Along the Sidelines - Bears Edition

[Jeremy Igo]

The Panthers are 3-2 and in first place of the NFC South. In a game that started as troubling as it did, the Panthers were able to rally and win convincingly against a good NFL opponent.

 

The day started with an excellent head up play by Philly Brown. I know Philly is a controversial subject on the huddle, some love him... and others not so much. I am still firmly in Philly's corner. I see too much potential in this young man to give up on him now.

 

 

 

Roman Harper's interception over Brandon Marshal not only was an early highlight, but kept the Panthers in the game early. If not for this play, the Panthers may not have been able to turn it around enough to win the game.

 

 

Having Roman's foot in his face after an interception is probably not Marshall's idea of a good time.

 

 

We saw poor pass protection early in the game on the side of Byron Bell. The game began so terribly I was worried more for Cam's health than the outcome of the game.

 

 

Byron and Amini sat on the bench and watched their defense try to recover from the position they had put them in.

 

 

Things went from bad to worse when Josh Norman was injured. Whenever there is an injury, Thomas Davis quickly takes a knee. No one on the team understands what injured players go through more than Davis.

 

 

Luke could feel the game slipping away, and became more vocal and assertive with the defense. Luke is in a way the barometer of the defense. It seems the rest of the men respond to what he is doing.

 

 

To his credit, Byron Bell did improve as the game progressed. He held up well even against guys like Jared Allen.

 

 

Cam then had enough time to throw the ball. Once that happened, not only did the Panthers start completing passes, but the running game opened up as well. Funny how that works.

 

 

Cam looked as close to the Cam of old as we have seen all season. He ran noticeably better and with less hesitation. This is great news for the Panthers.

 

 

Obgonnaya performed well for a guy that was signed less than a week ago. Is it strange for anyone else to see a running back with the number 26 again?

 

 

Reaves also performed pretty well and is improving. I spoke to Darren in the locker room about his game, more on that later.

 

 

With the offense starting to perform, the defense needed to step up. Defensive Line Coach Eric Washington is always in the ears of his guys on the bench. Washington works as hard as anyone to keep his crew in the best possible position to succeed.

 

 

The benches now use Microsoft tablets to review plays. This doesn't work so well sometimes when the sun is coming in directly at the screens. Microsoft may want to look into non glare screens for the guys.

 

 

The defense responded by gang tackling....

 

 

... and forcing turnovers. Thomas DeCoud's interception could not have come at a better time.

 

 

Davis and Cason together forced a Matt Forte fumble, finally getting the upper hand on Forte who has historically had monster games against the Panthers.

 

 

With the game now in reach, Cam quieted the noise and focused on the task at hand.

 

 

Cam Newton and Greg Olsen took control of the game and gave the Panthers the lead.

 

 

 

The defense was left trying to fend of a potent Bears offense with just under two minutes to go.

 

For as much criticism the defensive line has had in the past weeks, they met the challenge and finished the game. It was none other than Kawann Short who put an exclamation point on the day with a sack on Jay Cutler.

 

 

I spoke to Kawann after the game to get his thoughts on his play, more on that later as well.

 

Additional game photos, topcat photos, player interviews, and locker room observations coming soon to the All Pro Insiders forum....

[KSpan]

Awesome work, as always.  Over/under on the amount that Cam will be fined for wearing uncovered UA cleats?  Looks like Brandon Marshall was as well.

[FootballMaestro]

Great photo of a yen practicing, placid looking Cam with hands on helmet

[SOJA]

lol DeCoud's face in that pic is priceless 

[ladypanther]

Yes, awesome pics as usual.  Love the one of Harper with his foot on Marshall's head! Also Luke leading the D.  Such intensity.

 

Thanks.

[Mojo]

Cam photo is 10/10.

 

Photo with Davis kneeling touched me.

 

Awesome.

[Squirrel]

Awesome work, as always.  Over/under on the amount that Cam will be fined for wearing uncovered UA cleats?  Looks like Brandon Marshall was as well.

 

Yeah the big UA will draw him a fine.

[5158Poundin]

TD always warms my heart see 58 roaming and wreaking havoc on the field. Awesome shots as always Jeremy!!!

[KSpan]

Yeah the big UA will draw him a fine.

If it does, Marshall better be getting one as well.

[Redaes]

Awesome work, as always. Over/under on the amount that Cam will be fined for wearing uncovered UA cleats? Looks like Brandon Marshall was as well.

Cam will "pay" the fines, UA will slip him a check.

Even if it's a $25k fine per game (no idea how much it is), that's some cheap advertisement for UA. One of the brightest stars in the league running around with their gear.

[JJman]

Davis kneeling is a great picture. Maybe one of your best. I have a new profile picture.

[lola]

Stellar as always.

The Cam pic is outstanding.

[jrbryson19]

I told you!!!! Panthers score 31 with a 6 from the D!!!!

[CarolinaSamurai]

I really need to get in this all pro section these are always so good