Credit the Defense for the Victory

[Jeremy Igo]

Looking at all the headlines around the local media today, everyone is crediting Derek Anderson for the win. While it is a nice story, I have to disagree. Derek Anderson had a good day, but without the Panthers defense coming out strong in the third quarter, the game would have lost.

 

The Panthers defense, led by Charles Johnson, gift wrapped a Bucs fumble so close to the Panthers goal line even they could score a touchdown. It was the only Panthers touchdown of the day. The Buccaneers have the 25th ranked defense in the league. 

 

Coach Rivera noted in his press conference that a team cannot expect to win consistently while kicking field goals. For the Panthers to clinch a playoff birth and more importantly win a playoff game, Mike Shula will need to do something he never has been able to do in his pro and college coaching career. Namely, conduct an offense that scores touchdowns in the red zone.

 

Here are a few photos of Charles Johnson's dominance, and the Cotchery touchdown that resulted from it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1989]

I totally agree. Panthers.com has him as player of the game. Great photos as always!

[KillerKat]

How do your photos look realer than real life O_O

[Cyberjag]

Defense won it, but there were times where the coaching staff seemed to be content playing it safe on offense and letting the defense take care of business.  

[Jmac]

The defense will have to show up and keep improving every week. They can't rely on this offense to carry this team.

[Jeremy Igo]

Defense won it, but there were times where the coaching staff seemed to be content playing it safe on offense and letting the defense take care of business.  

 

Just like Atlanta, difference being Tampa does not have Matt Ryan.

 

 

I would prefer going for the jugular against the 25th ranked defense and McCoy standing on the sideline in a knee brace.

[stirs]

Like I mentioned yesterday, there were no "diamonds" on the field yesterday.

 

DA started the game off sailing balls high over the head of his targets but finished the day with no fumbles or interceptions so he is deemed a rousing success.  For a team with only 5 wins now including yesterday, I suppose the bar is quite low.

 

The D also had its high and low points.

 

Glad it was the worst team in the NFL or things might have been far different

 

[2jakefansinva]

wasn't the Jstew fumble at the goal line..............it was the play calling.

 

gotcha.

[Jangler]

pretty sure DA is a diamond in the rough...

[Silent Majority]

Absolutely. thumbs up.

[BIGH2001]

wasn't the Jstew fumble at the goal line..............it was the play calling.

gotcha.

No one has mentioned that or the false start penalty we got in the first quarter inside the 10 which stalled out that drive and led to a field goal. Those were two big mistakes that could have resulted in this game not being as close as it was.

[pantherclaw]

wasn't the Jstew fumble at the goal line..............it was the play calling.

gotcha.

you're not allowing the hate to flow through you, young jedi.

[pantherclaw]

I have a hard time blaming dropped balls, fumbles, and penalties on Shula.

[Jeremy Igo]

Shula has been plagued by poor execution in the red zone his entire career.

I guess he is just extremely unlucky.