Panthers vs. Dolphins: What To Look For

In 2008, no team surprised more than the Miami Dolphins. After a nearly perfect losing record (a feat accomplished by the Lions last year) the Dolphins went to an 11-5 season making it to the playoffs in a losing effort against the Baltimore Ravens. Many have said that they were the benefactors of an easy schedule and a Tom Brady-less New England Patriots team. The Panthers have received the same asterisk regarding their record last year in many people’s minds saying that an easy schedule made their 12-4 record possible. Both teams, this year, have something to prove more than many other teams. They have to rise above the criticism in a challenge to show that the previous year was not a fluke. Making that tougher to accomplish is that they have to do it facing, what very well could be, the two toughest schedules in the NFL for 2009.

The Panthers and the Dolphins will be facing each other in the regular season in week 11 on November 19 for a Thursday Night game on the NFL Network. This pre-season game will not only be a glimpse into what these two teams have going into their seasons, but a slight preview of the match in November. The outcome of this game, being a pre-season game, has no official bearing on their regular season record and has no playoff implications whatsoever, so winning or losing this game means little. What does matter, is how these teams’ starters look, as well as, those who are fighting for position on the depth chart or a spot on the roster. Some of these individual performances could be auditions for other teams as they are cut from their present teams within the next few weeks.

For the Panthers, coming out of an eye opening pre-season game against the Giants on Monday night, it is a chance to see if they can overcome some problems they encountered during that game. The biggest problem was, of course, the softness in the middle of the defensive line with the nose tackle position being filled by backups with no experience. The other major problems that the Panthers faced had to do with the defense not tackling well and the offense holding on to the ball.

The situations to watch on defense are: the pass rushing, the run stuffing in the middle of the defensive line, the play from the linebackers fighting for position or for a roster spot. Also, be watching the competition for that third corner-back job, and Dante Wesley’s move to safety, as well as, Charles Godfrey’s tackling at that position.

The pass rushing will probably involve a heavy rotation from the defensive ends. What will be interesting to see is how Everette Brown matches up against Jake Long at 6′7 317 lbs. The defensive tackle job, with the exception of veteran Damione Lewis, is up in the air. So far no one has stood out as the one being able to fill Maake Kemoaetu’s role. Nick Hayden tried, but was not prepared for that job. Has he improved or will Marlon Favorite or even Lonnie Harvey make a case that they should be seriously considered for the job? Few expect that they can do it, but if they want a roster spot, they must impress on some level. They have to prevent Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams from being able to break through the middle and provide penetration to the Dolphin backfield, as well as, occupy two linemen making the middle linebacker’s job easier. Most likely the Panthers will be bringing someone in to take the starting job but the pressure is on these young players to succeed in this game none-the-less.

At linebacker, it is unlikely that we will see Thomas Davis back on the field and the same probably rings true with Landon Johnson as both players have seen little practice time because of injury. Fighting for the depth positions will be Dan Connor, who has shown great strength as a tackler, James Anderson, who is able to capitalize on opportunities and make the big play, and J. Leman, who is everywhere, making big hits and turning heads in the process. It is unlikely that the team goes with seven linebackers on the 53 man roster and Landon Johnson’s contract pretty much secures him a spot, in spite of an inability to stay healthy. The battle is between Connor, Anderson, and Leman. Connor is one that the Panthers drafted high and likes quite a bit, so he very well could have the inside track there. That leaves Anderson and Leman fighting for that sixth spot. Expect to see a lot of those two throughout the game.

One thing to really be on the lookout for is the 4-4 formation which we could be seeing more of as the year goes on. That may be something that we see due to the strength the Panthers have at linebacker. This could also impact the number of linebackers that the Panthers keep.

The defensive backfield is facing a battle at the nickel position as Captain Munnerlynn, C.J. Wilson, and Sherrod Martin all try to make cases for why they should take the spot. The nickel-back/ third corner-back position was vacated by Richard Marshall who was promoted to the right corner-back spot. Munnerlynn and Wilson seem to have impressed the most which does not bode well for Martin who was a higher draft pick. They should not have much of a challenge as the Dolphins are relatively weak at wide receiver compared to other teams they will be facing. If they can’t handle the pressure here, they might not be able to handle it anywhere else. Also, among the defensive backs there has been a move. Dante Wesley has moved from corner-back to safety to challenge Nate Salley, Quniton Teal, Joe Fields, and Paul Chiara for a backup spot on the roster. Considering how much problem Charles Godfrey has in tackling and wrapping the ball carrier up, if Wesley can prove to be a capable tackler, he may end up vying for a starting role. One thing is clear, though. Godfrey is a liability if he can not improve his tackling. Godfrey has the potential to be an Ed Reed type safety, but has to improve in that area before he can become the serious threat the Panthers drafted him to be.

The offense will see little in the way of changes. Mostly the competition is for the fourth, and possibly fifth, wide receiver spot on the roster. Steve Smith, while making the trip to Miami with the whole team, is not likely to be playing. This gives more time for the Panthers to see how well Dwayne Jarrett can do in a starting role. It also give those who are fighting for those last couple spots on the roster a chance to impress. Kenneth Moore was the most impressive in his work with the first team on Monday night. Will he continue to impress and reap the benefits of working out with Steve Smith in the off-season? We will find that out, as well as, see who rises to the top between Ryne Robinson, Larry Beavers, Jason Chery, and Jason Carter. Carter, a training camp favorite for two years now, fell to injury last year and was placed on Injured Reserve. This year all that fell in his first preseason game were the balls that came his way as he made a couple ugly drops. Can he come back from that heartbreak?

Rookie Mike Goodson will again have the opportunity to show what he has because of Jonathon Stewart’s sore Achilles tendon keeping him sidelined for most of the off-season. For him it isn’t just a matter of if he can continue to run well, but can he do it without dropping the ball? Another question is, if he can find his way into the end zone again, can he find a celebration that won’t bring about a fine like his last one?

At tight end, we will see more from Gary Barnidge as the starting tight end and a capable receiver. What we need to see from him, however, is how well he can help as a blocker against the 3-4 defense of the Dolphins. On the official depth chart he is listed behind Jeff King, but there is no doubt from watching them play that King is behind not only Barnidge but Dante Rosario as well.

At quarterback there is a challenge for the backup job. The most impressive performance from Monday night was from Hunter Cantwell, but all four failed to keep the ball totally secure as all of them had fumbles. The passing wasn’t as crisp from any quarterbacks as it should be, but that can be attributed, to an extent, as general rust from a long off season. The passing still has to be improved, but not as much as their being able to keep the ball from being fumbled away. Hopefully the quarterback coach, Rip Scherer, will have better luck getting them ready for Saturday night’s contest.

There will also be a challenge on the offensive line as far as finding depth. It remains to be seen who can be trusted to backup the starting five on the line, who are among the best in the league. Geoff Schwartz must be able to improve on the performance of the last game if he is to continue to warrant praise from the starting offensive linemen who worked out with him in the offseason.

Special teams will be the other thing to watch, especially, who is getting work as a returner. Last week saw Mike Goodson doing kickoff returns and Ryne Robinson starting off as the punt returner. Who will it be this week? Goodson is a safe bet to have one of the return positions. Ryne will have to work hard to, not only secure one of the return jobs, but a spot on the roster as well. If he can hold off Larry Beavers and Captain Munnerlynn, he very well could accomplish that.