Calling it now: Defense is going to need to win the game on Sunday

[hepcat]

A lot hangs on the shoulders of Cam Newton and the Panthers offense for Sunday's season opener against the Rams. Will he be healthy? Will the offensive line hold up? Will the young receivers take the next step? Is Greg Olsen back?

But the truth is, the defensive coordinator for the Rams, Wade Phillips, owns the Panthers. The Panthers have a 2-10 record against him as a DC/HC in franchise history. Norv Turner has a 2-8 record against him in his career. Unless dementia has finally hit old man Phillips, I think we can count on the Panthers not scoring many points on Sunday.

The game hinges on the defense. Can the Panthers get to Jared Goff? Can they force some mistakes from the Rams offense and get some turnovers? Can they score or at least get the Panthers offense some good field position? 

I don't think Cam Newton is going to win this game for the Panthers. I think the defense is going to need to absolutely dominate for the Panthers to win. No mistakes or turnovers by the offense, turnovers by the defense, and the Panthers could win this game. If the offense turns the ball over, given Wade Phillips history against the Panthers and Norv Turner, it might be impossible to win.

[panthers55]

History has nothing to do with this game and this season. Historical stats aren't predictive of the future just descriptive of the past. Ron hadn't called the defense since he has been here and since Norv has gotten here we are 0-0 against the Rams.

Now Cam will have a lot to do with the offense. You can count on Phillips to blitz early and often. If Cam burns the blitz early it will slow down the Rams defense. If he holds the ball or tries to run as he usually does with pressure, it will be a long day for our offense.  If he gets the ball out quickly it will negate much of Phillips strategy against Cam.

[electro's horse]

oh word?!

[MHS831]

I am hoping we can generate some pass pressure and do not give 10-yard cushions.  Make Goff throw downfield with Burns, Addison, McCoy and KK in his ear.  Let Boston play center field and keep him out of the run game--tackles his shadow  more than opposition.

[PanthersBigD]

Jesus, why do some of you even watch football? It's like there's a competition as to who can make the gloomiest prediction about our chances on Sunday. 

[CRA]

Defense doesn’t need to win the game. 

But what they do need to do is not allow big plays.  Carolina was one of the worst in the league in allowing big pass plays last season.  

[mc52beast]

Everyone keeps hyping up the Rams defense but they finished 20th last year. That allowed 5.1 ypg against the run and that was WITH Suh. Donald was the only guy to have more than four sacks.

With the right game plan and Cam getting the ball out early we can take advantage of their D.

Ron needs to copy what Bill did in the SB and not let the guys show anything until Goff’s daddy turns off the headset. Goff struggled a lot in trying to read their D without help.

And it would be nice if Ray Ray could give ST a shot in the arm.

[Moo Daeng]

Yes. When playing a good offense like the Rams that's going to be the case.

[Moo Daeng]

15 minutes ago, mc52beast said:

Everyone keeps hyping up the Rams defense but they finished 20th last year. That allowed 5.1 ypg against the run and that was WITH Suh. Donald was the only guy to have more than four sacks.

With the right game plan and Cam getting the ball out early we can take advantage of their D.

Ron needs to copy what Bill did in the SB and not let the guys show anything until Goff’s daddy turns off the headset. Goff struggled a lot in trying to read their D without help.

And it would be nice if Ray Ray could give ST a shot in the arm.

I said this all last year when people were slobbering over the Rams defensive. They were just looking at names.

We were better in both points and yards and we were considered to suck.

[Moose Hoover]

I think it be good game with lots of boys playing hard and try they bess. It will enjoy.

[DeAngelo Beason]

I fear we're going to be pummeled into the dirt.  I have zero faith in this offense right now.