Panthers' Defense-Legitimate Danger After Mauling Miners

You can bet right now that the national media machine is anointing the Panthers’ defense their new darling child. On a 4 game winning streak, highlighted by a demonstrative win over divisional foe, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina tagged the the media machine’s radar briefly. Hesitancy characterized these faint, non-committal sightings, however.  There were a few who believed the Panthers were an emergent contender. TJ was the lone Panther supporter on ESPN’s Sunday Countdown. +Mike Greenberg, not without hearing San Fran outrage, also backed the #Panthers going into Candlestick.  

@Espngreeny 49ers off a bye running on all cylinders. Yep, taking the Panthers makes sense. Any given Sunday though. SF 30 Car 17

— SMB (@sborn78) November 10, 2013

Most genuinely, +Michael Wilbon  called for the Panthers to at least split the 49ers/Patriots, potentially winning both.  

my predictions have been impeccable lately. (I called the Red Sox). Now I'm saying the @Panthers will beat both the Niners AND the Pats.
— Michael Wilbon (@MikeWilbonESPN) November 8, 2013

Idling Media Machine:

The defense had performed well.  The offense had put up some impressive numbers.  The media machine, however, sputtered over Panther legitimacy because their victories were against junker teams (Giants, Vikings, Rams, Buccaneers,  and Falcons).  The Panthers’ surge simply wasn't enough to ping their hype radars.

None will be surprised when the buzz guzzling media machine baptizes the Panthers as the latest, greatest after today’s upset against the, Wildcard favorite, 49ers.

Well, none of that matters anyway because Carolina’s defensive dominance demands the machines’ acknowledgement.  If they were reluctant to believe that the Panthers are the league’s best defense...if you were reluctant to believe the Panthers were legit, today’s clinic cemented the matter.  According to safety Mike Mitchell today’s performance will silence doubters, stating  “they shouldn't have too much to say. We’re relevant. We’re here.”

9 points allowed; held to field goals only; on the road against last year’s NFC champs--I could just stop there. There’s more though. Our defensive line dominated. Our linebackers swarmed the ball, and our secondary made enough plays to suffocate any miners’ last gasps for life.   

One #PantherNation member we follow neatly highlighted just how dominant Carolina’s defense was today, tweeting:

Dropped INTs takes 3 points away Touched punt takes 3 points away Bad call on fumble takes 3 points away 49ers shouldn't have scored 1 point
— Anthony Ballard (@PantherPride86) November 10, 2013

Still wavering?  You shouldn't, there’s more.

Brief Box Score:

+San Francisco 49ers Offense

Total Yds: 151  (yep, that’s total yards)

Rushing Yds: 105 (yep, the league's top rushing attack)

Passing Yds: 46  (yep, the league’s worst passing team)

3rd conversions: 2-13 (15%) (yep, that won’t get it done)

Sacks for loss: 6-45 (yep, a first round caliber offensive line got smoked)

3 and outs: 7

Who was responsible for Carolina’s defensive dominance?  It was a COMPLETE defensive effort. Carolina’s defense simply played lights out football, top to bottom. From a punishing defensive line and a swarming linebacker core, to an opportunistic secondary, the Panthers got it done.  Both Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy got to the quarterback.  Carolina’s defensive tackles, led by Dwan Edwards, pushed the middle, flustering Colin Kaepernick nearly on every down.  The unit put together some impressive numbers today.

Sacks: 6

INTS: 1

Fumble recoveries: 1

Tackles for loss: 9

QB hits: 7  

Comeback DENIED! WATCH: Carolina slams the door on Kaepernick's would-be rally http://t.co/y5KP6At7bA
— NFL (@nfl) November 11, 2013

Oh and did I mention they had Luke Kuechly?

11 tackles. 1 sack. #LUUUUKE pic.twitter.com/AsRtuuzgPp
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 11, 2013

For the last several years, San Francisco has had arguably the NFL’s best linebacker core, manned by Navarro Bowman and 6 time Pro Bowler Patrick Willis.  These two, particularly Willis, have dominated fan debates over the league’s overall best linebacker

Today, both Bowman and Willis were on the field, but neither were the best linebacker on the field-- that honor goes to Luke Kuechly

Kuechly was a beast today.  11 solo tackles. 1 sack. 2 tackles for losses. 1 pass defended (the best delivered by +Colin Kaepernick  all day).   

Led by tackling machine Luke Kuechly, the Panthers defense single-handedly won the game today.  Mitchell is right, they have arrived.  This defense puts the Carolina Panthers in a position to win.  If Carolina can polish their offensive performance, the Panthers will be a force to be reckoned with in January.

After today, the media will fawn over the Panthers.  After today,#PantherNation believes this is for real.  But most importantly, the Panthers believe they are legit.  

