Marshall Faulk: Panthers Need To Commit To The Run

[Proudiddy]

Marshall Faulk was just on NFLN, and for his "Marshall Plan" today he discussed our run game. Leading up to the segment, the story was titled "Trouble In Carolina?"

So, during the segment, Marshall said our problem is that opposing teams are (or at least were) determined to stop the run and make a rookie QB beat them. Furthermore, he said when we have run, the 10 guys outside of the ballcarrier haven't committed to the run and gave him a chance.

He then followed that up with a few different clips showing the "lack of commitment," with one clip being Legadu's whiff on a block on Adrian Wilson Week 1 that we all were heated about. The next clip was a read-option by Cam in which he showed the DE crashing down (which is Cam's key to hand it to the RB instead of keeping it) and Cam kept the ball and was tackled for a loss or right at the LOS.

Marshall said if Legadu would've sold out for the run and blocked his man with any kid of effort, Deangelo would've been able to cut it back and it would've went for a huge gain.

He also showed a clip against the Packers where Hangartner and Shockey lost the outside on a toss - this one doesn't bother me as bad, as it was the Packers and their front 7 is pretty good.

But all in all, good points. Again, I've stated in previous threads that I thought part of our problems with the run game was that our new philosophy isn't conducive to it - in Marshall's words, not committed. These clips showed it.

We're aggressive, but we aren't looking to pound teams to death anymore... But still, with our backs, we should've had more big plays to this point, I just think that our offense is more focused on the pass and the run is seen as secondary - so sometimes the effort is as well.

As we all know, Cam has done great and all indications are, he will be great long-term... With that established, I'm hoping the defenses know we can hurt them in the passing game now and we're smart about catching them off guard with the run now. I really think we should see some progress in the run game this week.

Once the run game gets up to speed, I actually think Cam will be even more effective. Just wanted to share...

[eViL jEsTeR]

we need to commit to a win. be it on the ground or in the air. Charlie Sheen would agree.

[Jackofalltrades]

I agree to an extent, but it's not like we're not moving the ball effectively. I do think we need to run the ball better if for no other reason than to keep the defenses honest and guessing.

[Jrock88]

I hope we pound the rock today. Regardless of whether its been working or not, you have to run the football to keep the Defense honest and off balance. I understand that the passing attack has been great , but is it too much to ask to give one of our running backs 15 carries?

[bleys]

so our OLine needs to play better? no poo.. thanks Marshall.

[Razeyfingers]

We dont have to do anything but execute our game plan and make adjustments like we planned to do. I dont get why people think we HAVE to run the ball. . . I mean, yes, of course you do, but its not like anything good will come of forcing 40 carries if its not there for the taking. The beautiful thing is that Cam can throw and we have receivers who can catch. Take what the D gives you and light em long when they do something stupid.

If theyre gonna give us the run then so be it. Guess we'll see how much confidence Del Rio has in his D very shortly. My guess is that they drop into coverage all day, and we'll end up running it anyway.

[Jangler]

Penguins in Antarctica know we need to run the ball, maybe after 2 weeks of 400+ yards in the air that will start to happen. But for these "experts" to harp on it shows that don't know poo.

[Proudiddy]

Yeah, I agree with him to the extent that it would help keep defenses honest. Towards the end of the Packers game, they actually started dropping 8 guys into coverage. I just think our guys could be getting a lot more yards on runs if we executed better (I know, Captain Obvious).

If we executed better, then in turn, I think the red zone problems would be solved and it's possible Cam would look even better.

TBH, I love the passing attack and pass-oriented philosphy, and obviously Cam, Smitty, and the TEs are exciting to watch. I love the offense, but I think the balance will really benefit us to the max in terms of efficiency.

[Seamonk]

Word. The run game needs to complement the passing game better. 2 yd carries or not. Just keep pushing the rock forward and our passing will take care of the rest. Strangely we've only seen Cam actually try to "take off" once when it wasn't by design. Even that could help to a degree if defenses are committed to playing coverage.

[Marguide]

If we executed better, then in turn, I think the red zone problems would be solved and it's possible Cam would look even better.

Exactly. We need to get the run game going to help in the red zone. When we get inside the 5, the run should be a viable option, and not just with Cam on a QB keeper.