This "running game" everyone keeps bringing up

[Davidson Deac II]

We seem to forget the main reason the running game got going towards the end of the season last year was due to the read option. We had nothing to lose so they let Cam go out there and be reckless with his runs. You think we can sustain a running game without the read option this year? cause I don't think Cam can't take the amount of hits he took at the end of last year for an entire seasons. I also it not fair to Cam to make him carry the running game, along with having a rookie receiver as his number 1 for a second straight year.

Don't agree that it was the Read Option that got the run game going last year.  IMO, it was improved offensive line play and Jonathan Stewart finally staying healthy.  Playing weaker opponents on the defensive side helped a little to.  Although Stewarts numbers were good over the last 7 games even when going up against opponents that played us tough defensively (the Vikes and Seattle).

[Oudaman90]

Both sides of this argument is right. We shouldn't bring in another receiver. It makes more since to roll with who we have. Also, Cam is going to have to carry us with his arm and legs. This means being more accurate, working the pocket better, and being a beast running the ball. That's reality.

However, it IS unfair to ask a QB to have to be a great passer and runner just for our team to hold its own. Not be great, but just have a chance. Its idiotic. Its one thing to put success on a quarterback's shoulders when you surround him with high quality skill players and adequate protection and to just be the best pocket passer he can be. Its another when he has to be a great pocket passer with mediocre weapons, so-so protection, AND have to be Marshawn Lynch at the same time. Thats not how winning franchises construct an offense. That's what middling teams do.

That's one gripe i have with Panthers fans when it comes to Cam. We expect him to be All-Pro despite knowing full well our offense isn't good enough. We kill him for running too much, but complain when he doesn't. And in one breath we claim we don't care about his stats as long as we win games, but are quick to throw stats around to say this QB is much better. Smh You can't have it both ways...

[Captain Obvious]

Why even play the games. Just take our 0-16 record start again next year when the WR God KB is back.

[Udogg]

The running game didn't start clicking because of Cam.  The running game started clicking once Silatolu, Chandler, Velasco were replaced by Norwell, Turner and Remmers.   Over the last 3 years, our offense has started clicking when changes have been made on the line.  (aka. Silatolu sucks).

We keep the read option because

1. Cam feels comfortable with it.

2. It slows down the pass rush since the DE's have to read and contain.

3. It works when ran correctly.

WR helps but doesn't open up our offense.  Line play does.  Look at the big gains in our first preseason game through the air and look at our rushing numbers. When Cam has time, he will get the ball downfield.  Using one of our best offensive games last year against New Orlean as example,  KB only had 24 yards. However we destroyed them on the ground.  Even when they knew we were running they still got gashed.

Matter of fact, in the game we won down the stretch last year that Cam played , KB had 24, 9 and 47 yards respectively.  We need some production out of the outside receiver position however us playing more 2 tight end sets may be a blessing in disguise.  Looking back on what some of you call the holy grail of offenses (Chudzinski), we were way more explosive out of 2 tight end sets.  Not more efficient, but more explosive.   (also note that our run game improved as soon as soon as Wharton replaced Silatolu). 

[Oudaman90]

We're certainly not going 0-16, but we ain't going 13-3 either. I say we go 9-7 best case scenario.

[Cyberjag]

Yes, it's all about the line.  If they open holes, our running game looks good.  If they can block worth a damn, it frees Olsen up to catch the ball.  If Cam has time to throw, then even the worst receiving group in NFL history will be able to move the ball down the field through the air.  And if defenses have to respect the run, then the read option works.  

When did they ever take it out of the playbook anyway?  The first few games last year?  

[Oudaman90]

The read option is pretty much the most creative thing we do with Shula calling the plays. Otherwise we're real predictable passing and throwing. The beauty about it is we don't know for surr what will happen until the games are played. Its just during this regime, the Panthers have followed the same script outside of 2013. Play like crap until you have a losing record, then play with heart and soul the last 4 games. Its hard not to expect more of the same, but we can and should always hope...

[panthers55]

I love people saying that Cam cant take punishment or that the read option will cause him to take too much pounding.  Who exactly do you think decides if he wants to hand the ball off on the read option or run it himself?  That would be Newton.  Sure the defense dictates some of that but if Newton doesnt want to take a pounding, he can just hand off the ball, throw it away or change the play.  Truth is that most times he calls his own number and wants to run the ball.  If he isnt worried about himself then why should we???

[Oudaman90]

Scrambling to make something out of nothing is one thing. But a bunch of scripted runs just isn't the best way to use a 100 million dollar QB with pretty good passing skills. How about allow him to get as much repetition passing the football accurately and putting on his playmakers to make plays instead of using his legs as a crutch to mask deficiencies.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

good teams trust their scouting and their roster.  it's only the poo teams that make hail mary desperation moves all the time.

example: you know how everybody is on david bakhtiari/green bay's dick because he was drafted in the same round as our bust the kugster in 2013?  you want to know how he became a franchise left tackle?  bryan bulaga shredded his knee near the beginning of training camp in 2013.  they didn't have any depth at the position, just a rookie that had had a pretty good camp so far.  did green bay poo their pants and offer two firsts to whoever would take it for tackle?  no, they trusted their scouting chops and said fug you we're starting a fourth round rookie at left tackle.  and it worked.

i know gettledouche's popularity is bottoming out around here and all the bipolar shitposters are starting to show their faces again, but he's upgraded three out of five positions on the offensive line, rebuilt the entire secondary, and was in the middle of a facelift of our WR corps before an unfortunate freak injury happened.  his body of work makes me trust his judgment on this.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

Who ever said this WR as deep was lying to themselves, none if these guys would start in any other team. We had a weak receiving core with Kelvin now we have the worst. If they produce its due to Cam's greatness point blank period.

 

Hurney was another play it safe GM, no free agents, no trades and always drafting defense. Sounds familiar?

a bunch of poo trades left the team talent starved and were absolutely among the main things that got hurney fired.  We went two straight drafts with no first round pick and then another where we missed out on the 33rd overall which is essentially a late first rounder.

do you watch the panthers?

[Smithers]

Cam will do what he needs to in order to get a win.  One of the reasons I love him so much!

[CRA]

We seem to forget the main reason the running game got going towards the end of the season last year was due to the read option. We had nothing to lose so they let Cam go out there and be reckless with his runs. You think we can sustain a running game without the read option this year? cause I don't think Cam can't take the amount of hits he took at the end of last year for an entire seasons. I also it not fair to Cam to make him carry the running game, along with having a rookie receiver as his number 1 for a second straight year.

I think we see this year what we see EVERY year.

Another slow start.  

But yeah, 28 and Cam running the read takes something off the OL IMO vs a traditional power run.  28 has always been the best RB by far at the zone read looks 

[CRA]

Cam will do what he needs to in order to get a win.  One of the reasons I love him so much!

Cam still needs the coaches to let him...

will Shula let Cam go shotgun no huddle often and early or will he wait until we are 2-5?