SB Nation User Blog: LittleKing

New Defensive Scheme

LittleKing — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:33:12 -0000

New Defensive Scheme

I completely missed the new defensive package on the field (watching the game with a 2 1/2 year old and 2 month old will do that), but Darrin Gantt provides an interesting writeup of a new scheme the Panthers used against Arizona.

More Random Rumblings from a Panthers Fan: Week 8

LittleKing — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:07:18 -0000

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

about 1 month ago: Carolina Panthers coach John Fox, center, talks with quarterbacks, from left, A.J. Feeley (11), Jake Delhomme (17), Matt Moore (3), and Hunter Cantwell (14) during NFL football practice in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. Fox says Jake Delhomme will remain Carolina's starting quarterback despite an NFL-high 13 interceptions in six games. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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I've been wondering over the last two weeks what happened to the conditioning program of the Panthers. During the Tampa game, both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart looked exhausted. I realize they carried the team that week but I don't recall them looking that way after a game last year. I don't think it's a speed issue for either one, but more of a they can't do it as long. Before the 2008 season it seems like we heard every week how in practice Williams would take it to the house if he broke free and encouraged Stewart to do the same. Nothing this year. Then last game Williams cramping and I don't recall who, but it seems like someone else was having similar issues.
Regarding Arizona, we've played them twice last year and the second game Fitz said basically we have the same coverage and had another monster game. I know we have a different defensive coordinator and scheme but I really hope they do something different than last time. He better not have another huge game. I would go nuts.
Would it be wrong to start Arizona's defense this week in Fantasy Football?
I can buy into the fact some of Delhomme troubles have come from over coaching. Take a look at Cleveland. Rip Scherer started coaching in Cleveland in 2005 and coach Trent Dilfer as the starter, a journeyman since 1999 after he left the Bucs. Then in 2006 Charlie Frye became the starter for a year. 2007 was Anderson's breakout year but in 2008 he took a nose dive. Now we get Rip and Delhomme takes a nose dive. Could be coincidence...
Sort of Panther related, I have always like Kerry Collins (even though he left the team on, well let just say not so good terms) and was happy to see him have a great year in 2008. But talk about an owner not giving the coach an option. It's pretty clear Fisher doesn't think highly of Vince Young but he had no choice on naming him the starter. Clearly the Titans are done this year and the team wasn't getting it done, but having the owner say he would prefer to see Young really closes the door. If Fisher stayed with Collins and they continued to loose then he (Fisher) is gone at the end of the season. By going with Young, they still might not win a game, but Fisher probably keeps his job. On the other hand, it is a good point to see what else you have on the roster. No win this week for the Panthers means it better be Moore under center next week.

Jake Delhomme Named Starter Versus Arizona

LittleKing — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:35:14 -0000

Jake Delhomme Named Starter Versus Arizona

It's being reported by all the beat writers that Delhomme will start against Arizona on Sunday

Random Rumblings from a Panthers Fan

LittleKing — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:26:20 -0000

More photos » by Nell Redmond - AP

about 1 month ago: Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) reacts late in the second half after teammate Kenny Moore fumbled a punt against the Buffalo Bills in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. Buffalo recovered the ball and ended any chance of a Panthers' comeback. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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I knew the writing was on the wall after week one and by the end of week three pretty much new it was a guarantee, yet with three winnable game the next three week there was hope. Now after yesterday the rest of the season is like watching a bad movie for the second time and knowing how it's going to end, you can't help but watch and hope that this time it changes.

Mr Optimist (James the Aussie) did a great job in describing how I feel about Jake Delhomme, which makes it even harder to say he's should be done as the Panthers starting QB. It's time for John Fox to see were this team is headed and open the playing field for either A.J. Feeley or Matt Moore. Personally I would like to see what Moore can do on the field. Granted most of our perceptions of him are from the end of the 2007 season and I think it would be unfair to Moore to expect that type of play out of him. But the fact remains, I want to see someone other than Delhomme behind center. Beside the fact that he isn't getting the job done, I don't believe he can get the job done any more. It's time to let someone else have a turn.
Even though Dante Wesley's suspension is over and we are a week removed from that horrible play, I still feel bad for him. He doesn't get much attention and doesn't deserve to be known as the player that took a cheap shot. Fox did stand up for him last week and took some of the blame by saying that he (Fox) scolded Wesley for being faked out on an earlier punt return.
Speaking of players I feel bad for, I feel horrible for Kenneth Moore. During the preseason he showed so much potential on the field. He was put in on a punt return near the end of the game to hopefully spark a big play that didn't turn out so well. I'm glad Steve Smith talked to him after the play and I hope he can put it behind him. If only he could find some playing time as a receiver and redeem himself. But we don't use 3 WR sets very often which limits his chances. I would like to see the Panthers try some new things the rest of the season, besides changing QB, how about 3 WR sets with a TE and a singe RB. All of the TE can catch, some just better than others. Maybe because we haven't seen a decent paying game this season, but I am itching to see what all of our offensive weapons can do with a QB that can ~~find the open receiver~~ hit the open receiver.

