Pass vs Run vs Wins

[Kevin Greene]

Just taking a glimpse at the stats tonight and a disturbing trend which reared its ugly head in 2009 was again apparent tonight.

Tonight vs the Jets the Panthers threw the ball 39 times and ran the ball only 21 times.

Jeff Davidson needs to look at the roster and adjust play calling to take advantage of it's strengths.

Lets return back to the first 3 games of 2009. The Panthers went a pitiful 0-3 to start the season. During this stretch they passed the ball 108 times while rushing only 71 times.

They followed the horrendous start defeating horrible Washington and Tampa Bay teams in 2009 to go 2-3 and give us all hope. (These teams combined for a 7-25 record in 2009)

Then came Buffalo and a potential turning point in the season. Again the Panthers go 44 pass attempts vs just 25 runs and get defeated by what should be an inferior opponent.

What was the one game last year when the Panthers surprised you and played to their potential 60 minutes?

Week 8 when they avenged the worst defeat in Carolina Panther history (Jake's 5 INT Playoff perfromance vs the Cards at BOA) defeating the Cardinals 34-21. How'd they do it? 44 runs vs just 15 passes as Deangelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart shreaded the cards from start to finish.

Jeff Davidson needs to immediately examine the current Panther roster, then recognize it's strengths. No team that goes #1 Deangelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart and Jeff Otah in 3 out of 4 draft years is building to feature the pass.

The Panthers aren't the Rams and the "Greatest Show on Turf".

Carolina has built itself to be a team that features the run and a stout defense. John Fox needs to do whatever is necessary to make sure that happens. I shudder when folks suggest Davidson is the best err apparent to Fox should his days in Carolina end. I doubt he recognizes just what sort of machine Davidson driving in Charlotte.

Time to establish who the Panthers are in 2010 starting next week vs Tenessee. Run the damned ball, attack on defense and play smash mouth football 60 minutes. No apologies.

[Wither]

They are passing more in order to try to find a WR.

[Dpantherman]

While I agree someone, lets keep in mind that our 3 top offense weapons were not all in attendance

[2jakefansinva]

They are passing more in order to try to find a WR.

we hope.

[Wither]

we hope.

Also, Stewart is not available and D-Will isn't going to play the whole game regardless.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Most plays are going to be passing plays in the off-season, especially with the amount of "unknown" talent we have. Everyone in Carolina knows we can run the football, coaches just want to get a better look at what they are going to have to work with when it comes to the passing game.

These quarterbacks are too young and inexperienced to run the football in pre-season. I'd rather have them get embarrassed, flustered, etc. and see how they recover. The only way to improve the passing game is to pass the football. Hopefully that establishes solid QB play, and a number 2 receiver.

[The Don]

Yeah, they won't throw it this much in the regular season once J-Stew and Otah are back. They really just want to evaluate certain parts of the offense in certain situations. Even though the Jets blitzed a lot, Davidson still had the offense throwing on 3rd down, when he could have easily called a quick screen or draw play down the middle. I think it's good to see Davidson opening up the playbook when the score doesn't really matter. It'll let him know what he can call during the regular season on 2nd and long, or 3rd and long.

[The Don]

Also, you have to remember that we've played against two of the top 5 defenses in the league the past two weeks.

Speaking of defense, how bout our D??? They're lookin' pretty freakin' good so far. As many turnovers as we had in that first quarter to have only allowed 9 points. I think that's pretty freakin' good IMHO.

[Kevin Greene]

They are passing more in order to try to find a WR.

Also, Stewart is not available and D-Will isn't going to play the whole game regardless.

I just don't buy it. Start establishing who we are now.

The entire Carolina QB roster has just 6 starts in the NFL.

Be it starters or reserves in the game next week execute what will be expected in the regular season. If one of the 22 starters goes down we aren't going to change our philosophy.

Moore, Clausen or Vinny Testeverde better be ready to pass 20 times a game, mange it wisely and not fug it up.

Or the Panthers will once again struggle to finish 3rd in the NFC South.

[Wither]

You don't buy it?

Inexperienced QB

Lacking a major part of the run game

Trying to evaluate a bunch of receivers before the season

I think you found an issue - but I think it was an issue last year and won't be an issue this year.

[Kevin Greene]

I would say this. In 2009 0-4 to start the preseason.

4-7 to start the regular season, 2009 essentially being a write off at this point.

Highlighted by Davidson's inability to recognize Jake Delhomme was not the answer for us.

I don't want to see another season for the Panthers wasted.

Fox needs to dictate who we are and let the Panthers establish who they will be in 2010 starting Tuesday morning.

[beastson]

Play calling is the number 1 thing that will lead our O to success this season

And some calls is just errrrrrr

[Wither]

Play calling is the number 1 thing that will lead our O to success this season

And some calls is just errrrrrr

I hate to sound like I'm making excuses, but... "pre-season."

I think they called a lot more passes just for evaluation/practice purposes. I think the team would've been a lot more successful this game if they hit the ground game up more.

[beastson]

I know that. But I'm speaking for our upcoming season

Dont believe for one second it will be some games where the play calling wont drive you crazy