How to game-plan Newton? - NFP

[TheOracle]

Smart people (not many in the media) know that this week is not about "Cam Newton". This week is about DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

Arizona had a reputation of having a bad passing defense, so the Panthers passed the ball. They didn't do that because of "Cam Newton", they did it because it was smart based on what Arizona had a history of not being good at.

Green Bay supposedly has a great secondary. One of the best in the league. Therefore, the Panthers will do the smart thing, and try to establish the run.

I doubt Green Bay is as stupid as the media. I'm sure they expect the Panthers to feature Williams and Stewart and pick their spots in the passing game, with some play action, after establishing the run. Will we see some Hartsock out there with a Shockey or Olsen to throw of Green Bay on some fake runs?

Also, a few designed QB scrambles, if effective, might soften up GB's defense also. In other words, I doubt the passing game is going to be featured until they can get GB thinking, so I doubt GB is focusing a lot on game planning for "Cam Newton". They're thinking strategically, about what the Panthers are probably going to do, based on what they would do if they were in the same situation. If they go by last week, the Carolina run game might break one early.

[dimbee]

Good post, TheOracle.

I expect the Packers to do what most great defenses try to do- dictate the game to the offense and try to make Newton make quick reads and decisions in the face of pressure and hope they can take advantage of errant throws and/or Cam taking too much time to make the decision.

[Tarheels23]

I actually thing Charles Woodson is the key more so than Clay. I thing Greenbay will play a lot of zone with Charles spying Cam. Every time Cam get's to the line the very first thing he should be doing after pointing out the Mike, is find where #21 is at.

[Porn Shop Clerk]

Not without a sufficient offensive line it won't.

If GB doesn't blitz every down, our line might be able to make something happen.

[footballisasport]

um... im glad that they are worried about stopping Cam but how in the world are we even gonna slow down Rodgers?

They never want u to slow down those they idolize. They did the same thing to Mike Vick last season. Always how to contain Mike Vick but never the other way around.

[dimbee]

Huh?

[lightsout]

Capers is going to send at least 1 linebacker, maybe 2, every snap. He will never rush just 3 unless it is 3rd and forever. You have to blitz out of a 3-4, especially considering our run game and Newton's ability. We could see a repeat of Newton's success (maybe not stastically, but as far as producing and moving the chains) due to this. What you're basically going to see is pretty vanilla stuff when it boils down to it, they're just going to disguise it. Mainly cover 2, cover 3, and an occassional man coverage if they send both inside line backers. That is Capers' philosophy. The question is, can Cam, at this point, recognize and exploit it. I think he can and will. He will have a hiccup or two though. Capers' defense isn't exactly what you want to see in your 2nd real NFL start.

Seriously, every second I actually think about the X's and O's, ours against them...I get more and more optimistic.

[Porn Shop Clerk]

There was a lot of movement prior to the snap by Arizona's defense Sunday. More than I'm accustomed to seeing from them.

[lightsout]

There was a lot of movement prior to the snap by Arizona's defense Sunday. More than I'm accustomed to seeing from them.

They tried to look complicated. They had everybody in a 2-point stance the first couple series I know. After Cam abused that, they decided to go more conventional. We're going to see some interesting things defensively against us due to Cam.

[dimbee]

I truly hope everyone's optimism in here comes to fruition. I hope Cam absolutely destroys the Packers!

[beastson]

What would be nice if in that article he mentioned what WE can do to them. What Cam can see and improve on

[dimbee]

What would be nice if in that article he mentioned what WE can do to them.

You're on the Panthers!?

[bleys]

don't get it twisted.. GB is going to send some blitzes, and if they hit home (with our protection, very likely), they won't think twice at slowing up..

[Tarheels23]

I think we'll see a lot of there 2-4-5 formation.