If Fox keeps his job at the end of the year his first order of business must be to fire the special team coach. Their play has been nothing but horrendous most of the year. Allowing punt and kickoff returns, not finding the reliable PR/KR, and having to use two roster spots for two kickers just doesn't make since. I know Kasay has been with the team since the beginning and he's signed through 2012, but I think it's time to start over with special teams.
I wonder if losing QB coach McCoy was a bigger loss than we realized. Sure Delhomme had a meltdown in the Arizona game last year, but I wonder if the switch to Rip Scherer had anything to do with the lack of a Delhomme rebound. Sure Scherer coached Derek Anderson as a one year wonder but really what has he done. Just look at how well both Anderson and Brady Quinn are playing. Right now I can't say I would want either of them over Delhomme (although we do have a better supporting cast than Cleveland does).
Meeks system seem to work when we don't give the ball up in our own territory. I don't have the stats, but I think it might be interesting to see how many long drives the Panthers have given up.
With next season most likely absence of a salary cap, I wonder how freely Jerry Richardson will open his wallet. That could play a big role in how we rebuild for next year.

Week 5 Defensive Key Match-ups: Carolina Panthers versus Washington Redskins

LittleKing — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:56:15 -0000

More photos » by Donna McWilliam - AP

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Bad news, the Panthers rank last in rush defense. Good news, the Panthers rank 6th in pass defense. Although I do admit the 6th in pass is partly because everyone can just run the ball, but I would give the secondary a bit more credit than that. A large number of the points given up by the Panthers has not been the fault of the defense. Specials teams and offensive turnovers hold a lot of the blame.

In addition, it appears we should have both S Chris Harris and LB Na'il Diggs back from their injuries and of course we added yet another new defensive tackle in Hollis Thomas since the Panthers last took the field. With that in mind, two of the three start off my top defensive key match-ups:

Carolina Panthers Defensive Team Stats

	Pts	Yrds	Pass	Rush
Def	29.0	362.3 (23rd)	179.7 (6th)	182.7 (32nd)

Washington Redskins Offensive Team Stats

	Pts	Yrds	Pass	Rush
Off	14.0	325.3 (17th)	225.3 (15th)	100.0 (21st)

Panthers DT Hollis Thomas vs Redskins C Casey Rabach and LG Derrick Dockery

Finally a veteran DT. However, the question remains does he have anything left in his tank. The Redskins' offensive line is far from elite, but right now so is our defensive line. Even if Thomas has a great game, it will be hard to say he'll be successful this season, but it will be a good start. If Thomas starts demanding doubles teams because of his size, he can free up those around him to make the key plays.

Panthers S Chris Harris vs TE Chris Cooley

Harris returning could be bigger than I had originally thought. I'm going to guess most already knew this, but i didn't realize he had the field headset and called the plays and with him out Godfrey had the headset and I think Beason called the plays. Harris' experience could have a major impact on how the D plays this week.

In his first game our D will be facing another well known TE in Chris Cooley. While the Panthers have always had trouble defending TE, this year has been extremely bad. Cooley leads the Redskins in receptions and is second in total yards. While not in the elite TE category, since he is targeted so frequency by Jason Campbell, he will have to be stopped to end the Redskins drives with a punt.

Panthers RE Julius Peppers vs Redskins Chris Samuels

Will Beason's Pepper pep talk help? I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath. I'm not saying he shouldn't do it, but when Jerry Richardson called on Peppers to be a leader he disappeared that season. While slightly different approaches the purpose is still the same, to get Peppers to play with more desire, heart, passion, whatever you want to call it.

