This "running game" everyone keeps bringing up

[Daddy_Uncle]

I wanna just screw around this whole season and lose all the games and get that number one pick!! That would be great

[ShutDwn]

How do other teams without a 6'5" battering ram QB run the ball? Do they just give it to someone else? Is there anyone on the team that fills this role? 

[Jackofalltrades]

We have a real OL now, we got this.

[GoobyPls]

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). 

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).

The games in which the panthers had the most rushing yards Cam averaged over 10 carries per game. So yes it had to do with Cam and the read option. If you want more proof go check Stewart's highlights from last season almost all his yardage came from the read option.

[GoobyPls]

Here is what everyone is forgetting.....Funchess.

Dude runs better routes and is way more fluid than KB.  He still has the size.  He is faster than KB.

Now, would I love to have him and KB on the field together?  Absolutely.

But, with him in a primary role, I fully expect numbers just as good as KB has last year.  Then throw in Ginn, Brown (non rookie), Bersin (more experience), etc.  and our WR corp iIS better than last year.

And that is crap.  Funchess is as much a starting quality WR as Benjamin was at this point last year.   

 

Serious question do you guys watch college ball? Funchess was not in the same stratosphere as Kelvin coming out of college.

Big whoop he ran a faster 40 in his pro day in shorts, Kelvin ran faster at the combine. Go put the tape of Kelvin vs UF (at the time the number 1 pass D in the country) He torched them and ran by them, Not to mention Kelvin's ball skills and physicality are just flat out superior.

If anything this training camp has proved is that Kelvin was/is special and Funchess coming along much slower.

[Mr. Scot]

 

Serious question do you guys watch college ball? Funchess was not in the same stratosphere as Kelvin coming out of college.

Big whoop he ran a faster 40 in his pro day in shorts, Kelvin ran faster at the combine. Go put the tape of Kelvin vs UF (at the time the number 1 pass D in the country) He torched them and ran by them, Not to mention Kelvin's ball skills and physicality are just flat out superior.

If anything this training camp has proved is that Kelvin was/is special and Funchess coming along much slower.

You questioning whether someone watches football...

There's some irony.

[GoobyPls]

You questioning whether someone watches football...

There's some irony.

Change your sig to football hack

[panthers55]

 

Serious question do you guys watch college ball? Funchess was not in the same stratosphere as Kelvin coming out of college.

Big whoop he ran a faster 40 in his pro day in shorts, Kelvin ran faster at the combine. Go put the tape of Kelvin vs UF (at the time the number 1 pass D in the country) He torched them and ran by them, Not to mention Kelvin's ball skills and physicality are just flat out superior.

If anything this training camp has proved is that Kelvin was/is special and Funchess coming along much slower.

Lets see how the rest of the year  goes now that Funchess is also being put in a starting role.and see what happens. Besides the point is not whether Funchess alone can help make up for the Benjamin loss but whether the addition of Funchess, Ginn and Boykin combined can make up the difference which would be 4 catches and 70 yards a game.

 

[Jackofalltrades]

Benjamin also had a real QB in college,.something that makes a world of difference.

[GoobyPls]

Lets see how the rest of the year  goes now that Funchess is also being put in a starting role.and see what happens. Besides the point is not whether Funchess alone can help make up for the Benjamin loss but whether the addition of Funchess, Ginn and Boykin combined can make up the difference which would be 4 catches and 70 yards a game.

 

I hoping for the best expecting the worst  I would feel a whole lot better if we traded for someone. We also cannot let Cotchery get significant snaps he brings nothing to the field.

Is Boykin even making the roster?

[Jackofalltrades]

I hoping for the best expecting the worst  I would feel a whole lot better if we traded for someone. We also cannot let Cotchery get significant snaps he brings nothing to the field.

Is Boykin even making the roster?

Cotchery brings a lot of experience and good hands to the team. He's old, but generally dependable.

[CRA]

Here is what everyone is forgetting.....Funchess.

Dude runs better routes and is way more fluid than KB.  He still has the size.  He is faster than KB.

Now, would I love to have him and KB on the field together?  Absolutely.

But, with him in a primary role, I fully expect numbers just as good as KB has last year.  Then throw in Ginn, Brown (non rookie), Bersin (more experience), etc.  and our WR corp iIS better than last year.

fully expect? What KB did last year shouldn't be expected of any first round pick.  Let alone a 2nd rounder.   We saw abnormal production from guys last year.  It isn't the new norm/expectation. 

I buy the argument that going into the season are WR corp is just as good or better (bc KB was a rookie with rookie expectations) and now the 3/4 WR talent is better.   But it isn't better once you actually factor in what KB was

700 yards 4 TDs would be a good season for Funchess.   He isn't the physical mismatch KB is and that is basically what Kelvin relied on and us  

[Davidson Deac II]

 

The games in which the panthers had the most rushing yards Cam averaged over 10 carries per game. So yes it had to do with Cam and the read option. If you want more proof go check Stewart's highlights from last season almost all his yardage came from the read option.

Our running attack was at its best at the end of the season when Stewart was getting over 20 carries a game.  Only exception to that was the Falcons game when Stewart was pulled out and Fozzy and Tolbert carried more of the load.  And we were running the read option all year, but it started working better when Stewart was healthy and offensive line started playing better.  When those two things happened, all of our running plays started working better, including the read option.   

[panthers55]

I hoping for the best expecting the worst  I would feel a whole lot better if we traded for someone. We also cannot let Cotchery get significant snaps he brings nothing to the field.

Is Boykin even making the roster?

Lets see what Boykin does now that his opportunity has expanded.  I know that Gettleman wont hesitate to pull the trigger on a trade or acquisition if he doesnt think we have the answer on the roster.  He did it with Remmers and would do it again this year.  But until that is clear there are guys on this roster that have the opportunity to make the club and contribute.  What is one person's bad luck when they get injured becomes another player's golden opportunity. That is the nature of the NFL.