Panthers Game Plan Predictions

As I think about how the Panthers might plan to dominate the Rams tomorrow I can’t help but let my mind drift back to a time not too long ago...flashback...January 10, 2003.

The Panthers and Rams were just starting the second over time period in a grueling NFC divisional playoff. Ricky Manning Jr. three plays earlier had stopped a St. Louis march to a game winning field goal by intercepting a pass intended for Torry Holt.

Then came the most memorable play in Panthers history (for me). On what is usually a pretty harmless play, Jake hits Smith on short seam pattern but the Safety took a bad angle and as soon he missed the tackle I knew it was over. The stadium went silent but the room I was in was pandemonium. The Panthers were headed to the NFC Championship game. It was just an awesome play and a great moment in Panther history.

Flash forward to today. The Rams have a very different team though many of the key players remain. In 2003 the Rams were at the height of their "Greatest Show on Turf" era. You could make a case that Steve Smith started the end of that show. They still have Mark Bulger, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. Marshall Faulk is gone but in his place is Steven Jackson the NFL’s 2006 leading rusher.

Defensive game planning will focus on stopping Jackson. How could it not? We’re still not sure if Holt is going to play but its looks good (for us). Without Holt the Rams passing attack is not so scary. With the Rams having Randy McMichael at TE it worries me considering our sketchy safety position. Orlando Pace is back at LT so Rucker and McClover (if he plays) will have their hands full. I don’t expect the Panthers to shut down the Rams but they will need to put pressure on Bulger if they are going to out score the Rams. As always they will need the CB’s to limit the big plays. Drew Bennett is a big quick receiver who could have a big day. We need a big day from Morgan to stop the Jackson running game.

On offense, the game plan has to be on running the ball considering the Rams were one of the worst in the NFL last season. Look for Davidson to run cut backs, screens and WR end arounds to keep the running defense guessing. By controlling the clock we also keep the Rams offense off the field. I expect a big game from Steve Smith just about every week. Since Smith seems to have some motivation "marinating" for Tye Hill he should start the season with a bang, say 120 yards and a TD. The running game should produce 100+ yards as well. If it doesn’t I may begin to wonder about Davidson’s expertise in this area.

Overall this is going to be a tight game but I expect the Panthers to win:

Panthers 30 Rams 24