I'll give the offense a partial pass, however...

[adallastiger]

Don't want to give any excuses here, but let's face it. Ravens and Jets defenses are absolutely among the league's best. Cause to be concerned? Maybe. But...not yet....to worry.

Something is a bit out of whack, but I don't think it is time to panic after playing two of the league's top defenses without Smith. A lot more will be known after one more game.

One thing, however, that drives me crazy. On second and short, too many times we go with the long pass. Early in the game, second and two, give the ball to DeAngelo...or Stewart, whoever is in, get the first down, and go from there. If they don't get the first down, they will only need a half yard, go for it on third.

Seemed like we ruined a few drives by going long on second and short last year. Would like to see that changed.

Am I missing anything there?

[Davidson Deac II]

Agreed, however if we continue to play poorly over the next two games, then its time to start getting worried.

Irt second and short, maybe they are just trying to see what Smith and Moore can do. In think in more meaningful games on second and short, you will see the ball handed off to Williams or Stewart. Then again, many coaches feel second and short is the perfect time to go long. Defense expects run, and even if you miss, you are still coming back to a makeable third and short.

[beckersteen]

We have looked pass heavy in preseason, but I think that's because we know we can run already. They are focusing on throwing the ball because this team has very little experience out side of Smith. The O-line and D-Will/J-Stew have been at it for a while now.

[Davidson Deac II]

Ravens held the Skins to 3 points tonight, after they scored 42 the week before. And they made Mcnabb look worse than either Moore or Clausen did.

[Jaxel]

I think something to note is that in both these games Carolina has not set up the run like they will in the regular season. I believe they are just getting a sense of the receiving core, but in the regular season you'll see things open up cause the running game will demand more attention.

[CRA]

Well, they don't do any prep work for the first two games so that means zero practice against 3-4 defensive looks. Jets and Ravens also blitz like crazy in the preseson so I don think it is too big of an issue. Plus, the Steve Smith factor....

[LaChance87]

I think something to note is that in both these games Carolina has not set up the run like they will in the regular season. I believe they are just getting a sense of the receiving core, but in the regular season you'll see things open up cause the running game will demand more attention.

Exactly! The preseason sort of like a practice, and they need to let more air it out as much as they can before the season starts. Same with the backups, they want to see how Clausen handles the team, and even though Cantwell and Pike didnt play, we'll see them again. Against the Ravens, if the reciever hadn't have slipped, we may have come out with a scoring drive. Last night game, was lost because of special team, defense did a great job! Too many turnover on special teams, without them there isnt a doubt in my mind that we'd won that game last night.

[Snake]

Well, they don't do any prep work for the first two games so that means zero practice against 3-4 defensive looks. Jets and Ravens also blitz like crazy in the preseson so I don think it is too big of an issue. Plus, the Steve Smith factor....

agreed, and Fox is notorious for keeping things vanilla in the preseason. With that said we still dont look all that great. Our offense is not going to be much better then last year. Maybe a bit worse. Also with so many ST mistakes you can be thats going to continue into the regular season as well. ST have been disappointing.

[jtm]

We have looked pass heavy in preseason, but I think that's because we know we can run already. They are focusing on throwing the ball because this team has very little experience out side of Smith. The O-line and D-Will/J-Stew have been at it for a while now.

Everyone needs to relax. I agree with this 100%. No need to play our studs in preseason and risk injury. Let Goodson and Vaughn carry the load and rest DWill and Stewart. We all know they will be ready to play.

[Delhommey]

Our offense doesn't look as bad as our run D did last year.

Somebody needs to go back there that can catch a punt.

[SorthNarolina]

Don't want to give any excuses here, but let's face it. Ravens and Jets defenses are absolutely among the league's best. Cause to be concerned? Maybe. But...not yet....to worry.

Something is a bit out of whack, but I don't think it is time to panic after playing two of the league's top defenses without Smith. A lot more will be known after one more game.

One thing, however, that drives me crazy. On second and short, too many times we go with the long pass. Early in the game, second and two, give the ball to DeAngelo...or Stewart, whoever is in, get the first down, and go from there. If they don't get the first down, they will only need a half yard, go for it on third.

Seemed like we ruined a few drives by going long on second and short last year. Would like to see that changed.

Am I missing anything there?

right now the play calling is soley based on challenging the players and seeing what they have.

[Peppers90 NC]

I'm not crapping my diaper YET, without 3 important players but do have some chemistry concerns. The def looked very stingy again tho which excites me

[Argus Plexus]

All the Muffed Returns are killing us. WE NEED HE HATE ME BACK!!!