Hopefully in addition to the Beason's verbal spanking, having wide body Hollis Thomas (hopefully getting double teamed) will free Peppers to cause a bit more damage than he has. Just to add fuel to the argument, if there is any game this season where Peppers will show it would be this one, in the fact that the Redskins could be a considered a weaker opponent.

Panthers Coaches and Game Plan

During the first half of the Dallas game, the coaches showed their willingness to blitz and commit to getting a more pressure on the QB. Jason Campbell can do well without pressure, but much like Delhomme, if you start getting in his face and knocking him to the ground a few times then he can get rattled. If the front four are not getting it done, the coaches should be prepared to bring additional help. Since the Redskins are not known for lighting it up down field, if there is any time to not be shy about bringing pressure this would be the type of game.

Defensive Key Match-ups: Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons

LittleKing — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:20:53 -0000

If there was one bright spot last week it was the defense, but that really isn't saying a lot. Saying the Panthers offense spotted the Eagles 14 points and then special teams allowing the KO return, that was 21 points right there. So when the defense was on the field they only allowed 17 points, which is respectable.

We all know the troubles the offense is facing, but how will the defense play this week. It could be argued (although it is early in his career) that Matt Ryan is a better QB than McNabb. Michael Tuner is a completely different RB than Westbrook but they are both clearly a threat when given the ball, yet Turner is more of a threat up the middle (our weakness). With the addition of Tony Gonzales at TE, the Falcons have the better pass catching TE. I would give the Eagles an the edge at WR however. I list these to point out that in total our D should be able to withstand the Falcons offense. Here are the match-ups I'll be watching when our D is on the field.

1. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez vs Panthers S Quinton Teal

The SLB and Safeties usually are given the responsibility of covering the tight ends. With Chris Harris sidelined again this week Teal will get the start. His first game is going against the NFL best pass catching TE. Last week Gongo has 78 yards and 1 touchdown on only 5 catches. Matt Ryan is very comfortable with his new target and it could get ugly if Teal doesn't play well.

2. Falcons RB Michael Turner vs Panthers DT

There is no question Turner is a power runner. Our already thin DT position now had Nick Hayden as questionable for Sunday. Louis Leonard and Ra'Shon Harris better be ready to play. Turner isn't easy to take down so the DT will need to get double teamed to open the tackling lanes for the LB.

3.Falcons LT Sam Baker vs Panthers RE Julius Peppers

Peppers stat line: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, and a few hurries. Really not that bad. Not earth shattering but good. As I said last week, fans will be all over him this year because of his salary and I am no different. I will expect him to play at a high level. Until he does this for several games in a row he will be on my list. I would love to see a couple of sacks but a game like last week is definitely in the right direction.

4. Panthers ~~none~~ Special Teams

It hasn't been a strength of the team in quite some time, but through the preseason and then the first game this year, the kickoff and punt return coverage units are definitely a liability this year. They will need to keep the Falcons out of the endzone to give the offensive and defensive a chance to win.

Josh McCown Placed on IR

LittleKing — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:26:47 -0000

Josh McCown Placed on IR

This just in: According to a source, the Panthers have put backup quarterback Josh McCown and now are looking to sign a quarterback to serve as Jake Delhomme's backup.

McCown suffered knee and foot injuries in Sunday's 38-10 loss to Philadelphia. It appeared he would be back back in a month or less, but the Panthers decided to put him on IR.

Among the possibilities to take his place: Former Eagles' backup A.J. Feeley and Jeff Garcia, recently cut by Oakland.

Panthers Post Game Interviews

LittleKing — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:58:36 -0000

More photos » by Rick Havner - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme (17) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles' Akeem Jordan (56) in the first half during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)

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I can't say much about yesterdays game except for that was awful. I've been a strong supporter of Jake Delhomme through the years and this offseason, but at this point I am quickly losing faith. Unfortunately, we don't have a better option right now, but the front office better make a move this offseason. Anyway onto the post game interviews, first up John Fox:

Obviously I think we start back with Jake. We've got to go back and evaluate what happened to us. Without watching the tape, I don't think it was all Jake's fault.

Fox plans on staying with Delhomme as the Panthers starter next week, but really what other option do we have. We could pickup a FA and I know Jeff Garcia's name is being thrown around a lot, but really would it he be better. I suppose anybody that doesn't through that many INT in a game would be better. However, I will give him another week to rebound but if we see another game like yesterday, I suppose it may be time for Moore. But do we really want to go down that road? I'm not so sure. I just wish I had an answer and I bet so do the coaches.

