Things I've noticed through Week 3/ What I'm looking for this week

[panthers15]

The first and most important thing I want to see the panthers incorporate more this week is better execution on first down. Too often we seem to go for the big pass play and end up getting sacked, followed by a read-option on 2nd down for no gain. Allowing the other team to bring the pressure on 3rd.

To fix this, I want the panthers to use intermediate and underneath routes... Curls to LaFell, drags to Smitty, bubble screens, etc... And also POWER running plays. Get 4-5 yards with D-Lo and Stew by lining up in strong-I, power I, etc.

We need to be looking to move the chains by consistently having positive yardage plays. Not looking for the "big" play constantly. I understand this goes against the air croyell, but giving Cam some easy completions to start the game will get him in rhythm to start making better deeper throws.

Other notes on individual players:

Louis Murphy needs to attack the ball more, starting to look like lega-doodoo out there

More Frank Alexander please! Guy is always working and has really active hands

Kuechly needs to step up and have an impact on the game, not just be another piece of the puzzle

Nakamura sucks at tackling and run support. He sucks at disguising his blitz's, and he is often 20 yards away from the ball in coverage. Please give me a player with something to prove and more range in coverage, especially against the Falcons...Sherrod Martin

[SouthernPanther]

Well said. I would like to see some power running plays too and more positive yards on first down. You know Nakamura sucks when he makes Martin look good.

[cbully]

2 out of 4 ain't bad dude... the other 2 i can't agree.

[catnip]

The problem I see on defense is the overuse of soft zone coverage. Against the Giants our players were 8 yards off the WR and Eli just kept going to short routes. We need to play tight and knock the WR off his route giving our line a chance to get to the QB.

[jayflip]

The problem I see on defense is the overuse of soft zone coverage. Against the Giants our players were 8 yards off the WR and Eli just kept going to short routes. We need to play tight and knock the WR off his route giving our line a chance to get to the QB.

"But why risk getting burned...when you could just get...burned?"

-- McD

[lightsout]

Ideally, we have an effective run (4+ yards) on first down. I agree though, we need something quick and certain on the first play of each of our drives. Something to kick start the drive. If we can't get the first down within 2 plays, then at least set up an easy 3rd down. 3 and outs on the first drive is absolutely devastating to a team. Can't have that this week.

[FastNFurious]

The problem I see on defense is the overuse of soft zone coverage. Against the Giants our players were 8 yards off the WR and Eli just kept going to short routes. We need to play tight and knock the WR off his route giving our line a chance to get to the QB.

I think Rivera noted that when the D plays "soft", they do not play well...when they play "physical", they seem to play better.... hopefully we'll see a PHYSICAL defense Sunday

[ShutDwn]

Ideally, we have an effective run (4+ yards) on first down. I agree though, we need something quick and certain on the first play of each of our drives. Something to kick start the drive. If we can't get the first down within 2 plays, then at least set up an easy 3rd down. 3 and outs on the first drive is absolutely devastating to a team. Can't have that this week.

I feel like it's more devastating to this team right now with the defense giving up points. Gotta change the mentality that punting is bad 100% of the time. Field position has to be a factor working in our favor.