Ellis Williams (Observer) offense analysis

[ladypanther]

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It’s unclear why Nixon doesn’t rely more on play-action to help Darnold. On Sunday, he completed all seven of his play-action tries for 81 yards. His time to throw was a comfortable 3.2 seconds, and he notched a healthy 11 yards per attempt. Yet, Nixon only used play-action on 26% of his dropbacks.

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Heavy blitzing forced Carolina to call quick-timing routes, much like it has all year. This next sequence shows back-to-back plays where the Panthers need an intermediate completion but cannot execute because of all the routes run are short. The Saints know Darnold wants the ball out quickly and therefore sit on every underneath route with no fear of getting beat deep.

A counter to this would be placing Darnold under center more and leaning on play-action throws. The Panthers have little reason to be a shotgun, spread team. Widening a defense limits protection options and puts additional pressure on a quarterback to consistently make accurate pre-snap reads. Though Rhule fired former offensive coordinator Joe Brady weeks ago, the Panthers are still running his offense and shouldn’t be.

Here is another example of why the Panthers should be a heavy under center, play-action team. Late in the third quarter, the Panthers hit their first explosive play since the first quarter. Darnold took the snap, faked a fullback lead run to Abdullah and set up to throw at about seven yards depth. Notice how the fake pulls multiple Saints linebackers up near the line of scrimmage. Since New Orleans is sitting in a two-high safety shell, Moore patiently sunk behind the linebackers and opened downfield. Since it’s his first read, Darnold delivered a strike and Moore gained 20 yards.

 

 

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Carolina is running the wrong style of offense. The Panthers should be under center and rely heavily on play-action. Whomever Rhule hires as his offensive coordinator next season should seriously consider a Kyle Shanahan, Matt Lafleur or Kevin Stefanski scheme. There is good news. Tackles Taylor Moton and rookie Brady Christensen graded above 70, according to PFF. The Panthers should be set on the outside. Bring in a talented offensive mind, rebuild the interior line and whoever plays quarterback will be properly supported.

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article257021862.html#storylink=cpy

Obviously there is no one on this staff who has a clue about running an NFL offense.  I do not see Rhule being able to attract a competent  OC to his staff or that he even would even know what one looks like.  Time to move on Tepper.

Edited January 4, 2022 by ladypanther

[Khyber53]

The article is right and so are you.

[MilkyCastles]

“The Panthers should be set on the outside.” How sad is it that Rhule fought tooth and nail to keep BC out of the LT spot, only for him to have better success than anyone there all season. I’m convinced that the only one buying into the Rhule process is Rhule himself. 
 

I agree with heavy play action, Darnold is a semi mobile QB and we have wide receivers that can succeed downfield. Seems like a no brainer right??

[Waldo]

Sounds like we are set up for an embarrassing and unproductive offseason. I can't imagine anyone competent would come here to work with and under Rhule. We also need a temp option because it really doesn't sound plausible to expect Rhule to finish the year as HC.

What an ugly lesson Tepper is about to learn if he decides to really keep Rhule for another year.

[ladypanther]

5 minutes ago, Waldo said:

What an ugly lesson Tepper is about to learn if he decides to really keep Rhule for another year.

If Tepper is willing to learn there is already an ugly lesson right in front of him.

[Mr. Scot]

Coming away from an article feeling like I've been given something to think about always makes me feel good about the writer.

Williams is very good at his job.

Edited January 4, 2022 by Mr. Scot

[jayboogieman]

16 minutes ago, Waldo said:

I can't imagine anyone competent would come here to work with and under Rhule.

Tepper could overpay a lot for someone and promising them at least the interm gig if Rhule gets canned during the season.

[BIGH2001]

Add Ellis Williams to the list of ordinary people who apparently understand football better than our top 10 paid head coach. And Tepper can’t demand a staff overhaul with a coach who will be on the hottest seat in the league. What an idiot if he brings him back.

[Newbie]

29 minutes ago, MilkyCastles said:

“The Panthers should be set on the outside.” How sad is it that Rhule fought tooth and nail to keep BC out of the LT spot, only for him to have better success than anyone there all season. I’m convinced that the only one buying into the Rhule process is Rhule himself. 
 

I agree with heavy play action, Darnold is a semi mobile QB and we have wide receivers that can succeed downfield. Seems like a no brainer right??

Rhule said yesterday that he still wasn’t sure where BCs long term position is. We’re just as likely to see him play RG than LT going forward. His arms aren’t long enough to play LT. 

[Mr. Scot]

11 minutes ago, jayboogieman said:

Tepper could overpay a lot for someone and promising them at least the interm gig if Rhule gets canned during the season.

That'd make for a hell of an awkward dynamic in the coaching room and on the sidelines.

[hepcat]

We’re gonna end up with Jason Garrett as OC because this team sucks 

[Newbie]

4 minutes ago, hepcat said:

We’re gonna end up with Jason Garrett as OC because this team sucks 

He be a huge upgrade sadly enough. At least we’d have the interim coach figured out after Tepper fires Rhule mid-season. 

[jayboogieman]

12 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

That'd make for a hell of an awkward dynamic in the coaching room and on the sidelines.

Yep. But it's the sort of thing the Panthers would do.

[joemac]

Still dont think we're set outside.  Brady is a nice little player, but hes not a franchise LT.  I think Rhule is actually correct here, and hes better suited for LG, with a mauler beside him like Neal or the guy from Georgia.