha

[Brandon]

We were so good on first and second down that when we did get stopped on those two downs it usually didn't end well for us. I'm much more worried about our defense on third downs.

[panthers55]

hmm, you guys are good. ok, then the thread should have been 3rd and long downs. haha

More playmakers wouldn't change the 3rd and long stats as much as improved playcalling. We are still too predictable running the ball on first and second down.

[Captroop]

U know who would help on 3rd down? Mike Vick

Thought I'd strike while the iron's hot

[Cyberjag]

Plus on third and short we were number 1 in the league converting 79%.

Dammit! I was gonna pull that stat out and hammer someone with it after the haters started getting going.

Trust you to know what the IMPORTANT stats are.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

What's a third down?

[prowler2k8]

Before you put a lot of stock in the 18th place ranking, look at our average yards to go on third down. It makes a difference, and we converted a LOT of second downs last year, more than normal.

Yeah, those rankings don't take into consideration a plethora of long runs by Double Trouble. Despite the 18 ranking in 3rd down conversions, we still had one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL last season, and that shouldn't change this season. I do agree that getting more players (Barnidge, Goodson, Jarrett, Rosario) involved in the offense will cause alot of sleepless nights for opposing defenses. We can only hope Fox will ease up off the conservative playcalling and take the reigns off the offense to take advantage, but that's for another thread.

[Brandon]

More playmakers wouldn't change the 3rd and long stats as much as improved playcalling. We are still too predictable running the ball on first and second down.

I dunno... we went deep a lot last year on first and second. Too many of our third and longs were as a result of procedure penalties.

[panthers55]

I dunno... we went deep a lot last year on first and second. Too many of our third and longs were as a result of procedure penalties.

Agree on the penalties but the predictability isn't just how many times you run on first and second down but also how many times did you run when the defense was expecting you to run and were stacked against it. Lets admit most of us can predict what the Panthers will do on most downs. If we can do that surely the defensive coordinator can as well.

[Fireball77]

That Football Outsiders book this year said that the Panthers very seldom ran when they went 3 wide. I think P55 has a valid point about playcalling. Hope Davidson did some self-scouting on playcalling and tweaks that a bit. Maybe Goodson will aid that also being that he could be a threat to catch or run out of that set if he pans out. I would love if they had a Kevin Faulk. He is MR. third down.