FanPost

The REAL reason the offense looks lackluster


The preseason has left us scratching our heads. The defense has been playing lights out and the offense has been playing as if someone cut the lights out. The easy response is; Fox isn't gonna reveal his hand in preseason format. I've decided I'm going to reveal what I think the game plan is for regular season play. I'm only going this route, because the pieces are all in place and in my opinion, makes for a very prolific offense. Everything begins and ends with the Steve Smith factor. He is game planned for and must be accounted for by defenses, even if the qb had no arms. This takes one man out of the box. The next element is the run game, once again, serious game planning has to be made for the 2 backs. Defenses have stacked the box and still failed to stop the run game or get a push on the Panthers monster o-line. The general idea is, contain those guys you win, but it's nearly impossible to do both. Now add in slot receiver Mike Goodson...yep, I said it. Great hands, moves like Smith and has an extra gear that'll leave db's hyperventilating. Fox has said repeatedly, their second man is on the team, they never directly said they haven't found him...I believe they are looking for number 3...which, hands down is Lafell. Armanti Edwards is a 3 year project replacement for Steve Smith. So, the receiving core is as follows, Smith Wideout 1, Lafell Wideout 2, Goodson slot. The focus for Goodson, will also utilize reverses, dual threat smoke routes, screen passes and check down reciever.

Now to the question "Why has the Offense looked so bad?" Truth? Timing and familiarity. They need the time to find harmony. It's nearly impossible to find harmony with three receivers, when you are expected to target 7 and give everyone their fair share of catches and opportunities. I'm banking on Mike Goodson being a break out player this year. I hear the phrase a la "Reggie Bush" all the time, but Bush has always struck me as an underachiever and a softy. Goodson is a salty beast. The crazy part is, I haven't even mentioned the most overlooked threat on offense, the tight ends. This offense will blow minds this season. If the defense is the real deal they've shown this preseason, our offensive stats are gonna be through the roof for our backs. This is by far, the most complete Panthers team I've ever seen. They may not look it through the first 3 or 4 games of the regular season, 11-5 is the lowest I'll go with their record and I promise you I'm not dreaming. This team will DOMINATE all phases of the game, including special teams. I'm not saying it all hinges on Mike Goodson, but he is a special talent and can not be wasted on the sidelines or buried on the depth chart. If the Panthers believed they could convert a QB to a receiver and punt returner, I have no doubt, they have receiving plans for Mike Goodson. Outside of the draft picks and guys I've already mentioned, the only reason to keep jarrett is depth for risk of injury and living out his contract. He is young and he will have a decent "contract" year, but he will not be resigned and I think he'll end up in Oakland, where receivers go to fade away. His candle hasn't shown to bright, so it'll fade quickly. I give him 2 years in the league before he's playing arena league.

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