Fowler on point with reflections after week one (IMO)

[top dawg]

After reflecting upon our week one victory and the state of the team, I just really can't conclude much, and obviously neither did Scott Fowler.

 

"The grade so far? Incomplete. Carolina’s 16-8 victory over Dallas in Week 1 had a few nice offensive moments — 147 rushing yards, zero interceptions and Newton running the ball as effectively as ever. But the Panthers didn’t have a pass completion of 20 or more yards. McCaffrey lost a fumble inside the Dallas 10. And new wide receivers Torrey Smith and Jarius Wright combined for 38 yards."

 

Because of the decidedly ugly win, but a win nonetheless, I am neither too far up or down. I realize that everyone wants to put their own spin on it---look for silver linings and Chicken Littles and all, but for me like Fowler basically says, the first game was a case of, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."

We were a tough, physical run-first team that played a bit too conservatively and let an inferior team hang around a little too close for comfort, but put the hammer down at the end to seal the win. That's our story---the rerun. But, it was only week one, and growing pains are very much to be expected. Notwithstanding injuries, this week we will have to open up the offense a little more, and Ryan and Jones will truly test the mettle of our secondary.

At the end of the day, our O-line is banged the hell up and in flux, but two of their best players will be out on defense, and arguably their most electric running back. Even still, like Fowler suggests, they're much better than a suspect Dallas team.

 

"The Panthers nevertheless won against Dallas. To beat Atlanta — a team missing perhaps its two best defensive players, along with its No. 1 running back — will require a better offensive effort.

It can be done — but only if the skill players demonstrate more skill."

 

I always say that we won't know what we're truly dealing with until about October, and I still believe that---even more so with new coordinators, expectations of rookies, and (unfortunately) injuries. The picture will become a little clearer against our arch rivals. I still expect a victory because of their injuries. Our offense is going to have to turn it up though.

https://www.heraldonline.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article218208150.html

[Admiral Ackbar]

Its a win, no need to over analyze it. On to week 2. That game could've easily been 24-8 against a really good defense if it wasnt for the fumble and botched extra point.

[iamhubby1]

    Personally, I thought we played rather well for it being the first game of the season. Offense moved the ball, and had opportunities to score. Against a pretty good Defense. If we iron out the kinks as the season progresses. This Offense should be good enough to get us where we want to go.

 

    That Defense though. If it can continue to improve, it can be a beast. Nuf said.

 

    Man, I hate saying a game this early is important. But a win against atl., in atl, could be the jolt this team needs to turn this into another memorable year. Or not.

[Mikey818]

5 minutes ago, iamhubby1 said:

    Personally, I thought we played rather well for it being the first game of the season. Offense moved the ball, and had opportunities to score. Against a pretty good Defense. If we iron out the kinks as the season progresses. This Offense should be good enough to get us where we want to go.

 

    That Defense though. If it can continue to improve, it can be a beast. Nuf said.

 

    Man, I hate saying a game this early is important. But a win against atl., in atl, could be the jolt this team needs to turn this into another memorable year. Or not.

I bet $200 at 50 to 1 to win it all. Go panthers 

[gmonjimbo]

16 minutes ago, iamhubby1 said:

    Personally, I thought we played rather well for it being the first game of the season. Offense moved the ball, and had opportunities to score. Against a pretty good Defense. If we iron out the kinks as the season progresses. This Offense should be good enough to get us where we want to go.

 

    Man, I hate saying a game this early is important. But a win against atl., in atl, could be the jolt this team needs to turn this into another memorable year. Or not.

I agree. The offense had a couple of penalties and a fumble that prevented them from putting up more points. Also, the offense packed it in during the 4th quarter to preserve their lead, something that I didn't want to see but understandable since Olsen and Williams went down. 

Finally, I seconded that its early but the matchup against Atlanta is a huge opportunity for the Panthers to gain separation in the division and conference. They had several chances last year against the Saints, Eagles, and Bears but missed out which prevented them from hosting a playoff game. 

[AviationMX]

The difference this year is if Norv can make all the right adjustments and the team responds early in the season. As a poster said, a win now could really change the season for us...but it's going to take a chess master to get this new scheme in place and back up players to perform. 

I say we do, Defense will be solid and we will patch together a win...

 

[iamhubby1]

1 hour ago, gmonjimbo said:

I agree. The offense had a couple of penalties and a fumble that prevented them from putting up more points. Also, the offense packed it in during the 4th quarter to preserve their lead, something that I didn't want to see but understandable since Olsen and Williams went down. 

Finally, I seconded that its early but the matchup against Atlanta is a huge opportunity for the Panthers to gain separation in the division and conference. They had several chances last year against the Saints, Eagles, and Bears but missed out which prevented them from hosting a playoff game. 

 

1 hour ago, AviationMX said:

The difference this year is if Norv can make all the right adjustments and the team responds early in the season. As a poster said, a win now could really change the season for us...but it's going to take a chess master to get this new scheme in place and back up players to perform. 

I say we do, Defense will be solid and we will patch together a win...

 

 

    You both hit on something that I truly believe is the key to how successful we will be this year. Under Coach Rivera, we love to play physical, and bully our opponents. Yet, we are always near the top in fewest penalties. Mostly because of Coaches attention to detail. Turner has been described as a perfectionist. So I expect him to address those pesky miscues. If he can, as I expect, this Offense can be pretty darn good.

 

    Sooo...with that said. Cam, and this Defense, on a team that will execute, and not beat itself? You gotta love those odds.