Points off Turnovers...

[firstdayfan]

When trying to figure out what has been the biggest problem for the Panthers this season its easy to see the glaring statistic that the defense has given up 103 points this season in four games. This averages out to be 26 points per game which ranks them 26th in the league. For many of us this is unacceptable and even without the Philly game we still are giving up 22 points per game. So the defense needs to play better, tackle better, stop playing so far back on the receivers, and fire Ron Meeks, right? Wrong. One simple statistic explains everything while also pointing the finger at the true culprit of our record this year...the offense.

I went through all four games and added up the points off turnovers that have been given up this season and its unbelievable. This includes TD's scored as a direct result, the insuing drive, or off a blocked punt. I did not include the punt return for a TD because its not techincally a turnover but you get the idea. Here's what I found:

Week 1: Eagles score 38 points...21 were the result of a turnover. (punt return for TD not included)

Week 2: Falcons score 28 points...14 were the result of a turnover. (Dwill's fumble and a blocked punt).

Week 3: Cowboys score 21 points...8 were the result of a turnover. (8 because they went for two.)

Week 5: Redskins score 17 points....14 were the result of a turnover. (Jake's pick and Dwill's fumble)

So, this means that 64 of the 103 points allowed have been because of a turnover. That's 62% of the points that have been given up. Almost all of these turnovers have been accompanied by short fields and some have even scored without the defense even being on the field. (Dallas, Philly). Our defense gives up 26 points a game but the offense's turnovers have generated 16 points per game in points off turnovers.

Simply put, the offense needs to take care of the freakin ball and the defense needs to be ready to defend the short field at all times. This is something that needs to be corrected if we plan on turning it around in the next few weeks. Thoughts?

[2plankingpanther]

I agree,we should be at least 2-2,if not 3-1.The defense did play poorly against the Falcons and Cowboys,played alright against the Eagles and played pretty well against the Hogs!Still need to improve on tackling and coverage,but the offense needs tons of improvement!

[firstdayfan]

I think they played well enough to win against the Cowboys. Technically they only allowed 13 points and its tough to win in this league win the offense can't score more than 13 points. To me its strange because we are returning the same guys from last season on offense, there really is no excuse. I hate to throw out Jake as a scapegoat but defenses aren't afraid of the passing game anymore and are stacking the box and blitzing. The offensive line is another area of concern and should be playing much better than they are. If we can go a game or two without a turnover it will be interesting to see how the defense plays and how many points they allow.