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neverlosethefeeling

By neverlosethefeeling,
in Carolina Panthers

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neverlosethefeeling Apprentice

neverlosethefeeling

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http://www.heraldonline.com/247/story/1649131.html

From Darin Gantt:

CHARLOTTE -- Of all the things the Carolina Panthers learned during their bye week, the one thing they have to fix is clear.

“Yeah, we pretty much have to get back to running the ball,” left tackle Jordan Gross said, plainly stating one of the root causes of the team's 0-3 start.

A year ago, the Panthers boasted one of the most productive running games in the league. Part of that was talent, with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and one of the league's best lines.

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File, David T. Foster IIIThe Charlotte Observer - Carolina's DeAngelo Williams spins away from Atlanta Falcons defenders during a Sept. 20 game in Atlanta.

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But mostly, they ran well because they ran often.

In 2008, they averaged 31.5 rushing attempts per game, sixth-most in the league. At the same time, they averaged just 25.9 pass attempts per game, fewest in the league.

This year, they've flipped the script — 27th in rush attempts (23.7 per game) and 8th in passes thrown (36.0).

With everything, there's a condition. The Panthers have played from behind in two of their three losses, and four straight three-and-outs in the second half against Dallas stemmed from their lack of success running the ball.

“Every game takes on its own personality,” Panthers coach John Fox said of the Dallas game, in which the team ran just 16 times, six in the second half. “We were in a lot of two-minute situations or no-huddle situations. Right before the half, there weren't a lot of runs, and when you're down six and then down 14 late in the game, you're in a no-huddle situation.

“There is no doubt I think we are a run team first — and we remember that — but sometimes, situations in games dictate how many times you do run the ball. If you've got a 14-point lead with five minutes to go, you run the ball more than you pass it. That's not just true with our team; that's true with any team in the National Football League.”

Adding rushing attempts helps the Panthers across the board.

Most obviously, Williams and Stewart were big-play threats last year, with 28 rushing touchdowns between them, and 59 rushes of more than 10 yards.

Through three games, they have two scores, and just 10 such long runs. They have just one run longer than 17 yards on the season, a 28-yard burst by Stewart against the Falcons.

Beyond the immediate, there are the layered contributions the Panthers are missing.

Delhomme — and every quarterback, really — functions better when it's not all placed on his shoulders. Considering he has nine turnovers in three games, limiting his chances is wise. But with the Panthers more than most, being able to run often — as important as running well — is the key that makes their entire offense start.

Being able to run play-action to get the ball deep to Steve Smith is based on having the front seven softened up by a rushing attack. The problems with that are twofold, however. The Panthers haven't run as effectively as they did last year (4.3 yards per carry vs. 4.8 per last year), and their second and third receivers have struggled to get open. If teams are going to double-cover Smith, that means everyone else is singled. But Muhsin Muhammad has just 14 catches for 139 yards (9.9 per), and wideouts Kenny Moore and Dwayne Jarrett have five catches for 44 yards (8.8 per) between them.

That has allowed teams to leave a safety down, and running against eight-man fronts is a frustrating proposition, which throws off the Panthers' entire plan.

“That's not how we want this offense to run, but that's kind of how it was,” Delhomme said. “It's just the way it was, I don't know any other way to put it. They were sustaining the football, but when we had our opportunities, we weren't making the most of it. …

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Spectere Newbie

Spectere

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Right on. It seems this year (more than others) the Panthers are quick to abandon the run game and go to Delhomme. I would think that keeping the ball on the ground would be better. I for one would feel good about a 3 and out if you ran it every 3 downs. Its just no right....

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prowler2k8 Newbie

prowler2k8

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They act like "getting back to running the ball" is some kind of MFing epiffany.

It's the only f**king thing you are built for.

*FACEPALM*

You said it!!!! And to Delhomme's comments I say "No freakin' kidding, Sherlock?!" How about adding 'making smarter decision with the football' to the equation? Or not forcing throws into triple and quadruple coverage? Sheesh!!!!

I swear, the crappy playcalling is making this team brain-dead. All the self-blame and asinine comments from the Panther's HC & players is getting really embarrassing and tired.

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