panthers offense shifting to power running game...

[Khyber53]

The problem with the running game isn't either DeAngelo or Stewie. The Zone Read became Rivera's version of Fox's draw play. Done to death, always predictable.

Just frikkin' hand the ball off to either of those guys and let them do what they are capable of. Want Cam to run? Have him drop back for a pass, set the safeties as he scans the field, then take off.

This zone read deal is great a few times a game and that's the deal with it. It has to be something that wasn't what they were looking for. Right now, every team knows how to handle it by just keeping a spy on Newton and playing their gaps.

[goodoleboy]

i think if the players can quit making stupid mistakes and the play-calling and design begins to look more like last year's offense then we've got a chance.

i've got my fingers crossed.

I just wish we hadn't replaced our second tight end with a 5'9" running back. The 2 tight end sets with Shockey and Olsen are what we have been missing. It may improve but it won't be the same as last year.

[raleigh-panther]

If Rivera calls that option play more than once, he should be fired on the spot and made to find his own way back to wherever he lives.

It is ludicrious that someone says 'its the process' 'it's execution' does not change something that is not working and does not understand what his players strengths are.

For the sake of the fans and the team, I hope they win games and look like a pro team. Rivera going at the end of year would not break my heart. Never liked the hiring.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

the phrase "too little, too late" comes to mind

[YourMomsLover]

Shouldn't have came out with this if true. Should've surprized chicago with it.

Exactly what I was thinking while reading the OP. Have Chicago sitting in the gameplan room, laughing histerically about defended the read option. Then go apeshit on them 2008 style.

[megadeth078]

Uhh, a successful power running game isn't really about surprises, but more about....power.....

[La Pantera]

Uhh, a successful power running game isn't really about surprises, but more about....power.....

But why let'em know you're switching it up? Just let them think we're coming out with the same ol' game plan...then pow! They get a whole new offense to deal with.

[JawnyBlaze]

What's really killing us is that one style of read option, where cam has to decide whether to hand it off or run it himself. That makes no sense, either way the defender is in position to tackle either of the two options who are right beside each other. The ones where he either pitches or keeps it or the ones where he hands off or throws work as often as they don't (although they need to be cut back a little too). But they should never run one of the first type I mentioned ever again.

[MtnJax]

What's really killing us is that one style of read option, where cam has to decide whether to hand it off or run it himself. That makes no sense, either way the defender is in position to tackle either of the two options who are right beside each other. The ones where he either pitches or keeps it or the ones where he hands off or throws work as often as they don't (although they need to be cut back a little too). But they should never run one of the first type I mentioned ever again.

The first type you listed they are truthfully running it wrong. If they re going to be running those option plays, Cam needs to running to the opposite side of the RB if he keeps, not to the same side

[doghead28]

The speed in the NFL is just to quick for read option to be consistently successful. The panthers are wasting the talent they spent in excess of 70 million dollars on. The Panthers don't need Williams and Stewart it they continue to run the offense this way. I hope they do put Cam under center and start forcing the ball down the D's throat. I will believe it when I see it.

[P.I.A]

First 6 six games:

1st down- backwards pitch statue of liberty Right tackle sneak pass- -2 yards

2nd down- Pistol formation tight end pitch- 2 yards

3rd down- deep pass after 30 seconds of Cam scrambling- 0 yards

4th down- punt (don't even think about going for it)

Days before week 7 SUDDENLY Chud jumps out of bed exclaiming "Holy crap guys! I have come up with an unstoppable offense.... Now hear me out, we place Cam underneath the center. He snaps the ball and gives it to one of 3 running backs. They run with said ball, forward...... IM A GENIUS"... Ron rivera: "Brilliant!!!!

http://www.youtube.c...ed/3DPKf7y1F-Q"

If Chud had realized that most NFL running backs do well by running forward, our 15 running backs might have 550 yards and 6 TDs each. Its sad that our coaching staff continued to beat a dead dog even after our 5 loses. Save the gadgetry for when we are up by 21 and Cam isn't pressured on every step. Maybe then the mistakes would be cut down on. Run the rock down their throats and let cam hit those 50 yd deep passes off the play action. simple.

[Marguide]

Step 1 - Power runs out of the I formation

Step 2 - Have Cam rollout from time to time

I know this is cutting edge revolutionary stuff, but hey, that's the kind of guy I am.

[Jackofalltrades]

I like the zone read offense, but not as the mainstay of the offense. Like the wildcat, use it in certain situations to catch defenses off guard.

Here's what I don't understand though, we finished last year 7th overall- why make such a drastic change? Also, DLo excelled in our prior power running schemes, so why do they think he can't be "featured" or used more now?

I'm a big proponent of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" theory. I understand the need to evolve and stay ahead of D's, but to change your core philosophy is a little mind boggling.

[CPF4LIFE]

We dont even really know if our guards can succeed in this scheme. Hell, we havent done it all season.