Well hell! If defense wins championships, then you can crown the Panthers!
It wasn't exciting. It wasn't flashy. But the Carolina Panthers won their 3rd game of the season & their 2nd game in a row against the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 13-10 improving their record to 3-5 on the season.
**WARNING: the word "inconsistent" is abundant in this blog**
OFFENSIVE:
The defense for both teams dominated the game. Although the Panthers came away with the win the Rams were a big, bad thorn in the offensive side of Carolina. The Rams' defense was able to sack Cam Newton (cleanly) 6 times & completely shut down the running game. But Cam still had a decent day for an MVP with 20 of 32 passes being completed for 225 yards & a touchdown. WR Kelvin Benjamin caught 5 passes for 76 yards while Cam's favorite target, TE Greg Olsen, caught 5 passes for 52 yards & the lone touchdown.
The offensive line did the best they could with 2 starters out but were inconsistent. Cam got hit too many times & the running attack was non-existent. But it seemed like when it really mattered they were able to hold up. We need Oher back at Left Tackle badly. Mike Remmers is more than capable at Right Tackle but spotty on the left side. I honestly feel that if Oher comes back healthy & capable that he will solidify a struggling offensive line even if All-Pro center Ryan Kalil needs a few weeks to heal from injury. If this O-Line can get it together, the entire offense (especially an offense loaded with weapons) will meet their expectations of greatness. But it all starts up front.
Because of the offensive line issues, Cam Newton's play has been inconsistent as well. Sometimes Cam throws laser beams that hit receivers in stride. Other times Newton has trouble completing 10 yard passes to wide open receivers. Cam's getting pressured, sure, but he's ALWAYS gotten pressured throughout his career & dealt with it accordingly. Cam is hesitant to scramble & even when he stays in the pocket has offset footwork causing sidearm passes that are 5 yards short, long or out of bounds. If the QB & MVP of the team is inconsistent, then the whole team is in trouble. But the look on Cam's face at the end of the game, even in a victory, said a lot. Newton is very aware, I'm sure, that he could play better & has to if the team will be successful.
DEFENSIVE:
Carolina's defense is definitely making good progression with their core of young DB's, especially at the cornerback position which is comprised entirely of rookies. Linebackers Luke Kuechly & Thomas Davis are the definite leaders of the team & proved it with their impressive play. Davis in particular had a huge game with 10 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble & an interception. The interception from Davis led to the 3 points that won Carolina the game.
BIG shout out to the defensive line who had a great game after struggling all season. But, just like last week against the Cardinals, they were able to break down the pocket pressuring the Rams' QB Case Keenum & breaking down the ground attack of Todd Gurley. Errant throws along with 4 defensive sacks (3 by the D-Line, 2 for Mario Addison alone) & only 59 yards rushing speaks volumes of how the defensive front is starting to get the job done.
THE CLOSER:
Again, like last week, I hate to be negative at all with a win. But I have to be honest. I have faith in this Carolina Panthers team to get at least a winning record. I just think this year's Panthers team is too inconsistent to win big. They could make the playoffs, but what damage could they really do once & IF they get there?!
I think this season's best case scenario is to make the playoffs with a 10-6 record & maybe win the Wild Card weekend game. Worst case is obvious & I'm not even going to type the words. Again, I can't emphasize enough how much I'm trying to stay positive but I'm not going to lie to myself or to you, my readers. This Carolina Panthers squad is just too unpredictable & INCONSISTENT to win big or even win more than 10 games.
But, hey, that's just my 2cents....
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