Bye Week Priorities
December 30, 2008
We all know the Panthers are dinged up with injuries, so getting healthy is an obvious need currently. But aside from that, what are the top three things the Panthers can do this bye week to prepare for their next opponent? We don’t know who that opponent is as of yet, so game planning will come next week. This week the Panthers are working on three key things in preparation for January 10.
1. Tackling. The Panthers lately have lacked in this department. Missed tackles are a big contributor to why the Panthers are not the #1 seed in the NFC. They failed to wrap up and tackle in New York, and now they may have to travel. This week the problem must be corrected. Emphasis in practice must be less on stripping the ball, and more on bringing down the ball carrier.
2. Blitz Effectiveness. In New Orleans, the blitz schemes lacked imagination and effectiveness. The Saints had no issues in picking up the blitzing defenders. More needs to be done in this regard. If the Panthers host the Falcons, it will be less of a problem, as it will be easier to fool rookie QB Matt Ryan. But if the Panthers host the Cardinals, veteran Kurt Warner will easily decipher what is coming after him. The Panthers must improve here.
3. Killer instinct. In short, the Panthers must develop one, and fast. In New York and in New Orleans, comfortable leads were blown by lackadaisical play calling and a run out the clock mentality. Problem was, this was started in the third quarter. The Panthers must not be afraid to pile on the points. If you are up 17, the goals should be to be up by 24 on the very next possession. The clock should not be the number one priority.
These three things, if improved upon, will deliver a home playoff victory on January 10.
Bank on it.
