Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Along the Sidelines - Ravens Edition


Jeremy Igo

Recommended Posts

Another week, another crushing loss. There isn't much positive to pull from today.

 

As the day started, hopes were high. The team ran on to the field with energy and seemed to be in a positive vibe. Thomas Davis was, of course, inactive. I think we all see now just what he means to the Panthers defense. Without Davis, Luke has looked... well... human.

Panthers-Ravens-6.jpg

 

Cam Newton stood stoically as Steve Smith was introduced. Cam took the time to watch him come out of the tunnel. This is not something he typically does.

Panthers-Ravens-8.jpg

 

These next two photos are not for the faint of heart. From the very first play, we all knew the Panthers were in trouble.

 

Panthers-Ravens-9.jpg

 

Panthers-Ravens-10.jpg

 

There was barely a pocket throughout the day for Cam to throw in. Throw in the fact that the turf was extremely soft and slick.. Cam never had much of a chance. I tweeted before the game that I have never seen a turf so heavy with the rubber granules. He frequently lost his footing when trying to scramble.

Panthers-Ravens-13.jpg

 

 

Then, of course, there was 89. We all were accustomed to Steve Smith burning Roman Harper.... just not on the losing side.

 

Panthers-Ravens-15.jpg

 

Steve's second TD capped off another noteworthy performance by him, once again with Harper watching.

Panthers-Ravens-34.jpg

 

Steve was all smiles on the sideline. His teammates were congratulating him throughout the day. It was obvious everyone knew what an important game this was for him.

 

Panthers-Ravens-17.jpg

 

Deangelo Williams was looking good, until he was injured on this play...

Panthers-Ravens-23.jpg

 

I was told by a Panthers official not to expect any word on the extent of his injury until tomorrow.

Panthers-Ravens-25.jpg

 

Benjamin's TD catch was one of the only highlights for the Panthers. Benjamin continues to show why he was a first round pick and is developing into a solid #1 option.

 

Panthers-Ravens-26.jpg

 

Panthers-Ravens-27.jpg

 

Cam delivered the ball and a fist bump to a young fan, his trademark. Notice the mask on the fan in the back. A lot of that went on today.

Panthers-Ravens.jpg

 

 

There were a few missed opportunites by the Panthers that could have made a real difference in the game. This near end zone interception by DeCoud over Steve Smith for example. Make that play and the momentum swings.

Panthers-Ravens-30.jpg

 

Cam did all that he could to keep spirits up on the bench, but it seemed like his words fell on deaf ears. The offensive line seemed defeated and lost, not angry and motivated.

 

Panthers-Ravens-33.jpg

 

 

On a lighter note, Ben Jacobs is pretty hilarious on special teams. He always seems to get in an extra shove when the officials aren't looking. The retaliation would have drawn a flag for the Ravens. Veteran move by Jacobs.

Panthers-Ravens-29.jpg

 

Cam and Benji spoke on the sidelines frequently, trying to get on the same page in an attempt to get any kind of offense going. Benji would explain to Cam how he was being covered, and where to get him the ball next time.

Panthers-Ravens-37.jpg

 

Charles Johnson was largely invisible once again today.... quite literally. He recorded no tackles or hits on QB. His name doesn't appear on the boxscore. He did have this hurry though.

 

Panthers-Ravens-40.jpg

 

Josh Norman was put on Steve Smith after Melvin White "lost his composure" according to Ron Rivera. Norman didn't do much better and frequently needed help bringing Steve down.

 

Panthers-Ravens-50.jpg

 

Panthers-Ravens-48.jpg

 

 

At the end of the day, Cam was left looking for answers....

 

Panthers-Ravens-63.jpg

 

And Rivera looking for butts to chew.

 

Panthers-Ravens-64.jpg

 

I cannot help but to think back to training camp. I noticed right away how loose it was. Ron Rivera noticed also. On more than one occasion Rivera gave the team an earful on how their practice and hustle weren't cutting it. I have a feeling Ron is going to be saying the same things tonight.

 

It will be a long flight home.

 

 

There is more on the Cam and Steve Smith interactions in the

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm just in disbelief at how lackluster our dline is playing.  I know Hardy was a huge help, but if CJ is getting most of the attention now, guys like Short, Star and Dwan should be getting pressure.  Flacco was nearly untouched in the pocket today and (as opposed to Ben last week) was throwing the ball down the field.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • The bottom line is we saw long stretches this season where T-Mac wasn't even targeted.  He had games where he went an entire half without seeing a pass thrown his way, and it lead to a bunch of games with 5 or less targets.  If he's healthy and we're not up a stupid amount and only running the ball, I can't see him having more than a game or two next year with 5 or less targets. We were also only 22nd this year in pass attempts, and that was with a rookie #1 and no legitimate 2nd option for half the season.  And even then, we were only 46 pass attempts above 31st place. If we go into next season with T-Mac improved in his 2nd season and a healthy Coker for 17 games, there is absolutely no reason for us to not throw it more.  That right away increases both of their target totals without sacrificing any targets from each other or other players, add in them taking targets from the TEs and RBs on top of that, and your argument just doesn't hold water anymore. You can't look at targets/yards in a vacuum and think next year Coker just takes some from T-Mac.  You have to look at the team as a whole and our situations this year and then project what will happen next year. If he's healthy for 17 games, I'd bet my life savings that T-Mac sees increases across the board, targets/catches/yards/TDs.   Just as Coker will also see career highs in all categories, it's not one vs the other, it's shifting offensive strategy given our personnel, which next year will be much better for our passing game (QB issues aside).
    • C'mon now.... First, you can't switch up your argument once someone points out a major flaw in your point. You're saying we shouldn't expect a big increase in targets/yards for T-Mac, but then shift to talking about averages with Chase when I point out the significant leap he took there once you factor in his missing games.  He saw an increase in targets in 5 less games, averages aside, he saw a significant increase in targets in his 2nd season, what he then did with those targets is actually irrelevant in this discussion. Puka seeing no increase is pointless, as he saw such an absurd amount of targets for a rookie, it's near impossible to see an increase. But the real issue in this post is that you think I'm proving your point by showing how Waddle had to share targets with Hill. Tyreek Hill was a 1st team All Pro who was 2nd in the NFL in yards that season. If you think Jaylen Waddle sharing targets with a 1st team All Pro and a future HOFer is even remotely in the same category as T-Mac needing to share targets with Coker... then you are certifiably insane, lol. If anything, you could make the argument that Coker is to Waddle as T-Mac is to Hill in that discussion (which would then lead to a serious increase in targets/yards for T-Mac).  But even that is insane, as neither T-Mac or Coker will be as good as Hill and Waddle respectively that season.  I love both of their potential, but c'mon now, T-Mac isn't getting 119 catches for 1,700 yards and Coker isn't getting 117 for 1,350 next season.
×
×
  • Create New...