Some factors to consider

[Mr. Scot]

A few things to think about...

One: Under Ron Rivera, the Panthers have typically started slow but played better late in the season. We are currently at the halfway point. Does that still apply this year?

Two: It's been speculated that Rivera does his best coaching under pressure. Being undefeated is a different kind of pressure, but it's still pressure. Same effect?

Three: The Panthers have so far this year played their backups less than in any season I've watched. The starters could begin getting fatigued as the season drags on, but the top backups will still be very fresh. How do you balance it out to get the best overall performance at the most important time?

 

So how do you see these factors coming into play as we enter the latter part of the season?

Which matters most? And are there others to consider?

What say you?

[PandaPancake]

Yes, yes, and our starters could get fatigued but they've shown us before they're motivated. Gman has shown to reward those that play well then you add in we're legitimate contenders, the younger guys might need a slap on the back of the head by the veterans, but I think it's enough to keep them focused. 

I would write more but I gave my good material to PU

[d-dave]

The idea of resting starters is a sticky subject in the NFL.  We've seen some teams do some resting, and get kicked out of the playoffs.  I think we need to try to limit some snaps.  If we can really start laying the real knockout punch in the mid 3rd quarter, then I think it's completely viable to rest guys for the 4th.  If we could drop a few quarters during the 2nd half of the season, that would be pretty huge.

[Udogg]

Offensively,

The Oline you may be able to rest a few players depending on the health and development of Williams but historically even in a deep playoff run your key starters don't get rest unless things are locked up.

Cam isn't getting taken out unless a blowout and we don't have those.

RB we have depth, I think getting CAP some reps would be helpful in the long run.  But to me it seems like we are going to run Stew very hard this year in the carries department.

The LB's.  I would love to see TD get some rest, but from all reports he aint hearing it.  I think we could spell both him and Kuechly with shaq and klein on some situations.

The secondary I feel that Boston and Collin Jones can be rotated and Bene spelling the CB's .

Defensive line is always a rotation and it will get better when CJ gets back.

 

I think everything will depend on our record.

If we are still perfect going into the latter parts of the season, I don't see us resting starters very much. Everyone dreams of that perfect season whether they admit it or not.  Im sure Rivera being on that 15-1 Bears team thinks about that 1 sometimes.

 

 

[Mr. Scot]

I am most definitely not into the idea of resting starters.

I could see rotating the backups in more often though, especially at runningback and linebacker, to at least someone minimize wear and tear.

[Ricky Spanish]

we've played numerous high octane offenses the past 3 weeks in a row. The starters weren't being subbed a lot due to the up tempo offenses and the situations that presented themselves. 

I foresee more breaks for our guys in the coming weeks. 

[CoastalCat]

21 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

A few things to think about...

One: Under Ron Rivera, the Panthers have typically started slow but played better late in the season. We are currently at the halfway point. Does that still apply this year?

Two: It's been speculated that Rivera does his best coaching under pressure. Being undefeated is a different kind of pressure, but it's still pressure. Same effect?

Three: The Panthers have so far this year played their backups less than in any season I've watched. The starters could begin getting fatigued as the season drags on, but the top backups will still be very fresh. How do you balance it out to get the best overall performance at the most important time?

 

So how do you see these factors coming into play as we enter the latter part of the season?

Which matters most? And are there others to consider?

What say you?

Hopefully they will choose to sub a little more if we can get up and stay up in games. I noticed that Fozzy got a few looks once we were up last week. Getting CJ back fresh should also help. 

[Mr. Scot]

3 minutes ago, Cracka McNasty said:

we've played numerous high octane offenses the past 3 weeks in a row. The starters weren't being subbed a lot due to the up tempo offenses and the situations that presented themselves. 

I foresee more breaks for our guys in the coming weeks. 

Solid point.

What about our offense, though? Stewart rarely sits down.

[panther4life]

We just need to secure that first round bye and we will be fine

[Mr. Scot]

6 minutes ago, panther4life said:

We just need to secure that first round bye and we will be fine

I definitely wouldn't be satisfied with just a first round bye at this point.

I want home field advantage throughout.

[KB_fan]

Great questions and good discussion so far.

 

30 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

I am most definitely not into the idea of resting starters.

I could see rotating the backups in more often though, especially at runningback and linebacker, to at least someone minimize wear and tear.

Agree.  Don't sit our starters, but do up the rotation, especially if we can get a big lead early in the game.  Ron keeps talking about this each week, but they're not making it happen, yet.  But as noted, it's probably due to the teams we've played.

I would add CBs / Safeties to the positions to try & rotate more.  Tre, Colin Jones, Bene...  Keep Harper & Tillman fresher.

And I understand about not rotating Oline, but I do think it important that Daryl Williams gets some playing time.  We're VERY thin at backup on Tackle.  Williams is our best guy, but he's got virtually no real game experience.

[KB_fan]

59 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

A few things to think about...

One: Under Ron Rivera, the Panthers have typically started slow but played better late in the season. We are currently at the halfway point. Does that still apply this year?

Two: It's been speculated that Rivera does his best coaching under pressure. Being undefeated is a different kind of pressure, but it's still pressure. Same effect?

On a big picture level, you can't beat "perfection" - one can't play "better" than 8-0 in terms of the result.  But of course we CAN up the level of our play, and it's clear that the team is focusing on that - hence not having the day off yesterday so they could delve into the details from the film re: mistakes that need to be improved.

I think your question about the pressure of being undefeated is a good one.  Yes, it's a different kind of pressure. First, as folks have noted in various threads, you become everyone's target.  There's the pressure of managing distractions and staying focused.  And there's the pressure of "history" - wanting to be the best, to stay undefeated.

I DO think this team wants excellence, and not just in the W-L record.  So many keep talking about plays that they've left on the field, ways they can improve, that they're still winning "UGLY" games, etc.  It's clear they think there's still a lot to prove, and this thrills me!  This team isn't just playing for "Ws" but to be their best.  It bodes really well.

So glad we've got a coach who has been in their shoes... I think it means the players will listen to his advice about staying disciplined and focused on the next game.

[Mr. Scot]

Nice thoughts, KBF.

[CarolinaXblue]

Any given Sunday, but I think our schedule lightens up a bit and maybe can rotate a little more. I'm definitely not taking anyone for granted but hopefully we can rotate with the less powerful teams ahead.