Is The Panthers Defense Bad?

[Saca312]

First of all, this isn't a deep analysis, just general explanations for our performance today.

The Panthers defense undoubtedly prepared for the short passes and gashes. That's evident by us playing base defense against the Saints during the first drive. We rarely blitzed at all. 

We tried to defend all gaps, but the issue is how well the Saints were able to get mismatch nightmares on the spot. Because we were in base, Peyton called a bunch of spread concepts that led to 1v1s like Thomas Davis VS Michael Thomas, and hit us hard in the zone.

Next, we try and defend the pass. That opened up their run game. They kept a good, balanced, and unpredictable game full of plenty of twists and turns against our defense. It was masterfully laid out.

The issue is we effectively have a rookie DC vs a seasoned offensive mastermind. Wilks tried his best, but obviously this was a big learning experience for our defense, and Wilks.

To put this in perspective, just think about the times in 2015 and 2016 when the Saints carved our defense out for shootouts in the dome. I mean in 2015 it was 41-38, and 2016 38-41. Peyton always has our number on defense even when we're good.

We'll also be tested next week against the Patriots. However, I doubt we'll be as pathetic as we were this week. This defense will bounce back. We just need to sustain our offense.

 

[Jon Snow]

They got out coached.

 

Edit: sorry, they got out executed.

[beastson]

I've seen enough from this team to tell you we don't game-plan.

[outlaw4]

I was only able to listen via the radio but the impression I got is that we missed a lot of tackles. Also, gap control was apparently a problem to where Luke was livid about it.

[brandon_87]

Looks like the defense we've had for years, I can barely see a difference between this unit and years past with McDermott, maybe a few more plays of man coverage, but still same look, same blitzes... nothing is special between this and last year

[bigdog10]

Defense is the least of my concern.  We played a division rival and hall of fame qb who knows us inside out.  Their game plan has been the same against us for the last 8 years.  Today they executed it to perfection  

The problem with this team is solely on the offense. 

[Fox007]

Sean Vicodin is actually a smart guy and a good coach. You'd take him here and toss Rivera in the dumpster without question if you could.