Examining the first TD

[Mr. Scot]

Motorola XOOM into the call

Here's a replay look at the first touchdown from Cam Newton to Steve Smith.

As fun as it is to watch the play itself, I'm gonna suggest taking a look at what happens pre-snap for something that is, at least for me, very encouraging.

Prior to the snap, you'll see Newton letting the line know that the defense has moved an extra guy over to his left. This looks to have Newton thinking "blitz". Ryan Kalil waves to his left. Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton acknowledge by pointing left. The Cards move around some but stay largely in the same area, an alignment that leaves Smith matched up one on one with Kerry Rhodes, a safety.

When the ball is snapped, Gross and Wharton slide left and Jonathan Stewart stays home. Sure enough, the Cardinals send an extra rusher from that side. Newton doesn't flinch, and he never looks anywhere except at Smith. He waits for the right moment, and passes. The pass isn't perfect (Smith has to slow down a little to get it) but it's there, and he's so far behind Kerry Rhodes at this point that the adjustment makes no difference.

Worth remembering that the Cards defense is run by former Steeler secondary coach Ray Horton. The Steeler defense is generally known for being good at disguising their intentions, but Newton recognizes what's likely to happen, sees the matchup, acts on it, and we have out first ever Newton to Smith touchdown.

I realize most folks care more about what happens after the snap than before, but I'm as encouraged by what I see pre-snap here as I am the actual execution.

[The Saltman]

I am encouraged also. But damn the packers blitz package this sunday is going to make the cardinals look like a high school team.

[Mr. Scot]

That, I'll give you.

Interesting that we're facing two ex-Steeler coaches in the first two weeks (Horton, Capers).

[The Saltman]

I am not worried about our offense as much as our defense. We have a good running game and if Cam can limit his mistakes we possibly can put 14-21 points on the board.

Our defense though had some pretty blatant miscues against arizona. GB will destroy us if we keep that up.

[Mr. Scot]

Sadly, Green Bay's offense may destroy us even if we don't have miscues :(

[The Saltman]

most probably. I mean with NO's crazy offense putting up so many points they still lost. Im all for hope but I think this game is going to be a blowout.

[ncmonzta]

I was impressed by this also, but there were some plays where it seemed like he didn't recognize the blitz or just didn't want to change. As time goes on, we'll see more of him recognizing defenses and changing the call or protection. Overall his pocket presence deserved an A+ with all the pressure he faced.

[jtnc]

I was impressed by this also, but there were some plays where it seemed like he didn't recognize the blitz or just didn't want to change. As time goes on, we'll see more of him recognizing defenses and changing the call or protection. Overall his pocket presence deserved an A+ with all the pressure he faced.

If he doesn't recognize it, usually the offensive line picks it up that's why everyone signals to eachother.

[Mr. Scot]

Said elsewhere, there's definitely still work to do, but it's a great start.

[jtnc]

On another note, J-stew is an amazing blocker.

[KARASMATIC444]

It does look good for sure. I cant wait until he has had a year or 2 to season, and then see what hes got. one thing for sure hes got all the coaches in the NFL's Eyes open now, and they will be trying to adjust to him. good luck with that though..

[nosuchthingasapanther]

On another note, J-stew is an amazing blocker.

hush your mouth...

[Mr. Scot]

Stewart has the balance of a high wire artist.

It's one of the things that makes him hard to bring down as a runner.

[ncmonzta]

I love how he was throwing the ball out there. Rivera needs to tell to look to run more in those redzone situations a little more though. I hope Green Bay opens up those running lanes, just watch out for that Conan looking motherfuger.