General Game Comments

[Mr. Scot]

If you asked me to name an MVP right now, the first name to come into my mind wouldn't be a player. It'd be Joe Brady. His play design has been brilliant. Still occasionally screws up the playcall, but overall he's been pretty good. To tell the truth, coaching overall seems improved, though again there is the caveat that we haven't been playing great teams.

Even so, that we've managed to win three games without our best player says a lot for Brady. Again, the teams we've played haven't exactly been world beaters. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing what Brady can do with a legitimate runningback stable once McCaffrey comes back.

I know the debate over Teddy Bridgewater rages on, but there's one thing I would say to that. I've mentioned before that a lot of times in the NFL you have to judge combinations, i.e. Coach/GM, quarterback/receiver, etc. Well, that principle also applies to quarterback/OC, and on that front Bridgewater/Brady looks to be a pretty good combo so far.

One concern: our interior offensive line still isn't very good. Moton is good. Okung is good but you have to figure he's short term. Bridgewater's quick release has covered a multitude of sins, but we definitely have a lot of building to do on that front.

For the folks talking about DJ Moore, I'm not sure the issue is Moore himself. I think it might actually be that Teddy Bridgewater doesn't have the kind of chemistry with him that he does with Robby Anderson. They might just need some time to work things out. Moore did take great advantage of an opportunity to show what he can do.

I'm previously expressed durability concerns about Brian Burns. He's getting hurt again today didn't do anything to ease those, though sadly he can thank his own teammate for that. and while we're talking about injury issues, Donte Jackson...

Finally, I'm still not convinced we're a good enough team to beat the better teams in the league, but looking at our schedule there are really only two opponents I feel absolutely confident calling "good". That'd be the Chiefs and the Packers. I know someone will mention the Saints, but I don't think the Saints are in that top tier this season . Granted, they may still be better than us.

Regardless of how good we are (or aren't) though, this season so far has at least been fun to watch.

I'll take that.

[mav1234]

There were a couple plays that Teddy really needed to look Moore's way.  And it isn't all "he can't throw deep" - on that one busted play the announcers pointed out, that is not a hard throw.  Teddy just flat out missed Moore.

There were others where if he hadn't have thrown the ball when he did he would have been pressured or sacked.

Hard to be terribly upset with the offense but they should try to get Moore involved.  He is clearly being underutilized.

[ladypanther]

Today was an ok game. Injuries certainly were a factor.

It is encouraging that our coaching staff seems to be learning with every game and they make good adjustments.  This team could win every game except the two you mentioned.  ( Not saying they will...but that they could)

[panthers55]

Have to agree. Brady went out and got Bridgewater because he knew what he had in Bridgewater, a system guy who is a definite leader and plays smartly within his abilities. He won't be wowing people but in this system with these players, he is doing a fantastic job. I am interested how we do against the Saints who are a mirror image on us at least on offense. I wonder if playing every day against this scheme will help the defense against Brees.

[Khyber53]

I think Moore will come into play more as the season goes on. And let's face it, no one (including opposing DCs) saw Anderson having this big of an impact. Moore certainly made the most of his receptions today and as coverage gets even firmer on Anderson, DJ will shine through.

Now, about Curtis Samuel. The guy is doing exactly what is asked of him AND what the team needs. He has not just upped his game, but has been noticed as a Swiss army knife kind of asset by Brady and Rhule. Keep it up, man!

O-line, might be a bit weak in the center but I'll be darned if they aren't working as a group better. Rushing and pass protection. 

 

[DaveThePanther2008]

I would like to give props to Davis.  You saw him grab his ankle early in the game and jumped up.  Probably knowing that there wasn't anyone behind him as a running back.  I can only imagine it hurt like hell but he got up and was a beast.

His ability to take a hit and keep going is impressive.  Reminds me of another Davis we had. 

[Rags]

Robby and Teddy worked out early this offseason, not surprised they have more of a chemistry. 

 

We're a well coached team. We still lack talent in some areas. We need more talent in some areas to be more competitive but this coaching staff has shown me when we do add the talent they're gonna use them well.

[panthers55]

And how about going down at the end of the first half for points instead of sitting on a lead. I wasn't happy to see us let the Falcons back in but that last drive to drain the clock and go back up by 10 was fantastic. Teddy just said that they love Davis because he runs angry and want to punish anyone in his way. 

[Sgt Schultz]

4 minutes ago, Rags said:

Robby and Teddy worked out early this offseason, not surprised they have more of a chemistry. 

 

We're a well coached team. We still lack talent in some areas. We need more talent in some areas to be more competitive but this coaching staff has shown me when we do add the talent they're gonna use them well.

Exactly.  The coaching has the team playing at a higher level than the overall talent.

Playcalling is never going to be perfect.  The best coaches aren't always the best, they are just almost always the best when it counts.  I don't know how close Rhule and company are to that level, but they are a lot closer than any coaching staff to set foot in Charlotte to date.

 

[ickmule]

19 minutes ago, ladypanther said:

Today was an ok game. Injuries certainly were a factor.

It is encouraging that our coaching staff seems to be learning with every game and they make good adjustments.  This team could win every game except the two you mentioned.  ( Not saying they will...but that they could)

I’m calling 11-5 right now, but they could let one slip away and End up 10-6.   

[Mr. Scot]

15 minutes ago, Rags said:

We're a well coached team.

It's been a long time since I've felt comfortable saying that.

[therealmjl]

4 minutes ago, ickmule said:

I’m calling 11-5 right now, but they could let one slip away and End up 10-6.   

Dang you back to watching games now?

[ickmule]

Just now, therealmjl said:

Dang you back to watching games now?

How can one not watch this team? They are fun to watch, we haven’t had that since 2015. 

[therealmjl]

1 minute ago, ickmule said:

How can one not watch this team? They are fun to watch, we haven’t had that since 2015. 

Yessir. Let’s go!