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Video--Cat Chronicles: Cam Newton > Kaepernick

We are breaking down down the match-up between the two superstar QBs.  A look ahead to the game and a look back at the Panther victory over the Falcons.   Please tune in!

Cam Newton > Colin Kaepernick

Cam Newton > Colin Kaepernick

What?! I can hear it now, there’s NO WAY that Cam Newton is a better quarterback than Colin Kaepernick. Is that the truth or is it just the ESPN hype machine? Do the numbers bear out the hype around number seven in Cardinal Red and Metallic Gold? That I'm not so sure of. The one thing I do know is they are both really talented. But who is better? Let's see what the numbers say.

WEIGH IN:

Cam Newton Height: 6-5 Weight: 245 College: Auburn Experience: 3 yrs 40yd:4.58 sec APY: $5,506,375 Draft Pick: #1 Overall (2011) Distinctions:Offensive ROY (2011), BCS National Champion (2010), Heisman Trophy winner, NJCAA National Championship (2009)

Colin Kaepernick Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 College: Nevada Experience: 3 yrs 40yd: 4.53 sec APY: $1,281,074 Draft Pick: #36 (Second Rd) Distinctions: Super Bowl appearance Single game rushing record for QB Threw for 10,000 yards in college Ran for over  4,000 yards in college

When you break it down, the two QBs are remarkably similar both physically and statistically.  Both are big freakishly athletic guys with powerful throwing arms, who symbolize the evolution of the quarterback position.  Both can get outside the pocket and run from the fastest of linebackers.  Both make safeties hesitate when they see either of these two coming.

Both also have comparably impressive resumes.  Kaepernick holds the QB single game rushing record (181 yds). Cam holds the single season QB rushing TD record (14).  Kaepernick currently holds an edge on overall achievement with a Super Bowl appearance in his first year as a starting QB.

Cam and Colin also have similar passing percentages, if you take into account that Kaepernick’s career stats are from a much smaller sample group. Newton’s 2013 season stats look like Kaepernick’s short career stats, and Kaepernick’s season stats look nearer to Newton’s career stats.

Cam Newton

	Record	Comp%	Yds	Passing TDs	INT	Rushing yards	Rushing TD	Rating
2013	6-8	64.44%	1801	13	7	251	4	97.6
Career	16-25	60.0	9,472	53	36	1698	26	86.8

Colin Kaepernick

	Record	Comp%	Yds	Passing TDs	INT	Rushing yards	Rushing TD	Rating
2013	5-2	57.1	1,584	9	5	298	3	87.6
Career	8-4	59.9	3,433	19	8	707	8	93.1

Although both came out of 2011 draft, the two young guns came onto the NFL stage under much different circumstances. This is the main distinction between the two.

Newton took over a team in shambles. After a dismal 2-14 season that landed Cam #1 overall, the Panthers also acquired a freshman coach that, until late, has been on the hot seat.  Former GM, Marty Hurney, had also just burned entirely too much money on aging organizational favorites and a stable of running backs.  Add to this a fan base who had experienced a disappointing run of unsuccessful seasons, faltered expectations, and who were forced to watch emergent names like Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, and RGII make rookie playoff runs, the Panthers found themselves fighting uphill battles at every turn.  

The media turned on Cam last year; the fans turned on Rivera this year; and after a dismal 1-3 start, player analyst, Rodney Harrison even suggested that the Panthers bench Cam in favor of Derek Anderson--that’s right Derek Anderson.  Just a quarter into the season, it seemed that Panther hopes of success had faded and everyone’s future in the organization was in jeopardy.

Contrastingly, Kaepernick studied for 1.5 seasons behind former #1 overall pick, Alex Smith, on a playoff caliber team for over a year. Had it not been for an injury to the resurgent Smith, Kaepernick may have never even seen the playing field in 2012.  When Smith went down, Kaepernick took the helm of a 6-2-1 team powered by league’s most dominant defense.  San Francisco's strengths transcended their defense.  Protected by an elit e offensive line and coached by hard nosed Jim Harbaugh, who was even magical enough to revive Alex Smith’s career, Kaepernick started under the best of circumstances. That’s not mentioning the miracle working front office, who drafted insane talents such as Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Vernon Davis, and Joe Staley to name a few.  The 49ers have become the Patriots of the West.

The jury may still be out on who is better, Cam Newton or Colin Kaepernick?  We haven’t seen Newton with any any real support until this year, nor have we seen Kaepernick enough to know.

One thing is much easier to figure out--who do you think is better?  Just answer this one question: who was a better rapper, Biggie or Tupac?

Well, “if you don’t know, now you know,” this cat is East Coast all the way!  If Cam Newton and the Panthers stun the 49ers in November, Panther fans may just be singing “going, going, back, back to Cali” in January.  

The question may not be settled in November. But if the two stars showdown again in January, we will have our answer.

