How The Panthers Still Use The 3x1 To Create Near Impossible-To-Cover Mismatches

[Saca312]

A very good video breakdown of one particular play (Ed Dickson wide open) we ran against the 49ers, followed by very intelligent discussion on the topic of how the 3x1 affects defenses and limits how they cover. 

Here's the transcript of the conversation on the 3x1:

Marxist Panther: Tough cover for MLB regardless tho particularly if you have someone faster than Dixon running that route

CP_CSR: Beauty of the 3x1, especially when you have the luxury of a TE who can be that backside WR like Olsen. So many mismatches.

CP_CSR: Far inside slot receiver on trips side will get that MLB vertical. Panthers did it with Ginn vs ATL in 2015 IIRC for a looooong TD.

Marxist Panther: Yup, love how often they just work Olsen on that out though too, big go to for them.

CP_CSR: yup. And you're 100% correct about Olsen's most popular route from that alignment. Intermediate out.

CP_CSR: whenever you see him line up there, it's either an out, a post or a curl. Always one of the three. With a corner/curl/crosser under that.

CP_CSR: what's amazing is they've been doing it since 2011 and defenses still can't figure the 3x1 out. There is no coverage that can solve it

Marxist Panther: Yeah you just have to have personnel or discipline to defend it well, or run a completely different coverage but that will have its own...

CP_CSR: closest was 2015/2016 Denver with bear front, 5 man rush, and man free behind that. Had the talent+discipline to contain.

Marxist Panther: Yeah Denver's secondary is ridiculous every game I watch QBs struggle because receivers can't get open, not to mention the pass rush

_____

So to sum up, the Panthers are still using the 3x1 formation they used in 2015 on their Superbowl run. That formation led to plenty of mismatches and was nearly unstoppable to the point only a historic defense could stop it. With players healthy and new heads to feed, expect the 3x1 to look a little different, but remain an unstoppable staple in the Panthers offense.

Also, follow these guys on twitter if you haven't already. Very intelligent people who know the game well.

https://twitter.com/CP_CSR

https://twitter.com/marxistpanther/

[Saca312]

By the way, in order for that play to work, Shula had to adjust and figure out what the 49ers defense was doing.

So color me impressed.

[pantherclaw]

Whether fans will admit it or not, our offensive scheme which has been evolving every year under Shula, is the most successful scheme in franchise history. 

And fans can't wait to show Shula the door.

[Cary Kollins]

  On 9/15/2017 at 4:00 AM, pantherclaw said:

Whether fans will admit it or not, our offensive scheme which has been evolving every year under Shula, is the most successful scheme in franchise history. 

And fans can't wait to show Shula the door.

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Also the only one to feature Cam Newton, but I see your point.

[Saca312]

  On 9/15/2017 at 4:06 AM, Cary Kollins said:

 

Also the only one to feature Cam Newton, but I see your point.

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Shula still can't get the game flow going, but gotta tell you it looked more like Shula was testing random concepts out rather than creating a script.

And boy they looked good.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Great stuff

[PhillyB]

nice find 

[outlaw4]

Now I know that this was more play design than busted coverage. Now if Shula could design more concepts like this and phase out some of the plays that depend on Cam running with the ball.

[Snake]

  On 9/15/2017 at 4:10 AM, Saca312 said:

Shula still can't get the game flow going, but gotta tell you it looked more like Shula was testing random concepts out rather than creating a script.

And boy they looked good.

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One of the best OCs in the game in Mike McCarthy has a unbelievable way of getting Rodgers in rhythm. Not that it hurts that Rodgers is one of the best in the game but early on McCarthy really kept him in the zone with play calls. Shaun Payton and Josh McDaniels do a excellent job as well. Shula ranks with them in play design but game calling to get his QB hot is not a strong suit. All those other OCs adjust must better as well. Still this is the first year Shula has a extremely talented offense. He has about every tool you could ask for and that should signal good things to come. 

[UpstatePanther]

  On 9/15/2017 at 4:10 AM, Saca312 said:

Shula still can't get the game flow going, but gotta tell you it looked more like Shula was testing random concepts out rather than creating a script.

And boy they looked good.

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So you're confirming what everyone knew going into last Sunday, it was basically a glorified 5th preseason game. Lol

[ThPantherFan]

  On 9/15/2017 at 4:00 AM, pantherclaw said:

And fans can't wait to show Shula the door.

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You are correct.

[jfra78]

i dont think its play design thats the problem its the play calling

[pantherclaw]

  On 9/15/2017 at 8:39 AM, jfra78 said:

i dont think its play design thats the problem its the play calling

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Which is ALWAYS a grip by fans. 

[panthers55]

  On 9/15/2017 at 10:47 AM, pantherclaw said:

Which is ALWAYS a grip by fans. 

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And is largely dependent on Cam reading the defense and adjusting the play. He has a basic formation where we can run several variations including runs or passes. Cam reads the safeties and decides if they are in zone or man or some variation and calls the play accordingly. He and Shula work in tandem to make things work. It is both working together which is why it slays me when people praise one and castigate the other as if they aren't totally dependent on each other.