Hi Guys & Gals,
Well, that game was not like I thought it was going to go at all. I really did expect the Rams to come out and just tear them apart. Obviously nobody told the Panthers! I see there are many opinions on the board, some I agree with and some that I don't. After watching the game here are some thoughts that I have:
1. I think the Panthers coaching staff sat down during the week and figured out a game plan that gave them a chance to win. Instead of going through the motions, they actually found a strategy that would give them a chance to win. If they had just gone through the motions I think the Rams would have won in a landslide. I really give the Panthers coaching staff credit for this one.
2. That strategy was mainly run, run and then run some more. If we get into a manageable 4th down situation, pass it over the top (more on this in point #3). That's the strategy right there. Most NFL teams will not run on 1st and 2nd and 3rd down. They will try a pass in there somewhere to change things up. The Panthers did not do this, they just ran. How many times did we see 3rd and 3 or 4 and the Panthers still ran the ball? And, for the most part we couldn't stop them. The Panthers do have a good OL by the way. Don't forget that.
3. The Panthers decided that if they did get into 4th and 1 or 2, and the field position warrants it, they would pass over the top. They decided to do this because they knew the Rams would play to stop the run resulting in only one deep safety. On the TDs on 4th down Young passed to the receiver who was in single coverage (if I remember correctly) and in both cases over the top. Forbes was expecting a quick slant or something like this probably (which is what most game plans would call for) so when the receiver went down the field he was caught off-guard and the receiver got open. Actually in both cases Forbes was not really that far out of position. Those were good throws by Young.
4. The Panthers defense is not bad, let's remember that. They went toe to toe with the 49ers just one week ago.
5. I think the rain really affected our passing. Stafford was often late or behind the receivers. Maybe Stafford was off or maybe he was being more careful because of the wet ball. Who knows? For example on the pick 6, Stafford's throw was a bit behind Puka, usually he leads Puka just enough. At the same time though the CB for the Panthers played that route perfectly.
6. The Panthers took chances and they paid off in this game. This is where you just have to give them credit if you ask me. They figured that if they didn't take some chances they would never have a chance. You don't see this kind of game plan or thinking in the NFL often. I still think we would beat them 7or 8 times out of 10.
7. The only thing I didn't really like was the last drive that ended in Stafford's fumble. I'm not sure but it sure looked like the Rams were trying to drive down as quickly as possible and just score a TD as soon as possible. At the time I was kind of thinking that this should be a more measured drive. A measured drive would have resulted in almost no time for the Panthers. I think that also the way we were running the ball would have easily allowed this. I'm not really sure on this point but during the game this is what I thought.
These are the thoughts that I have on this game. At least it will keep our players and coaching staff on their toes!
