Observations from Preseason game #2

[PantherBrew]

To appease smartasses.

WINNERS: Panthers

LOSERS: Dolphins.

Okay, no onto player evals.

NOTE: I was at the game, and this is what I could see from the stands.

Offense: First/Second Unit

Cam Newton- Looked about as solid as I hoped he would. One questionable throw to Smitty that got picked, but reversed on a bad PI call. Other than that, he was about perfect.

Derek Anderson- God forbid Cam getting hurt, but if it were to happen, I feel okay with DA. I think we turn into a more creative 2004-2009 Panthers. Which, all things being said, isn't awful.

Offensive Line- as a unit, looked great, especially pass protection. A couple of penalties, but to be expected I guess.

WR- Standouts were Murphy and Lafell. Murphy should be #3, at the moment. Pilares looked much more explosive at WR than returner. Tutu is just not good. Need to see Gettis, badly.

TE- Most I have seen TE being used in the offense for a while, Hartsock made a very solid grab, on what should have been a TD.

RBs- What can you say about these guys. However, was espescially wowed, but Williams and Tolbert last night. D-will looked as fast as ever. And, my god, Tolbert is a beast. Fumble is a no-no though.

The rest of the bunch, looked kind meh.

Defense:

Much better effort, I know it was rookiedolphinsblahblah.

D-Line: I didn't get to see much, but I read that Fua was getting solid push from the middle. The middle guys had to bring it because Miami couldn't run the ball. Charles Johnson looked like I want him too, big strong, explosive. Greg Hardy better pick it up, because there are two guys behind him that are getting deserving of first team looks. Alexander did an excellent job of not getting chopped down, and also using the inside move on the sack. He coud end up being a player, need to see more. Keiser, love having players like him. Hard working, "high motor" ( hate hearing that about white guys), but very solid. Only heard Hardy on penalties, not good.

DBs- Captain did not look very good, IMO. he got lost in zone a couple of times, and didnt seem to react very well. Josh Norman, well it was kind of hard to judge him because they really didn't throw at him. It was clear Rivera wanted to test Norman though, there were several times where they left him 1 on 1 with no safety on his side, or rolling safety to the other side. With Norman, as long as he doesn't throw up on himself, he should be the #2 corner. Rest of the group... no one really stood out. Godfrey was solid I guess, but its hard to evaluate this group without film because they are so spread out on the field.

LBs- Clark Kent, everything you read about his reaction, speed, instincts, its all true. This guys gonna be here for 10+ years. Just amazing. Incredible feel for passing defense. As a rookie, he doesn't even have to think. He just reacts. Was born to play Linebacker. Phillips and Senn look the solid backups, but obvy not guys you want starting. James Anderson missed a tackle, but we know what he brings week in and week out.

Special teams:

Improved, but not good. We still haven't fixed Kickoff yet, but I have noticed, that with our edge setters, (one was Norman) they are having them peel to the inside when the runner commits. Need to see more, but not comfy with it yet.

Kicker battle is very close, neither guy is giving in. I might give Medlock a slight edge, because of FGs were a little more difficult. But, Mare is killing it off the tee.

Punt return blocking still needs to improve.

I know this isn't the best write up, but these are observations from the stands. Also, I didn't read over it, or edit it, so sorry if there are some grammar errors, I am tired.

[rayzor]

good job. good analysis. overlooked grammar issues. much appreciated.

[redbuddha]

Nice work, enjoy some key lime pie!

[Cape Fear Cat]

Thanks buddy.

[Rubi]

On the Cam INT...Sean Smith rode 89 all the way up the field making contact and grabbing him..either way I'll take a deep throw to 89 one on one..let him make a play.

Offense would've scored 50 points last night. Miami had no answer.

Charles took over last night.

[PantherPhann89]

Great write up, although that wasn't a bad PI call against Smitty.

[PantherBrew]

Great write up, although that wasn't a bad PI call against Smitty.

It may have not been, at first look in the stadium, it looked kind of iffy.

Either way, still didn't like Cam throwing the ball up. Like I said, it was the one not perfect thing Cam did all night. Looked like an MVP contender.

Thanks for reading.

[PantherPhann89]

It may have not been, at first look in the stadium, it looked kind of iffy.

Either way, still didn't like Cam throwing the ball up. Like I said, it was the one not perfect thing Cam did all night. Looked like an MVP contender.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks for the write up again, it was worth reading.

[Henne Given Sunday]

Panthers looked real good. Keep in mind we had Cam Wake, Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett out of our lineup.

[JawnyBlaze]

The throw was a questionable decision, but it shows he trusts Smitty. It was definitely a PI, what changed it from normal give and take to PI was when the CB nudged Smitty's shoulder enough to turn Smitty around a little bit. Once you affect a WR's route after 5 yards, it's gonna get called every time.

[Tarheels23]

Smitty had his man beat before he got grabbed, so why wouldn't you throw it up to Smitty when he's covered 1 on 1? Have you not watched Steve Smith highlights before?

[TheRed]

Cam just needs to try not forcing it as much. He had a near INT on a bullet to Steve early on.

[PantherBrew]

The throw was a questionable decision, but it shows he trusts Smitty. It was definitely a PI, what changed it from normal give and take to PI was when the CB nudged Smitty's shoulder enough to turn Smitty around a little bit. Once you affect a WR's route after 5 yards, it's gonna get called every time.

I agree, again, it was hard to tell from the stands.

Thanks for the input.

[2jakefansinva]

special teams still suck.

Hardy played well...... IMO

Gamble's wr was open all nite.

way too many penalties

if we stop shooting ourselves in the foot this wil be a fun season too watch.