If it was not already made clear, the only thing to understand about the Carolina Panthers is that actually “understanding” them is futile. They are an enigma. The only games they win are the ones they are projected to lose, and can’t sniff a win when they are favored.
It’s not rocket science, though. The Panthers found consistent execution and because of that they won the football game. While that may be obvious, what gets lost in the conversation is what they were executing. By that I mean, what game plan
they were trying to execute.
For as much success as the Panthers have had at times rushing the football, Sunday’s win versus the Buccaneers was due to the efficiency of the passing game. Contrast this with another Panthers game with a similar game plan but different outcome: versus the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. For this week’s game review, let’s see where the differences were between the two contests.
Production versus the blitz
Both opponents had bottom of the barrel pass rushes and exploitable secondary units. Both teams need to blitz in order to find any pressure on the quarterback and a game plan emphasizing running into that brick wall likely won’t get you far.
Against the 49ers, the Panthers offense had one of the least productive days versus the blitz of any team all season.
Versus the Buccaneers, Young was 6 of 11 for 88 yards and touchdown versus the blitz. That’s 7 yards more per attempt – a jarring difference.
Third down efficiency
Both the teams scored 20 points against the Panthers and had well over 30 minutes time of possession. The difference? Sans one drop by Xavier Legette, the receivers caught the balls thrown their way while the quarterback made the right decisions and kept the ball out harm’s way. They scored points, extended drives and otherwise allowed the team to stay in the game.
Against the 49ers, the Panthers were 1-7 on 3rd down, where were drops like this ended drives:
While against the Buccaneers, the Panthers were 6-12 and were making plays like this on 3rd down:
Turnovers
Followers of the Panthers don’t need me to tell you that Dave Canales cares deeply about taking care of the football. Games like the two we’re comparing today pinpoint exactly why.
Against the 49ers, when Young scrambled around in the red zone and flung a pass to a tight end in the back of the endzone, it was a turnover.
Against the Buccaneers, it was a vintage Alabama Young and put 6 points on the board.
For all the consternation around the decision the Panthers made to attack the 49ers pass defense, any level of scrutiny is not being applied to the same decision being made versus the Buccaneers. The Panthers have now shown that their passing offense can be legit and take down contending teams when it works. When players are missing their assignments, dropping passes or throwing ill-advised ducks into a waiting defenders arms… different story.
The Panthers have 2 more regular season games left to prove which version of this team they truly are.
