Playbook on NFLN: A worrisome defensive stat

[top dawg]

I had never even heard of Playbook, and probably would have switched had it been for a Panthers segment being on when I turned the TV on.  Billick highlighted one disparity between last year and the first 5 games this year.  Billick said our defense was first in defensive efficiency for the opposition scoring TDs in the red zone last year. Well, I couldn't find the exact metrics he was using, but I did find a site that provides rankings which stated we were number three in 2013. You want to take a guess where we are through the first five games this year according to Billick and teamrankings.com (lots of team stats)?

 

You got it: dead last.

 

 

[janderson20vt]

Uh, I thought it was pretty obvious our defense is no where near on the level it was last year.

 

2nd half of the Chicago game is the best it has looked all year. We can only hope it wasn't a fluke and we can return to some sort of high level.

[philp]

It's also obvious to anyone paying attention that our d relies on our pressure up front.  The moment Hardy was sat down was when you should have known this d wasn't going to be the same.  Throw in Johnson's performance and there you have it.

 

I think the defense will get better, but it's not going to be as good as last years.

[DaveThePanther2008]

Uh, I thought it was pretty obvious our defense is no where near on the level it was last year.

 

2nd half of the Chicago game is the best it has looked all year. We can only hope it wasn't a fluke and we can return to some sort of high level.

 

That isn't true.  Game one and two were pretty solid performances just games 3 and 4 were abysmal.

[mbarbour21]

Turnovers are not helping us. The Chicago game started out with two near our own redzone.

[Panthers Fanatic]

I know it's been shaky so far, but I believe our Defense found something last week and will improve as the season goes on. Probably not Top 5 worthy, but serviceable based on the hand we have been dealt (i.e. Hardy, chemistry, injuries). Those back to back abysmal losses go a long way as to why we are currently dead last in that category.

[Beast_3000]

They need to design dome more stunts for Kawaan Short and Edwards. Pressure can be created to help the back end by confusing the offensive line with new schemes.

[TheNewStandard]

We have 3 players in the top 25 at forcing fumbles. Cason, Blackburn and Klein. That's pretty sick if they can keep that pace up. Cason is really impressing.

Once our offense starts clicking on all cylinders, it'll take a lot of pressure off our defense. If Hardy comes back after 6 games, that'll be the kicker.

I have a feeling that we have a team that will improve as the season grows. Injuries and suspensions have taken a big toll, but look...we are still atop the division.

[pantherclaw]

Miss Hardy.

[FugginPoo]

Remember, game 1 was nearly a shut out with Hardy in until late in the game.  Did very well in Game 2 as well...then Hardy poo and they turned to a crap defense

[L-TownCat]

Miss Hardy.

Miss Hardy is why he isn't with us in the first place.

[Mage]

Remember, game 1 was nearly a shut out with Hardy in until late in the game.  Did very well in Game 2 as well...then Hardy poo and they turned to a crap defense

 

Greg Hardy did not play in the second game.

[Growl]

freakin bob costas

[Davidson Deac II]

It's also obvious to anyone paying attention that our d relies on our pressure up front.  The moment Hardy was sat down was when you should have known this d wasn't going to be the same.  Throw in Johnson's performance and there you have it.

 

I think the defense will get better, but it's not going to be as good as last years.

 

It could be by the end of the season.  If Hardy comes back (a big if I know) and secondary play improves (it could), then the defense could be every bit as good as it was last year and peak at the right time.  But we have to find a way to win until that time.  So far, we have won enough, and we are fortunate to be playing in a relatively weak division, but things could get a lot more difficult soon.