Pro Football Focus grades Sunday's game

[jtnc]

Carolina –Three Performances of Note Soft underbelly The Panthers appear to be either stuck or sticking (depending on your perspective) with their trio of defensive tackles, a trio that has offered very little encouragement so far. Not for the first time this year all three members of the rotation, Sione Fua (-1.6), Terrell McClain (-3.1) and Andre Neblett (-2.3) graded negatively as none of them offered any real service in either the run defense or rushing the passer. Combined, they only registered two defensive stops and one pressure; even if all you’re looking for is space-eaters that isn’t enough. Whether in free agency or higher draft picks (or substantial improvement) the Panthers need to invest in the heart of their defense next season.

Threatening off the edge While the interior of the defense continues to struggle, the Panthers are finding more and more players on the edge. We all know what Charles Johnson (+2.6) is capable of and now we’re seeing further reason to think Greg Hardy (+1.5) could breakout in similar fashion to Johnson as he builds on a solid rookie year. He wasn’t the only defensive end to shine with Thomas Keiser (+3.6) , playing in only the second game of his rookie season, showing that they could have another talent at defensive end on their hands. The three did most of their strong work in run defense, defeating blocks and forcing runs back inside to try to offset the damage done by a poor performance from their interior. Keiser was the only one of the three to record a sack, recording two from opposite sides of the line, but the trio combined for seven defensive stops on the day. Something positive on defense at least for the Panthers to hang their hat on this season.

Don’t look back in anger In spite of his vulnerability to trap blocks, exposed at times again in this game, not many people look back fondly or relish a rematch with Ndamukong Suh. It seems unlikely that Geoff Hangartner (-7.6) will be swift to raise his hand for another go round. Hangartner did not make a positive block on Suh, or Nick Fairley, for the entire game yet yielded six pressures to the two defensive tackles as well as a crucial hit on Cam Newton to Suh at 2:48 in the third quarter. The hit forced a hurried throw from Newton which was intercepted by DeAndre Levy, ending a potential scoring drive with the Lions’ lead only a slender point at that stage.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/11/21/re-focused-panthers-lions-week-11/

[Marguide]

Other than Hangartner, these grades have been consistent all year.

Nearly every week, our DT's get abused and the DE's play pretty well. How some people think we can go into next year with the same DT rotation is beyond me.

This has to be fixed, or this D is going nowhere.

[Paintballr]

Other than Hangartner, these grades have been consistent all year.

Nearly every week, our DT's get abused and the DE's play pretty well. How some people think we can go into next year with the same DT rotation is beyond me.

This has to be fixed, or this D is going nowhere.

But but a 30+ DT will fix all of our issues...

[countryboi]

its funny that our ends are so good because our tackles are so ass

[Marguide]

But but a 30+ DT will fix all of our issues...

I assume you are speaking of Edwards, but in any case it doesn't matter. If we plug up the middle with someone that can actually play it will make the whole defense better, whether they are 22 or 32.

Unless Fua and McClain show more by the end of the year, we cannot stand pat thinking they will be better next year. Maybe they will, maybe not, but we shouldn't risk our whole D assuming they are going to become good.

[panthernation23]

dunno how people keep giving our DT's high praise....they have absolutely sucked all year. No way in hell we make a playoff run with those 2 bums starting next year

[AceMan]

its funny that our ends are so good because our tackles are so ass

Imagine what they would be able to do if we had some consistent force in the middle.

I like the tandem of Johnson/Hardy/Keiser/Applewhite in the future.

Problem is that it looks like next year will be a weak FA DT class as far as pass-rushing DTs

[CarolinaAllDay]

Imagine what they would be able to do if we had some consistent force in the middle.

I like the tandem of Johnson/Hardy/Keiser/Applewhite in the future.

Problem is that it looks like next year will be a weak FA DT class as far as pass-rushing DTs

Keiser had one good game....

[CatMan72]

Hangartner is good in pass protection, but has issues getting any kind of push on running plays.

I most watch the line play and in particular I focus on our interior d-line... Fua and McClain were on roller skates for most of the game. We need Ron Edwards back badly and we may need to sign another FA DT if we want to have any chance at stopping the run or getting pressure up the middle. Fua, McClain and Neblett could improve significantly next year, but I really don't want to bet the season on that.

[klumme]

Keiser had one good game....

That is one more game than McClain and Fua...

[CatMan72]

I would love to be a fly on the wall when the defensive line watches film on Monday mornings.... must be rough for Fua and McClain.

[CatMan72]

Found a pic of the cleats Fua and McClain are wearing:

[Peppers90 NC]

Other than Hangartner, these grades have been consistent all year.

Nearly every week, our DT's get abused and the DE's play pretty well. How some people think we can go into next year with the same DT rotation is beyond me.

This has to be fixed, or this D is going nowhere.

I'm not sure why Hangman was left alone on Suh so often when Kahlil would help Wharton on Williams, especially on pass downs.

[Urrymonster]

Hangartner is good in pass protection, but has issues getting any kind of push on running plays.

I most watch the line play and in particular I focus on our interior d-line... Fua and McClain were on roller skates for most of the game. We need Ron Edwards back badly and we may need to sign another FA DT if we want to have any chance at stopping the run or getting pressure up the middle. Fua, McClain and Neblett could improve significantly next year, but I really don't want to bet the season on that.

Hangartner aint good in pass protection, hes just a mediocre backup.