Carolina Panthers Getting Defensive - Buffalo Bills Edition

[Zod]

Some fans are already calling this Sunday's game in Buffalo a must win. While I am not willing to go that far, I can agree that going into week three against the Giants with an 0-2 record is not an appetizing proposition.

 

The Panthers do need this win in a bad way. Here is how the the Panthers defense can help assure it....

 

 

Bring the Blitz - Buffalo Rookie QB EJ Manuel had a solid showing against the New England Patriots last week. This week, he faces a much tougher Panthers defense. Manuel posted an impressive 106 QB rating. But when he was blitzed, Manuel's QB rating plummeted to a 63. The Panthers must confuse and frustrate this rookie with creative blitz packages early and often. 

 

Get Turnovers - One of the most disappointing things last week was losing the turnover battle. The Panthers offense needs more time to find its rhythm and the defense must provide it for them. If the Panthers do blitz often, I fully expect to see a Josh Norman interception in this game. Also, Buffalo running back CJ Spiller tends to run with the ball unprotected, a likely turnover target for the Panthers dominant linebackers.

 

Clog the Middle - While CJ Spiller had the majority of carries, running back Fred Jackson was most effective against the Patriots. Jackson is not an outside runner. In fact, all of his 13 rushing attempts came between the tackles and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei had an outstanding day clogging the middle against the rushing attack of the Seahawks, I expect him to have an even better day against the Bills.

 

Target Brown - Bills left guard Colin Brown had a rough outing against the Patriots. Brown was responsible for 3 hurries and 1 hit on EJ Manuel. Brown also struggled in the Bills rushing game. The Panthers will keep the pressure on Brown with stunts and blitzes and exploit him as the weakest link in the Bills line.

 

 

[rayzor]

that left side of the line is going to be key. brown is horrible. glenn didn't give up one pressure, but you have to think it wss because the pats were focusing so much on the guy next to him. 

[Jackofalltrades]

Tight coverage on the outside is key too. Don't let EJ boost his confidence with big windows to throw to.

[SIGCHI222]

Also, neither Alexander nor any other defensive player needs to do anything stoopid and get ejected.  Frank would have helped greatly if not ejected in just keeping the rotation going and keeping the players fresh, both young and old.  Defense needs to be at full strength in full numbers.

[Delhommey]

Manual was not smart in the pocket when it collapsed at FSU, so I think we'll do well there. That being said, Buffalo's coaching staff won't be calling a lot of 7 step drops if they're not brain dead.

Last week we had one of the best QB's for protection breakdowns and boy was that frustrating.

[Zod]

As an FSU fan what is his biggest strength?

[poorboysrev]

Seattle's offensive line has to be considered one of the best in football. The factis  that our Dline manhandled them. Most QB's would have made A lot of mistakes under that pressure but Russell Wilson's best trait seems to be not getting rattled. He played smart and that kept Seattle hanging around until our D got tired. Surprise, Russell is good under pressure. I don't expect that from Manuel.

[The Huddler]

We learn from mistakes and get it right this week.

Same position as last year, going into a matchup against the NY Giants with a 1-1 record. Will we take that step and have a winning record for the first time in ages? We will see!

[Delhommey]

As an FSU fan what is his biggest strength?

He's got a howlitzer for an arm and he gets it out quick. He can move when he needs to, but he's not a run first QB. He was so frustrating because he had all the tools, but he tended to be flummoxed when things didn't go to plan.

If he ever figures out the read option, he could be ultra deadly even with his pocket awareness issues.

[Cyberjag]

20 points on offense will win it for us.  I expect Manuel to move the chains until the field gets short, then he will fall apart.

[Zod]

20 points on offense will win it for us.  I expect Manuel to move the chains until the field gets short, then he will fall apart.

 

I think so too. Buffalo has key injuries on defense, this should absolutely be a 20+ game for the Panthers.

 

How many do you feel the Bills will score on our D?

[Darth Biscuit]

The front seven must get in there...  the DBs didn't look very good last week when Wilson had some time.

 

 

 

RELEASE THE KRAKEN!

 

 

If Hardy and Johnson get to him a few times maybe we can scare him into mistakes.

[UNCrules2187]

Seattle's offensive line has to be considered one of the best in football. The factis  that our Dline manhandled them. Most QB's would have made A lot of mistakes under that pressure but Russell Wilson's best trait seems to be not getting rattled. He played smart and that kept Seattle hanging around until our D got tired. Surprise, Russell is good under pressure. I don't expect that from Manuel.

 

This is wrong. If there's one weakness on Seattle, it's their offensive line - just because guys like Colin Cowherd assume that because the Seahawks are elite, they must have an elite offensive line doesn't make it true. Okung and Unger are elite talents, but the rest of the line is mediocre at best with the LG platoon of James Carpenter and Paul McQuistan being one of the worst in the league.

[UNCrules2187]

 

Buffalo Bills: Left tackle Cordy Glenn was the only left tackle with 30 or more pass blocks to not allow a single pressure.

 

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/09/10/32-observations-week-1-2/

 

fuging Hurney. I'm pretty sure 75% of the fans wanted Glenn at our pick in the 2nd round. Could have plugged him in a LT this season and swung Gross over to RT. Probably would do wonders for our o-line.