Offensive line a surprise?

Give credit to Philadelphia. They had a good plan. At the end of the day, they coached better than us and played better than us. That's what I saw.

Everybody wants to blame Jake, but when you have eight guys pouring in on you, it's hard to blame the quarterback.

I really want to put this one on the coaches and I think they should take some of the blame, but Jake said in his interview that they were expecting it.

Yeah, that's what they do. Their a good football team and we knew they were going to bring pressure. They got good pressure, and we didn't respond to it. Give them credit. You know what? This is the NFL. If we didn't deal with it this week, we're going to see a lot more next week (against Atlanta).

So I suppose this goes back to the O-line and poor execution. It's really hard to say what went wrong, but the OL play was horrendous. You would imagine that coming back with the O-line in tack from last year, they would be at least 1/2 as good as last season. Next week should be interesting against Atlanta and as Jake said we can expect a lot more blitzing as the season progresses if we don't improve. Jake needs time, and if doesn't get it then expect more of the same.

Of course Jake was his usual humble self about being pulled form the game:

No I wasn't getting anything going for us. Great first drive, downhill from there.

However, what concerns me is his statement about if he has lost confidence:

They have a right to ask and the way I played today it looked like that, but I don't feel like that. If I was not confident, I'd check the ball down every play.

Really, so that's the only reason to check down. I admit I'm not an expert, but it seems when they are sending eight guys and you can't get the ball down the field that the check down is the option you choose. That's how you make the defense pay for blitzing so much.

Yet, Steve Smith said he was supporting his QB:

Our relationship goes further than on the field. ... At a time like this he needs than teammates but real friends.

While I understand what Smith is saying, I didn't hear anything actually supporting Jake as a QB. However, I won't go as far as saying Smith doesn't believe in Jake as QB any longer. Sure you can be best friends outside of the stadium, but Jake's intangibles only go so far on the field.

Last, here is how Smith described the offensive performance, which put's pretty plainly.

Offensively we just sucked. Lets be honest.

Defensive Key Matchups: Panthers vs Eagles

LittleKing — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:18 -0000

When looking at the key match-ups from week to week it is easy to always pick the big names (Peppers, Gamble, Beason), which I try to shy away from, instead choosing players that I think will have to step up their game for the Panthers to win. Yet saying it's the first game of the season I thought I'd start with the usual suspects as there are plenty of questions to go around.

1. DE Julius Peppers vs T Jason Peters

After the offseason showdown, and now receiving $1+ million per game, everyone is expecting Peppers to produce. He lack of production during the preseason is a concern. He has stated he prefers to lead by example instead of words. Well, now is the time to produce and lead in his own way.

He will primarily line up against All-Pro LT Jason Peters. Peters was acquired from the Bills during the offseason and although he gave up a league high 11.5 sacks last season, he will be formidable first opponent for Peppers. The Eagles have a great line coach in Juan Castillo, having coached four lineman to the Pro Bowl in his career. He has also has created several offensive line starters from rookie free agents, including current start C Jamaal Jackson. Jason Peters was already good, but his coach could make him that much better.

However, also starting Sunday on the other side of their line is backup T Winston Justice. The regular start, Shawn Andrews, is out with back problems. Justice is a very questionable in his ability and whoever plays left end, or if Peppers moves to LE during the game, could be poised for a big day.

Peppers is on a short leash with the fans and he will need a stellar performance to hold of his detractors.

2. MLB Jon Beason vs RB Brian Westbrook / TE Brent Celek

Beason is on the list because he's been injured and is the leader of the defense and we all know the D didn't look strong during the preseason. They say they are ready to play and that they haven't all played together won't make a difference and they feel confident at with their abilities. There will be a lot of hard games this year but Beason will have a lot to watch for during this first game.

With the west coast offense the Eagles use, the short yardage passes could definitely cause problems. Westbrook is a key player for the Eagles. His durability has been questioned saying he hasn't completed a full season of games in his career. He had two offseason knee surgeries and just turn 30, the magical age for RB. However, since he is used often in screen it will probably be a bigger match up with LB Thomas Davis.

Another concern for Beason will be new starter TE Brent Celek. This is his second NFL season and there are indications he could be a significant fixture in their plans. Beason will have to account for him coming across the middle as well as protecting against the run.

