First Quarter Grades-Offense
October 1, 2008
by Steven Burton
Passing Offense: (18th overall) Grade: B-
Jake Delhomme is without doubt fully recovered from his elbow injury and surgery and has so far this season been effective when called upon to put points on the board. His chemistry with the Panthers three leading receivers, Muhammad, Rosario and Smith have given the team some renewed vigor not seen in the passing game since the 05 NFCCG year. Thankfully, this time it’s going through more than one receiver. Jake Delhomme’s three touchdowns to one interception and sixty percent completion percentage coming against some solid defense is testament to his maturation and improvement under Davidson. The pass blocking has been largely strong surrendering nine sacks, just four coming in three games.
Pass Offense MVP: Ryan Kalil
Rushing Offense: (19th overall) Grade: B-
The Panthers running backs and running game is by no means terrible and though a grade of B- might seem harsh, I expected a rushing unit with five players selected in the top two rounds to be doing better than 19th overall, especially against Atlanta. The coaches have to go back to the blue print used in the season opener against San Diego if the team’s backs are to be truly effective. The combination of outside and inside running with its share of traps and counters seemed to keep the defense of the Chargers on its heels. In recent weeks the Panthers running game has seen a more downhill approach that has failed against talented defensive lines. While Stewart leads all rookies in touchdowns with four, putting him on pace for an impressive sixteen as a rookie. His receiving talents, along with those of DeAngelo Williams aren’t being utilized to too much success either. With such a backfield Davidson has to find a way to get more creative and effective.
The offensive line’s woes with personnel changes has been hurting continuity and chemistry and therefore run blocking and that has to be acknowledged also.
Rushing Offense MVP: Jonathan Stewart
Overall: (24th in yards) (20th in points) B-
The Panthers offense has shown a lot of balance and a lot of promise. Yet it is not without issue. The sheer number of penalties which has the Panthers last in the NFL is going to be painful against some more well drilled teams. Though the offensive line has had some injuries and some shuffling, the team cannot afford to have their backups making mistakes. Having back up tackles lining up too far off the Line of Scrimmage leading to formation errors and having guards flinch before the ball is snapped is elementary and it must change. The good news is, most of those mistakes are very simple and if it continues at such a rate, I’ll be very surprised, additionally the New York Giants held this title a few years ago and still won their division.
Delhomme and Mushin Muhammad look like they’ve never left each other and Smith will be back to full force by now. The passing game looks set, yet I’d still like to see some more passing out of the two tight end set. Carolina uses the two tight end set a lot for running but with the talents of Rosario and King, not to mention our running backs as receivers the team could find a lot of defenses napping with eight in the box.
The B grade might seem generous when you consider all the issues and poor statistical ratings, but what can be seen with the eye is a team that is gathering in chemistry, momentum and has been doing enough to win games.
Overall offensive MVP: Mushin Muhammad, best perimeter blocker in the NFC and the Panthers leading receiver.
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings
October 1, 2008
Brandon’s Positively Pointless Power Rankings Week 4
1. Titans
The titans are playing incredible on defense and continue to rack up the wins becoming one of only 4-0 teams in the league. Tough defense and a strong running attack is a recipe for not only regular, but postseason success as well. As long as Kerry Collins can continue with solid, mistake-free play they will keep racking up wins.
2. Giants
Despite continued issues with WR Plaxico Burress off the field, Giants fans shouldn’t worry too much as he gives 100% when it counts. Unfortunately this relatively easy early 6 game stretch gets much tougher with almost all of their division games and tougher opponents coming in November and December.
3. Steelers
While the injuries at RB may be a concern, the Steelers found a way to win despite floundering a bit in the first half. James Harrison may be trying to make his case for DPoTY with 5.5 sacks already through 4 games. Unfortunately, a tough Jacksonville team is standing between them and their bye week.
4. Cowboys
While the Cowboys may still have a case for best team in the NFC, they need to address major issues in their pass defense and offensive playcalling. Only rushing one of the better running backs in the NFL only 8 times will not win you games. They need to start creating turnovers on defense as they are the only team without an interception at this point.
5. Panthers
The Panthers offensive line did a much better job of giving Delhomme protection despite losing both offensive tackles early against the Falcons. On defense they are better than they have been in years, and have yet to allow a 100yd rusher despite going up against 4 of the better RB’s in the league. Unfortunately they are leading the league in penalties.
6. Bills
Continuing to play inspired football in the 2nd half, they cannot allow inferior teams to stay in the game as long as they did against the Rams and Raiders. Fortunately a rather lenient schedule should allow them to work these issues out, as will the continued improvement of Trent Edwards and the rest of Buffalo’s offense.
7. Chargers
In a rather disturbing trend among teams this year, a rather poor first half showing by the Chargers turned into a very good second half to put down the Raiders. With LT back at full steam and Phillip Rivers having a career year so far, expect them to take over the division lead. Norv Turner just needs to get them playing 4 quarters of good football.
8. Redskins
Their most convincing win of the season may also be the most important, giving both the Redskins and Jim Zorn confidence. Jason Campbell has yet to throw a single interception this year, and a rather healthy turnover margin have contributed heavily towards their success to this point in the season.
9. Buccaneers
Even though he lost his son days before the game, Matt Bryant played through the pain and took the team to victory on his leg. The defense may be playing extremely well, but the offense cannot continue to give the ball away and expect wins.
10. Eagles
Without Brian Westbrook the Eagles became one dimensional, they will need him back for a tough test against the division rival Redskins this week. Coaching needs to improve as this squad is making too many mistakes and going for four runs in a row against the Bears’ defense proved costly.
