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Just One Word for the Panthers Win: Domination

It appears Smash-and-Dash is going to stick. And for good reason, last night was just simply amazing to watch, for everyone but a Bucs fan that is. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart just dominated in the running game. But while I would give them the game ball, the offensive line deserves a large piece of the pie, or rather a whole cake of there own, for their performance. 

In just their third game back as a complete starting line, the line dominated the Bucs. It brought back memories of the preseason game against the Redskins. It was also great to see Muhammad, Smith, King, and Hoover all do their part in blocking. Steve Smith during one of Stewart's long runs, screens his cornerback, then breaks off and throws a hit on the safety (see Stewarts' highlights at 1:09 at the end).

Here's what Steve Smith had to say after the game:

Star-divide

While the line played well, center Ryan Kalil knows there's room for improvement:

"The best part about it is even with all the success, all the stats and all the touchdowns we got tonight, there's still a lot of room for improvement,'' center Ryan Kalil said. "We came out against a really good defense and did what we did and we know there's room to keep getting better.''

Kalil continued to be humble when asked about the line being back together from injuries:

"I don't think Jeff and I by ourselves make that much of a difference,'' Kalil said. "But the rhythm and continuity of having the same guys in there is the biggest part. It was rough early on with not having a lot of stability. But these last couple of games have helped us get in a rhythm. When you get comfortable as a group, you know what the call is going to be and don't have to call it, you can play a lot faster and do what we did tonight.''

Coach Fox like the performance as well:

"I thought our blocking element and our runners were outstanding tonight," said Fox. "That was fairly obvious." "Those two backs are both very special." He added. "People remember what you do in December,'' Fox said. "This was a big stage. I like the way our guys met this challenge.''

Of course, it wouldn't be Fox if he didn't temper his excitement:

"I just don't want them to drink the Kool-Aid they're about to go into."

That's going to be important for the next three games. Sure we ran the ball well this week but that's no guarantee for next week. It seems that J-Stew has the right attitude: 

"We aren't trying to send messages," Stewart said. "We are just trying to win a game."

Here's what Julius Peppers had to say about the win:

"I wouldn't necessarily call it a statement game," said defensive end Julius Peppers, who had 1-1/2 sacks and a blocked extra-point attempt. "It was just a game with a lot on the line. And we played well at the right time.

DeAngelo Williams adds:

"We've flown under the radar all year and we've had no problem with it and if we continue to fly under the radar, we still don't have a problem with it," Williams said. "I have a feeling we won't be flying under the radar anymore."

I think he's right.

-----------------

DeAngelo Williams NFL.com highlights.

Jonathan Stewart NFL.com highlights video.

0 recs  |  Comment 12 comments |

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Panthers vs. Saints: Blogger Q&A

Nov 2009 by Jaxon - 82 comments

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Nice post LK

The Panthers may maintain their ‘one game at a time’ attitude but the rest of the NFL now knows this team is legit.

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Dec 9, 2008 12:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think this is a picture of Williams & Stewart doing 'the matrix' celebration

If that is whats its called.

Could this be next celebration craze?

I blog the Carolina Panthers at www.catscratchreader.com

by Jaxon on Dec 9, 2008 12:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yep that's it

I think it was last weeks game against GB where I heard the name of it. They showed a close-up of it during that game. I liked it.

by LittleKing on Dec 9, 2008 12:20 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

My favorite moment from this game

was watching Smitty’s big block during JStew’s long up-the-gut run.

Watch poor DE Greg White, all 6-3, 268 pounds of him, just get baptized, knocked upside-down, literally rolling around on his head. Steve Smith drank his Hines Ward juice before the game. WIthout him and Moose blocking like studs, the backs would have had a much harder time breaking some of those long runs.

by r3 on Dec 9, 2008 12:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

WOW

didn’t realize that was Smith.

by LittleKing on Dec 9, 2008 1:59 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Just so you guys know,

‘Smash and Dash’ is already taken!

Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.

by August West on Dec 9, 2008 1:21 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Congrats on the win though

I’ve been a big DeAngelo Williams fan since his Memphis days!

Where I was raised 2 + 2 = 3rd and 6.

by August West on Dec 9, 2008 1:37 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Check the date on that.

Because DeAngelo is the one who labeled our guys Smash And Dash … when was it, week four? Week five? Just because we finally got a nationally televised game doesn’t mean we just came up with it.

But I think that we’re approaching that name in two different ways. For the Titans, one guy is Smash and the other is Dash. For the Panthers, that’s how you describe the running style both guys have.

Anyway, I’m still partial to the name dotcom’s floated back in August:
JD Power & Associates.

by r3 on Dec 9, 2008 4:08 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Well,

The REAL Smash and Dash, Lendale and CJ, officially considered themselves this on Oct 19th, after they played the Chiefs. The only time I recall the DWill and JStew considering themselves of this name was the Nov 9th game, vs Oakland, and that was from a reporter reporting DWill said that. Week 4 or 5? Show me a quote. Looks to me it is already taken, and they need to find their OWN nickname ;)

by RhiNo6705 on Dec 9, 2008 6:28 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Firing on almost all cylinders

I loved Smitty’s downfield blocking. They need to focus on a few more things if they want to keep things going:

What happpened to Hoover’s catching skills? Did someone grease his gloves? He looked heartbroken.

The defense dropped FIVE interceptions, plus the two fumbled that got quick-whistled.

Jake needs to step it up a notch or three. Thow it out of the endzone, instead of the sack, although one more step and Moose was going to be open…. The Bucs made some circus catches for their picks, but it comes down to decision-making, and December and January often come down to just a few plays.

Next – the Broncos!

by panthersnbraves on Dec 9, 2008 2:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

It was 17-17 going into the fourth quarter – that’s hardly domination. With that said, Carolina took control in the 4th quarter and really deserved the victory.

by JasonDLT on Dec 9, 2008 4:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

What would you consider the Falcons win over Carolina?

That score was tied in the 3rd quarter at 28, but most people would call it a domination as well.

by LittleKing on Dec 9, 2008 4:23 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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