5 Reasons This Is Not 2012

[KendrickPanther]

1. Rob Chudzinski - In 2012 Chud was naive going into Tampa. He was like that swordsman that starts flashing his blade all over for show only for Indiana Jones to pull out a pistol and shoot him. If there is one thing Shula knows, it's grinding out games in the Tampa heat. We have a stable of running backs ready to be fed. I promise you our leading rusher won't be Kealoha Pilares with 5 yards.

 

 

2. Luke Kuechly/Thomas Davis - In 2012 Thomas Davis was coming off his 3rd rehab and still working off the rust. Luke Kuechly looked overwhelmed playing a new position in the NFL. Our leading tackler that day was Jon Beason, a great Panther in his own right. Luke and Thomas have built a tandem to be feared and lead a confident unit on defense. Only 3 starters from that game are projected to start for us this time around: Luke, CJ, and Dwan. There is no Haruki Nakamura back there, there is no Sione Fua up front.

 

3. No DNC - The Panthers have been prepping and rehabbing in the comfort of Bank of America Stadium. The Democratic National Convention sent the Panthers packing for Florida two years ago. Athletes swear by their routines and superstitions and breaking them is never a good thing. 

 

4. Our Offensive Line Is Better - That's right, I said it. In 2012 we started Gross, Silatolu, Kalil, Hangartner, and Bell. We got wrecked that day. Gross had one of the worst years of his career, Silatolu was starting his first game and we knew it would be a transition from Midwestern State. Kalil was himself and Hangartner was breaking down physically. Then you have Byron Bell, a 2nd year undrafted guy because Jeff Otah gave up. Say what you like. Byron and Amini are better players now. Trai Turner is physically gifted enough to brawl with Gerald McCoy. We won't win every battle, but we will win enough of them.

 

Here is a little refresher. You will be shocked by the only guy to actually block someone.

 

5. Star Lotuleilei - The Bucs beat us that day because we couldn't match them physically. Star is young and dominating. He will have the physical advantage on whomever the Bucs start. When he gets tired we rotate in KK Short and Colin Cole along with a myriad of hungry Defensive Ends. We WILL be the aggressors on defense.

 

That about wraps it up. I want to list off a few names that played key roles for us that day, it's kind of shocking to recall just who we relied upon that day.

 

Frank Kearse

Joe Adams

Antwan Applewhite (starter)

Chris Gamble (starter)

Charles Godfrey (starter)

Haruki Nakamura (starter)

Josh Norman (rookie starter)

Louis Murphy (starter)

James Anderson (starter)

 

Mike Tolbert had one rushing attempt that day. Kealoha Pilares had one rushing attempt that day. Cam Newton had 5 rushing attempts that day. Deangelo Williams had 6 carries for -1 yards. It's unbelievable how poorly we had to play to lose by 6 points.

 

Edit: Had to make a correction, Byron was in his second season. We did end the Jeff Otah saga that offseason by releasing him following his failed trade to the Jets.

[London Loves Luke]

This thread should be used throughout colleges for OL 101 training. Some diarrhea levels of blocking.

[Jeremy Igo]

LOL @ Byron Bell being the only guy that was of any use in that Gif. Jordan Gross even whiffed.

[Jeremy Igo]

Also, smh at Deangelo running away from the action. Nice pass protection DWill.

[SteveSmithTD89]

Also, smh at Deangelo running away from the action. Nice pass protection DWill.

Looks like that could have been a call for an option pitch. The way DLo is falling back and to the outside helps support that I think.

Bucs just blew it up.

[Kelbin Venjamin]

The gif with the O-line imploding and Bell looking like the only football player on the line is a prime example of what I have been saying about my not understanding the intense hate for Bell. It is simple as this. Most times when a DE makes a sack some OT has been outplayed (as that is the most common matchup). It is going to happen folks on every play. If every tackle who had been beat badly from time to time was cut the position would be nonexistent. On every given play it is possible that at least 11 men are beaten by 11 others. Was that the only play that game that Gross was beaten? I doubt it.

[Kelbin Venjamin]

Oh, and thanks Kendrick Panther for a great observation regarding the differences of the current vs 2012 panthers. Extremely relevant post.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

the middle of the defensive line got absolutely zero push in that game.  freeman just stepped up in the pocket over and over again as the edge rush flailed around harmlessly.

[MuchAdoAboutNewton]

LOL @ Byron Bell being the only guy that was of any use in that Gif. Jordan Gross even whiffed.

Olsen did his part too (granted not on the OL, but was in to block). 

[AdamL]

Great points! @kendrickpanther. So what do you think about this season compared to last with regards to personnel?

[MrBubba]

Tampa is better now also

[frash.exe]

That's as good as the Tampa Bay Schianomen ever looked

[Beijangles]

I know it would be crazy to add a guy to this list that hasn't played a regular season snap, but I think KB will be another reason.  

[Jangler]

I got 613 reasons it's not 2012