18 consecutive regular season wins dating back to December of 2014. The streak is over and now what can we expect for the Panthers? What did the Falcons victory show the Panthers and any other teams that may match up with the Panthers the rest of the way.
If I am a future opponent what would I try to do to beat the Panthers. I would make Cam Newton beat me passing the ball. Cam is less than a 60% completion passer. Sunday accuracy was a real problem. Atlanta took away Cam's running lanes and missed too many passes that could have been completed. If the Panthers have to win a playoff game totally having to depend on Cam's passing I doubt they can win.
The Carolina running game must be a major part of the Panther attack. I realize That Jonathan Stewart has been out for three weeks now and hopefully he is being protected for the playoffs. There was no running game Sunday and with Cam forced to pass you could see than the receiving corp of the Panthers is not a group that scares other teams.
The front four for the defense is a strong point. Their linebackers may be best group in NFL so they are a strong point too. The secondary has not been as good since the injury several weeks back to Binwikere Bene corner back. They have lost with his injury their shutdown ability in the secondary. Josh Norman Is a shutdown cornerback as long as he is covering outside receivers. I would move my best pass catcher into the slot and make one of the other guys be on my best receiver.
The defense has had several lockdown games against bottom feeding teams and in three of the last four have given up 93 points. It is vital the Panthers earn home field by beating Tampa Sunday.
They have earned a first week bye and one home game but a victory Sunday would give the Panthers two home games if they win the first. If they lose Sunday and Arizona wins Zona would earn the two game home advantage. I don't care what team you are would you want to have to play at Arizona?
The playoffs will be the six best teams in the NFC so there will be no team that can't beat you if you don't play your best. The Panthers need Stewart to play and be a factor in running the football to keep Cam's options to run available. If the running game is working the Panthers will have a chance against anybody. Without the running game there will be no Super Bowl.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
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