Math Problems: A Look At Why The Panthers' Run Game Is So Difficult To Stop

[Castavar]

http://vikingsjournal.com/_/minnesota-vikings-news/math-problems-a-look-at-why-the-panthers-run-game-is-so-difficult-to-stop-r1329

An EXCELLENT writeup on our run offense and why it's so hard to stop.

Quote

The way the Panthers operate their run game is unique in the NFL, and they are able to do so almost entirely because of the ability of their QB, Cam Newton. Newton is a mammoth of a QB at about 6'5" and 250 lbs, but also one of the most athletic QBs in the NFL. He's willing to deliver punishment and take hits, and the Panthers use him in the run game like no other team.

By now, most NFL fans are accustomed to the Read Option, which dominated the league in 2012, and those types of option plays (along with scrambles) still account for most of the QB rushing yards in the NFL. The Panthers use Newton on option plays as well, but then they take it to another level.

The reason the Read Option is successful is that it changes the math of the defense. On normal run plays, the QB isn't a threat to run. Because of this, the defense can basically ignore him and it gives them a 10-on-11 advantage. Read option plays utilize the treat of the QB as a runner, and have the QB read a specific defender who was intentionally left unblocked. The idea is that the unblocked player has to choose to go after either the QB or the RB, so you can "block" him by making him wrong on the play.

In many instances, the Panthers use Cam just like a running back, and have multiple plays designed for Cam to simply take off running at the snap.

This once again changes the math of the running game. The read option relies on ensuring a defender is wrong. By removing that element, you turn the RB into a lead blocker instead of just a decoy. This has powerful advantages in a man blocking scheme, because it gives the QB a lead blocker through the hole, just like an FB out of the I formation. So, instead of 10-on-11 with a traditional run game, or a 10-on-10 with the Read Option, you end up with 11-on-11 football.

The Panthers have built an offensive line to match this smashmouth philosophy. G Trai Turner is one of the best run-blocking guards in the NFL. He, Ryan Kalil, and Andrew Norwell make up a strong run-blocking interior, while tackles Michael Oher and Mike Remmers are much better run blockers than there are in the passing game (as we all witnessed in the Super Bowl).

Let's dive into the film on Cam Newton in the run game, taking a look at a few plays from the last three games the Panthers have played:

Click the link to finish reading because they give a great analysis.

[iamhubby1]

Nice find. Thank you good sir/madam. Is it bad I missed not having any Vikes fans in the comment section? I was kinda looking forward to their ideas on how to stop our run game. Oh well.

[Wundrbread33]

Yet, as good as we are, I still think it would serve us well just lining up in a power I-Form and giving Stew a head start on some of his carries.

At least mix them in.

It killed me in the Super Bowl watching us fail over and over using slow read handoffs to our backs up the middle on 1st down for nothing or a loss. Need to be more versatile than that.

240 lbs. is much harder to stop if he has some momentum when he takes the handoff.

[Castavar]

28 minutes ago, Wundrbread33 said:

Yet, as good as we are, I still think it would serve us well just lining up in a power I-Form and giving Stew a head start on some of his carries.

At least mix them in.

It killed me in the Super Bowl watching us fail over and over using slow read handoffs to our backs up the middle on 1st down for nothing or a loss. Need to be more versatile than that.

240 lbs. is much harder to stop if he has some momentum when he takes the handoff.

Would you honestly trust Tolbert as a lead blocker out of the I formation? It would just be wasted space imo I think it's time we find ourselves a true FB in the coming years because I think Tolbert's days are numbered.

[jayflip]

I hope CAP can carry the rock. I think we'all miss Stew's tackle breaking ability more than we think against Minni. 

[iamhubby1]

11 minutes ago, jayflip said:

I hope CAP can carry the rock. I think we'all miss Stew's tackle breaking ability more than we think against Minni. 

 

This is the ONLY thing that gives me pause about this game. Can we run the ball effectively? Don't get me wrong. We are too good for them. But, if we can run the ball effectively, we can roll. Part of me is excited to see Cap as the bell cow, yet there is a part that is a tad bit antsy.

 

I agree with @tiger7_88 that I would love to have that true bell cow back like Gurley. Man, would that not be something? But, unless we get extremely lucky, we may never be able to draft one. Hell, how knows right?

[cookinbrak]

I'd love to have seen how Derrick Henry woulda been with us.

[Castavar]

18 minutes ago, cookinbrak said:

I'd love to have seen how Derrick Henry woulda been with us.

Don't even get me started. I was a BIG advocate for Henry in the 1st. You don't come across a freak like that often.

Oh well, next year's draft is DEEP at RB. I would love if we got a Christian McCaffrey or a Nick Chubb/Gallman if we don't wanna spend a 1st on a RB. 

[jayflip]

2 hours ago, iamhubby1 said:

 

This is the ONLY thing that gives me pause about this game. Can we run the ball effectively? Don't get me wrong. We are too good for them. But, if we can run the ball effectively, we can roll. Part of me is excited to see Cap as the bell cow, yet there is a part that is a tad bit antsy.

 

I agree with @tiger7_88 that I would love to have that true bell cow back like Gurley. Man, would that not be something? But, unless we get extremely lucky, we may never be able to draft one. Hell, how knows right?

It'll happen. After Gurley's struggles this year and Zeke's low YPG so far, the RB draft pendulum will hopefully shift back to "don't draft an RB in the first" and we'll have our opportunity.