Divisional Playoff WIN vs. Seattle - Stats & Analysis

[KB_fan]

Snap Counts from the game are up at BBR:

http://blackandbluereview.com/snap-counts-seahawks-at-panthers-divisional-round/

Offense - notes:

—Greg Olsen missed just five snaps after suffering a painful stinger.

—Ted Ginn, who wasn’t 100 percent, may have been mostly a decoy. He was targeted once in 42 snaps.

—Despite having his ankle rolled up on, Jonathan Stewart played 35 of 65 snaps in his first game since Week 14.

—Not surprisingly, Cameron Artis-Payne’s playing time took a hit. With Stewart back in the lineup, Artis-Payne saw 30 fewer snaps than he did in Week 17.

—Somewhat surprisingly, Devin Funchess’ playing time took a hit. He played 32 fewer snaps than he did when torching the Bucs in the regular-season finale.

 

Defense - notes:

–Of course workhorse Kurt Coleman played every snap after sitting out Week 17.

–As expected, Robert McClain was in for every defensive play as the No. 2 corner.

–Because Seattle needed to throw after digging a huge hole, the Panthers were in nickel most of the way. That meant Cortland Finnegan played all but four snaps. Those went to Shaq Thompson, who played 39 two weeks ago.

–Tre Boston was expected to spell Roman Harper a good bit, but that rotation lasted four snaps.

–Kawann Short played 54 of 67 snaps. That, folks, is a three-down tackle.

–Despite breaking a bone in his foot during the fourth quarter, Jared Allen played the final two series.

[shaqattaq]

23 hours ago, KB_fan said:

PFF grades:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/17/pro-sea-car-grades-luke-kuechly-kawann-short-star-in-panthers-win/

Carolina Panthers

–This wasn’t the Cam Newton (+1.8) we’ve become accustomed to seeing this year. While he and Wilson earned similar grades, how the two QBs achieved it couldn’t have been any different. Outside of a fine touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen, Newton kept things very simple. His running threat neutralized by the Seattle defense, he prioritized avoiding mistakes that would allow Seattle back into the game. Indeed, it was a selfless display that was rewarded with a critical victory.

–You don’t win PFF’s “Night Train” Lane award for the best coverage defender in the NFL without making some pretty spectacular plays. Linebacker Luke Kuechly (+4.1) did exactly that in this one, with a pick-six and a stunning pass break-up highlighting what a unique talent Kuechly is.

–Speaking of unique talents, Sunday was another day for defensive tackle Kawann Short (+5.1) to demonstrate just how explosive he is. Rushing the passer more than any other Panther, his motor never let up and he got up close and personal with Russell Wilson on a number of occasions. All told, he produced a seven-disruption day (one sack, two hits and four hurries).

Top-graded players:

DT Kawann Short (+5.1)

LB Luke Kuechly (+4.1)

DE Jared Allen (+3.6)

TE Greg Olsen (+4.1)

S Roman Harper (+3.0)

Glad to see Jared getting some love. He's not getting anywhere near the stats we're acustomed to during his career, but he is playing some pretty good football, especially down the stretch. He's another great Getttleman find, a team-first player willing to do the dirty work to get a win.