Normally you can't blame a loss like this on one person, but in this case...

[LUUUUUKE]

You can make a pretty good argument for blaming it on Melvin White's performance. He had primary coverage responsibilities on 3 TD scoring plays.

Rivera benched White in favor of Josh Norman, not sure if Norman is the answer either but it's time to find out whether or not Norman can get the job done at this level.

If there's a small silver lining in all this, it's that our lack of pass rush is exposing just how bad some of our DB's really are so we can perform an honest evaluation. I don't expect White to shut people down, but he got torched on 3 big plays with some pretty basic coverage assignments yesterday.

Let's not forget that TD that they ended up calling back against Pittsburgh because the WR stepped out and back in. I Thanked God at the time, Melvin never even looked up. It was horrible.

This D is being exposed without its Pro Bowl DEs playing to their level (Hardy exe list) (CJ hurt/MIA)

[WOW!!]

Seems like Harper freelances a lot, instead of playing his assignment.

DeCoud make a really nice play on the ball from the other side of the field for a near interception, and he tipped the pass in the Detroit game that led to White's interception, so there's that.

Harper only look like he freelancing because he slow as hell and gets to spots late or not at all.

Decoud problem is he can't tackle and looks like he avoids contact. If the front 7 was better he wouldn't be as big a problem but now he has to help in the run game and looks terrified.

[carolina-chuck]

White was terrible.

I was saying all season that White is still suspect. He's a mediocre corner playing a scheme that benefits him.

But, there's more blame to go around than just White.

[scarface]

I blame to Oline, injures at RB and the lack of Hardy, alot more than White or the secondary.

 

If the OLine blocked better then the O could move the ball on the ground, run the clock and limit the amount of time the D would have to spend on the field which is how the Panthers want to play. Obviously the injuries to DeAngelo, Stewart and Tolbert have made matters even worse but the Oline wasnt really blocking for them either.

 

Without Hardy nobody seems to be able to get a pass rush besides Addison. Even when Hardy didnt get sacks last year I noticed that he was still getting pressure on the passer but now QBs have plenty of time to pick apart the secondary.

[MtnJax]

Worth remembering that Smith would have practiced against White a lot last year. He'd know a lot about his habits, tendencies, strengths and weaknesses.

You can say White would know him too, but in that situation I have to give the veteran the advantage.

Steve's nickname for Melvin was cement feet. So yeah, advantage Smitty

[KendrickPanther]

Let's be fair to Melvin. He was going against a hall of famer. It was like Jordan vs. Starks 1v1.