Seahawks vs. Panthers: Inside the Numbers

I rarely get a chance to say I was right about something. Here’s a recap of my 'keys to the game’ predictions and the result (bold).

I’ll start with the offense:
• The Panthers must win the time of possession (35 minutes to 24)
• They must avoid turnovers (Zero)
• They must rush for 140+ yards (114 yards)
• They must complete at 50% of their 3rd downs (9-18, 50%)

On defense:
• They must protect the middle of the field (Longest pass was 25 yards)
• They must get pressure on Matt Hasselbeck (3 sacks, 4 hurries, 3 passes defensed)
• They must hold Seattle to less than 50% 3rd down conversion (3-12, 25%)
• They must force at least two turnovers (One)

I’ll be the first to admit that nothing on the list is a stretch. I’m just surprised they all happened at the same time and in the Panthers favor.

In spite of the attention given to the first start for QB Matt Moore it was the defense that got pumped up first. DT Maake Kemoeatu was a juggernaut early in the game stuffing the Seahawk running game early on and giving the secondary a little less to worry about. I think the Seahawks started the game 1-7 on 3rd down. When a defense makes plays on 3rd down it keeps them fresh for the entire game. This defense was flying all over the field in the 4th quarter.

RB DeAngelo Williams (15 carries, 61 yds, 4.1 avg.) outplayed DeShaun Foster (18 carries, 47 yds, 2.6 avg.) yet again. I’d like to see the carries more like 20 for D-Will and 13 for Foster.

RT Jordan Gross played well in his match-up with NFL sack leader DE Patrick Kerney. The offensive line did not give up a sack and Gross kept Pat Kerney from laying any wood on the rookie QB. Many kudos to Gross and the O-line.

Our CB’s had a good game as Ken Lucas led the team with 7 tackles and 1 assist. Patrick Dendy filled in admirably for Chris Gamble with 5 tackles. Nickle-back Richard Marshall shined with 5 tackles, 2 assists and the fumble recovery that changed the game.

KR Ryne Robinson had a nice 18 yard return where he showed jukability and determination. The kid is starting to pay dividends.

Interesting Fact: This was the first game in franchise history that was scoreless at the half. Boy did they break that record as it was 0-0 after three quarters. In spite of the lack of scoring I still thought it was a good game to watch. It was more ‘good defense’ than it was ‘bad offense’, imo.