3. CB Chris Gamble vs WR DeSean Jackson

Gamble received a huge contract at the end of last season. During the preseason he didn't play like a quality starter, let alone a shutdown corner that he is now paid to be. Some of this falls on the defensive scheme, playing soft zones, but there is no question he was badly beaten during the Baltimore game. If the Panthers expect to win on Sunday, Gamble will have to have a much better game.

To do so he will have to face second year WR DeSean Jackson, who last year broke the Eagles rookie receiving records for total yards and their leading receiver in 2008. With a year under his belt he is expected to fill a huge role in the Eagles plans.

Like Peppers, the fans are looking for Gamble to play up to his contract or we won't be happy about it.

4. Panthers DTs vs RB Brian Westbrook

Not that Westbrook is known as a power runner but saying our middle has some large (pun intended) questions it could be several games into the season before we truly know how they will perform. If the Eagles don't test the the middle of our defensive line, I would seriously question their game prep. Until our DT's prove themselves on the field, every team is going to press the middle. If our they don't play well it will be a long night and season.

However, the Eagles will also be missing their starting LG Todd Herremans. It is being reported that backup C Nick Cole will most likely replace him. Yet Cole is also on the injury report as probable. I don't know much about Cole, but the Eagles though enough of him to offer him a restricted FA contract that he signed. Saying the Eagles offensive line is a mess it could be just enough for our defensive line to look okay and take care of business this week. Also giving new DT Loius Leonard and Re'Shon Harris a week to get their feet under them.

5. CB Richard Marshall

Marshall was suppose to be the only new starter until Kemo was injured. Many are happy to forget the player that he is replacing, but Marshall is still an unproven starter and will have to prove his abilities on the field. Unless they always put Gamble across from Jackson, Marshall will see his share of him as well. This is his chance to shine and we will all be watching closely.

Basically take your pick this week about which defensive player you have questions about and most likely they are valid. But these are the one I think will be the most important this week as we prepare to start our season on a positive note.

First Look: Philadelphia Eagles @ Carolina Panthers Game Preview

LittleKing — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:57:17 -0000

by Chuck Burton - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Panthers' Dante Rosario (88) runs past Baltimore Ravens' Paul Kruger (99) during the Ravens' 17-13 win in a preseason NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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As we are all aware, the Panthers will open their season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fox doesn't have a good track record against the Eagles, going 1-4 against them, with the only win in the 2003 playoffs when we went to the Superbowl. Philly is best known for the offense with names such as McNabb, Westbrook, the up and coming receiver DeSean Jackson. Yet their Defense is no joke, ending the 2008 season ranked third in the league.

So what can we expect on Sunday. We know the questions our team has all to well and it's hard not to see past them at times. We bring the same offense with hopefully a few new twist and play makers. It appears we have found a reliable 3rd WR in Kenneth Moore and a great 3rd running back in Mike Goodson. And of course we can't forget our TE. Hopefully our John Fox and Jeff Davidson can take advantage of or talent.

The Eagles run a west coast style offense, focusing on the short passes relying on YAC to move the ball. Brian Westbrook has excelled in their offense, having at least 1200 all purpose yards since 2004 and in 2006 & 2007 over 2000 all purpose yards. If they have watched any of our preseason games, they will attempt to take advantage of our soft CB play. Giving a 10 yard cushion to a west coast style offense is not the best strategy. Also, with two new DT that are expect to play the space eater in the middle, we don't know how our middle rush defense is going to play. They would also be wise to test this early in the game.

With that said both the teams have questions about the run defense, especially up the middle because of injuries. The middle run defense can defined as the DT, MLB, and safeties. Paul Domowitch, from the Philadelphia Daily News, does a good job of breaking down the Eagle's D troubles. Basically, first they lost a starting safety to FA and then their MLB to injury. Plus their now backup MLB looks to miss the game.

Just like the Eagles should test our middle defense, the Panthers should return the favor. Their weakness ties in nicely to our strength. I would expect we take advantage of this and pound the ball all day. Mixing a few plays to the WR and now the TE, the Eagles D should also have their hands full.

At the end of the day, I really like our chances against the Eagles. Depending on the state of both defense, this could end up being a high scoring game. We will return near the weekend with a close look at our O vs their D, and their D vs our O.