Looks like this b/r writer was more irked than me on Shula's "Equalizer" comment.

[top dawg]

Mike Shula calling Cam a "great equalizer" did kind of rub me the wrong way when I heard it. I thought to myself that we are basically relying on Cam too damned much. But I can't blame it all on Shula because he doesn't make the business or the personnel decisions, and that responsibility is Dave Gettleman's. But, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report emphatically says that the receivers are going to have to step up, and that we need to get Devin Funchess and all three of our tight ends more involved in the flow of the game. He also points out that we need not forget about Jonathan Stewart, and I specifically think that Shula needs to get Stewart more involved in the passing game. 

Sure it's all fine and good that we are 2-0, but unlike some who seemingly want to get drunk on two victories over relatively weak teams, as they parade around in over-sized, electric blue, homer glasses, some of us are always keyed in on the bigger picture---the end game---the Super Bowl. Relying on Cam to play "Hero Ball" is not a recipe for sustained success, and Sobleski points that out.

The Panthers are severely lacking at nearly every level of the offense. Newton must serve as an equalizer. Otherwise, the offense doesn't stand much of a chance.

The team's skill positions are poor. Carolina's wide receiver corps, in particular, can compete to be named the league's worst position group.

Through the first two games, Ted Ginn leads the team with 95 receiving yards. Sixty-two NFL players, including six running backs, have accumulated more yards than Carolina's top target. Six different running backs have eclipsed Ginn's total.

Of course, this miserable situation is a byproduct of Kelvin Benjamin's season-ending knee injury. His absence clearly leaves the team without much of an outside threat. Thus, it comes down to scheme and personnel to improve the overall receiving corps.

And while we are on the wide receivers, let's bring Michael Oher into perspective. 

Of the 70 offensive tackles graded by Pro Football Focus to date, Michael Oher sits 55th overall. Only three rookie left tackles and Miami Dolphins backup Jason Fox have performed worse on the blind side.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2570201-carolina-panthers-cant-maintain-success-with-cam-newton-playing-hero-ball

The writer points out that Oher struggles most at run blocking, but Oher's play is causing a strain on the passing game as well because the TEs can't help out catching the ball if they are blocking. 

 

Now, unlike the writer who said that unfortunately our offense is "built around Newton's abilities as a dual-threat quarterback", I tend to think that it is quite natural and OK, just not to the extent that we have seen him used in the first couple of games. Moreover, I think that the way that the games have played out that the lack of acceptable play, much less outstanding play, at the position of WR is causing Cam and our RBs to work way too hard, and this is very concerning for the end game. So, something is going to have to change. Perhaps the Calvary will come in the form of more snaps for Funchess, Norwood, and maybe even Bersin if he is called up, but something is going to have to break. Luckily for the Panthers that it it still early, and patience really is a virtue in this situation. Hopefully the FO and all the coaches on down are on the same page as it pertains to relying on hero ball because, looking at the bigger picture, it's not going to get us where we ultimately want to be. 

[Jackofalltrades]

I don't care what PFF says about Oher, he's been far superior to what we had last year.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

Good news is we are 2-0 and can hopefully get Funchess and Norwood up to speed in the perceived weak part of the schedule. If not I hope we continue making the  chicken salad from the chicken poo. 

[the_philosopher]

The way I see it is that Shula probably has no sense of job security, so unless he's a company man, he will prioritize winning a game over Cam's longevity. 

[CRA]

I don't care what PFF says about Oher, he's been far superior to what we had last year.

yeah, he isn't good but a welcomed edition over Bell.  I won't complain about Oher until next season

[stankowalski]

Like it or not, Cam is going to have to continue being the equalizer.  We just don't have the talent on the offensive side of the ball for it to play out any other way, unless Norwood and Funchess can come in and do better than Ginn and Brown, which I'm not convinced of.  

And btw we don't have to have a great offense to get to the Superbowl.  We just need to be at least average, which we're not even that right now.  Defense and Cam will have to carry this team all year.

[KillerKat]

Draft Next year should be WR WR WR WR WR WR WR

[Mol3m4n]

I don't get the hate for Oher. He's been fairly solid so far. I don't cringe every time the ball is snapped. 

[ItsNotGonnaBeAlright]

Unfortunately, you have to say Cam is an equalizer on our offense.

Under a competent OC, Cam would be the thing that garauntees we're better that the opposistion, but under Shula he just drags us to "equal".

[*FreeFua*]

Cam had to play "hero ball" in 2013 and we all saw how that ended against SF. That's my concern right now, I feel like that's where this is headed, Cam can only do so much. 

[KendrickPanther]

Our run blocking is not very good. While Oher might feel good because Cam has time, the truth is we are running more and more 2-3 man routes. Philly Brown scored that bomb TD as one of two receiving options. We are going max protect constantly which gives Cam time but not options. It also encourages him to scramble.

[rodeo]

Mike Shula vs. an NFL defensive coordinator is like Ellen Page vs. Ronda Rousey.

Mike Shula with Cam vs. an NFL defensive coordinator is like Ellen Page with nunchaku vs. Ronda Rousey. Fancy, flashy weapon but still gonna get her ass kicked.

[top dawg]

Sorry, forgot the link:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2570201-carolina-panthers-cant-maintain-success-with-cam-newton-playing-hero-ball

[L-TownCat]

Well as long as we are using reputable sources for our collective realism I'll play along, but when you start quoting BR...