Opponent backed up to their own end zone... then huge run.

[Jeremy Igo]

It has happened twice in three games and is now officially a huge issue. It happened in Tampa and it happened last night.

 

The Panthers are staying extremely aggressive, trying for a safety or at least pinning their punter in the back of the end zone. Bringing their safeties up, leaving no one out there to chase down a runner if (when) one breaks free.

 

The problem is, from what I can tell, its that the linebackers are playing so far up in the gaps at the snap they lose sight of where the runner is. A patient runner can then pick out where the backers are absent, and its a home run.

 

Should the Panthers back off a bit, worry more about just stopping a first down and not pinning the offense back?

 

[CRA]

Davis did get held.....but even if he didn't get held that RB would have gashed us. Maybe for not as long or a run but he definitely got sucked into the wrong gap

[AceBoogie]

Absolutely. Those big runs are killers. I'd much rather have them punt and get the ball around the 40.

[Cary Kollins]

Yes that is a huge problem. If it happens once, fine.  But if it's a recurring issue we are in trouble.

 

Those plays completely change the game. Forcing the opponent to punt there gives you great field position. Those long runs are back breakers.

[KSpan]

Absolutely. This D is built on not giving up the big plays, and I think it's advantageous to let the front 4 try to make the big play and let the backers fill accordingly. Carolina won the field position battle all year last year by not giving up these types of plays.

[Matthias]

That's my biggest fear about having someone backed up.  Kudos to DeCoud for chasing a very fast Bell down.

[LA_Panther]

We had no answer to the Barry Sanders-esque stutter steps and dances. Bell was a beast. He created his lanes

[Darth Biscuit]

Is it on the D line or the LB'ers?

 

I'd have to see the replay again.

 

Luke got caught woefully out of position on that huge run and there was a GIANT alley for Bell to run thru.

[greghardy'sAK-47]

hopefully this is just one of those things.  though i will say i remember last season hearing how the team hadn't given up a run of 20+ for weeks and weeks and how the longest run given up all season was around 40 yards.  here we are week 3 and they have given up 50+ to a FB and 80+ last night and blount had at least one of 20+.    

[thefuzz]

We are staying aggressive, because we can't score points.

[top dawg]

Anyone who has video: I challenge you to look at those plays and tell me that there wasn't blatant holding.  The holding should have been called because that's what kept the hole wide open.

[BigBoss]

Haley had Sean's number last night.

[Matthias]

I will say Le'Veon Bell will be the toughest back we're going to face this year.  Marshawn Lynch is a strong guy, but he is not as agile as Bell.  Taking out backs like Lynch is actually our specialty.

[KSpan]

Anyone who has video: I challenge you to look at those plays and tell me that there wasn't blatant holding. The holding should have been called because that's what kept the hole wide open.

Agreed to a degree, but it seems that it's not going to change. Gotta figure something out.