Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

"Riverboat Ron" nickname does not have just to do with 4th downs

teeray

By teeray,
in Carolina Panthers

Recommended Posts

teeray Rookie

teeray

Posted
Posted

Everyone has talked about Riverboat Ron and his newfound willingness to go for it in fourth down situations.  But that is only part of the story.

 

I can't find the quote, but I remember Rivera had a quote after the Bears loss last year, (paraphrasing) "You have to make them drive down the field and beat you". and one of the beat writers writing "That is exactly what they did"

 

Time after time, we would get in these situations and we would run very basic coverage, just keep everything in front of you, just rush 3 or 4, drop 7 or 8, get really deep, etc.

 

But in these late game situations during this win streak, he has also gambled much more often on defense late in games, and it has paid off big time.  Against New England only up by 4 we dialed up a CB blitz on that final drive, against SF Kuechly blitzed one of their final drives and got a sack, if I recall Mitchell got a sack late in the game against the Rams.

 

No longer, late in games in crucial defensive positions are we just sitting back and hoping they make a mistake.  Riverboat Ron has gotten much more aggressive and has shown much more faith in the defense to make a play and cover with sending extra guys and being aggressive on the perimeter instead of just loose zones and being conservative. 

 

I think the change has also played as much of a part in our winning streak and ability to win close games as has his willingness to go for it on fourth down.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • BEASTfromdaEAST
      Most hated teams

      By BEASTfromdaEAST · Posted

      After Bountygate and the information that came out on the Saints owners shielding pedophile priests in New Orleans it will forever be the Saints numero uno for me. FUG THE SAINTS! I hope this is just the beginning of a long term period of suffering for that shitty organization run by even shittier human beings. #2.Pats/Belicheat #3. Falcons (Mike Vick years then Matt Ryan/Julio running it up) Ryan pooping his pants and 28-3 def makes my bad days always better just thinking of those. #4 Pretty much any franchise fan base thats obnoxious Steelers, Eagles, Bills, Jets, Giants, Cowboys, etc.
    • BEASTfromdaEAST
      PFF Best Rookies so far: Two Panthers

      By BEASTfromdaEAST · Posted

      Thank God DM used that #8 pick on a bona fide WR1 and not some bum pass rushing prospect like Stewart or someone else. I believe Tet is legit WR1 material and going forward will be our long term answer at that position since we desperately were in need of one once they traded away DJ Moore.  Tet could possibly end up even being better long term than someone who I respect a ton as a WR in Moore. Evans has been a pleasant surprise and great TE/FB depth piece going forward who could make the most of his opportunities.  Any good offense worth a damn in the NFL has 3 TEs that can do multiple things and being scared by Ian Thomas play for years should makes us all appreciate what Evans is quietly doing as a ROOKIE at one of the hardest positions to learn at the pro level.  Keep cooking DM. This season is not over obviously but seeing some growth out of young talent finally is a breathe of fresh fuggin air for once. 
    • mav1234
      PFF Best Rookies so far: Two Panthers

      By mav1234 · Posted

      Saw this show up in my new feed. Nice to see a couple of our rookies making it into the top 5 so far, even if it is a pff measure... From https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-15-rookies-week-9-2025 ... 4. TE Mitchell Evans, Carolina Panthers (78.7) Evans struggled in the Panthers’ tight win over the Packers, finishing with a 41.8 PFF overall grade — third worst among tight ends this week. He was not targeted in the game and played only one snap in pass protection. He did log 15 run-blocking snaps, and although he earned a 68.9 PFF run-blocking grade in zone looks (seven snaps), his 39.0 mark in gap schemes (second worst for the week) dragged him down to a 46.6 PFF run-blocking grade overall — sixth worst for the week. Despite seeing zero targets over his past two games, Evans still leads the Carolina tight end group with a 74.3 PFF receiving grade. He has caught all nine of his targets for 90 yards, six first downs and two touchdowns. Evans also leads the Panthers’ tight end group in PFF run-blocking grade (72.2). He has recorded a 20.5% positive play rate across 175 snaps.  5. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (78.6) McMillan had a better day against the Packers, recording four catches for 46 yards. Most of that production came in the first quarter via two 16-yard catches — one of which he snatched from Carrington Valentine’s hands, who was in perfect position to break up the pass. McMillan accounted for three first downs on the day, although Green Bay was able to limit his impact after the catch, holding him to 0.8 yards after the catch per reception. McMillan now has 41 catches for 558 yards — a top-15 mark. He is also tied for second with 19 explosive gains of 15-plus yards. Three of McMillan’s catches against the Packers came between the numbers, bringing him to 22 for 318 yards and 19 first downs (tied for second most) this season. He owns a 26.1% threat rate and a 76.6 PFF receiving grade between the numbers. He also ranks in the top 10 in explosive gains (10) and yards after the catch per reception (5.5) within that area of the field. 
×
×
  • Create New...