Carolina's Offense Will Need to Get Better

Carolina’s offense will have to get better if they want their playoff chances to improve. Why you may ask does a team that has averaged 32.5 points in its four game win streak need to improve offensively?  Simply put, the defense cannot sustain their current domination forever.  

With the 49ers, Patriots, and two matches with the Saints still ahead, Panther fans are praying for  a more poised offense.  

Yes, final scores have been impressive, but they may also mask some Panther offensive weaknesses.  Wins against the Buccaneers and Falcons were not blowouts early on. Carolina’s offense coolly ended the half against the Bucs with 3 consecutive punts and only up 8 points. Cam ended the first half against the Falcons, up only 4 points, with an interception that was then endlessly replayed for fans while confirmed by official review.

These games have been close--uncomfortably close at the half.  Carolina’s offense has yet to display the maturity that will be needed to keep up with the high-powered offenses helmed by by Kaepernick, Brady, and Brees.  

There are three offensive areas that remain troubling for the Carolina Panthers.

1. ∅ True #2-- Carolina lacks a compliment to the aging Steve Smith.  Brandon LaFumble remains an enigma, showing glimpses of potential #2 chops. Despite a statistically strong performance against the Falcons, LaFell sometimes sleeps on his blocks and shrinks in the pass game.  He has yet to demonstrate the consistency and presence of an intimidating #2.   

Ted “Stone Hands” Ginn, Jr has also flashed at moments, but still is not the receiving deep threat that Panther fans had hoped.  Ginn certainly gives the Panthers’ return game much needed pop.  Nevertheless, both he and LaFell leave Panther fans uneasy and looking forward to receiver core improvements in the 2014 draft.

2. Cam’s Consistency-- Cam Newton has improved immensely throughout his short career.  In 3 out of 4 of the last Panther wins, he has been “Cam the consistent.”  We haven’t seen explosive Cam that stunned the NFL in his rookie season, but we have seen good decision making and impressive accuracy.  

“Cam the inconsistent” showed up against the Falcons, however.  Both Cam Newton and Mike Shula seemed a little nervous in the first half.  Shula called for Newton to establish the Panthers passing game, and Cam tossed two careless INTs.  Cam finished the game strong, despite a 62% completion average, 2 INTs, and 70.4 QBR.  

Newton continues to show that  he is a momentum player, who needs the Panthers to find an early offensive rhythm based on a strong rushing game.  Against the Vikings and the Rams, Carolina’s two most complete performances, Cam attempted less than 30 pass attempts (27 and 17) and averaged 9.5 carries per game. He also rushed the ball early in all of these games.  Against Tampa Bay and Atlanta, Newton passed on over 30 plays ( 32 and 37), while only getting 5 carries against the Falcons.  He did not flash in the run game until the second half as well.

The Cam Newton equation is easier than Shula made it out against Atlanta.  Newton Success=Establishing him as a rushing threat early, which then allows him to more successfully stretch the field.  

3. Offensive Line--Carolina’s success has been despite its offensive line, rather than because of it.  No offense….of line, but for two years Newton and the RBs  have been running for their lives.  Losing starting guard Chris Scott, and then his backup Jeff Byers, doesn’t lend towards a sudden improvement.  Pass blocking has been problematic to this point. This will make for tough games on the road as the Panthers get into December.

The Bright Side:

The Panthers may not be able to magically fix these weaknesses overnight, but they can work to marginalize them.

1. Sticking with the run-- Carolina is at its best when they rush the ball effectively.  Doubling down on the run game will maximize offensive production in the long run. Run-blocking is much easier for weak offensive lines.  Newton flourishes when he is highlighted early in the run attack.  Establishing the running game early will create the momentum that Cam Newton needs.

2. Cycle RBs--Carolina has a stable of effective RBs with D. Williams, M. Tolbert, and the newly returned J. Stewart can wear down the best of defenses if used properly.  Pound Williams and Tolbert relentlessly, and then attack a weakened middle of the field with screen passes to Stewart.  This group of backs, led by a mobile QB, can chew up time and tire down defenses.

3. Elite Defense--Carolina’s defense is stout, allowing a mere 13 points per game.  This week, Carolina picked off Matty Ice three times, taking one to the house.  The Panther’s piecemeal secondary continues to get it done, greatly because of monster front seven.  Ranked #2 overall against the run, Carolina has made up its starless secondary with consistent pressure up front and athletic linebacker play.  

Carolina may just be getting used to winning at the best time of the season.  Sunday’s victory against Atlanta advances Carolina to just one game back in the division and a strong wild card contender.  Panther fans have been exuberant, and rightfully so about this streak.  It has been a long time since we have felt this feeling.

The Panthers will, however, need to keep pounding and the offense will need to to continue to mature if we want to prolong this high into the postseason.

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Cat Chronicles