10 Best Panther Plays of 2011 - you rate them...
by bigdavis on Jan 15, 2012 1:15 PM EST
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PrintAdmittedly, this is MY list of the Best 10 Plays of 2011; there may be others that some might feel deserve inclusion, but I narrowed it down subjectively, as best I could. For me, it was tough not to include Greg Hardy's Sack for a Safety, in game 3, v Jacksonville; or Andre Neblett's fabulous show of hustle, to trail a play 30 yds downfield, from his play responsibility at the LOS, and recover a fumble, v the Bucs in wk 16.
So I've arranged these favorites in chronological order, in Poll fashion, to see what the readership favors.
(After consultation with BW, I've found that it's difficult or impossible to attach GIF images from NFL.com videos, so for those who want to see the plays again, I've added links, where possible. Frankly, I didn't imagine just how many minutes would be spent, enduring NFL.com ads :-)
Have fun, in reliving all the highlights of a turn-around season - and imagine that this is only the beginning of a return to prominence for the Panthers in the NFL. Let me know your comments about all this.
The list of plays can be found after the jump...
Wk 1, @ Arizona: Steve Smith's 77-yd TD reception (7:11, 1Q), to tie the score in the opener. He caught 8 balls, for 178 yds, in a game in which Cam Newton threw for 422, signaling a bright new era for the Panthers. (This was Cam Newton's 1st TD pass in the NFL.)
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82222a66/Newton-s-first-TD-is-a-big-one
Wk 5, v N.O.: Steve Smith's 54-yd TD reception (2:52, 1Q), the play in which Smith got clocked in the EZ by cheap-shot artist Roman Harper, ending in a scuffle which saw the mercurial Smith attempting to behead another Saint defender. (Also note the blitz pickup block by Jonathan Stewart, and Smith's abuse of Jabari Greer.)
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d822f50e8/WK-5-Can-t-Miss-Play-A-Newton-Smith-production
Wk 5, v N.O.: DeAngelo Williams 69-yd TD run (3:47 2Q), on an option toss, evading 3 tacklers. He finished with 9 carries, for 115 yds, in a game which we were winning vs the Division champs, until the final minute.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d822f5928/WK-5-Can-t-Miss-Play-Very-good-option-for-Panthers
Wk 7, v Washington: Jerry Richardson, pre-game. Here I quote Scott Fowler, from the Charlotte Observer:
"I saw both these owners in the pregame. The Panthers' Jerry Richardson was pleasantly working the crowd from his golf cart, as he often does. When I saw Richardson, he was near the East Gate, chatting with a young boy.
The Redskins' Daniel Snyder, meanwhile, had a phalanx of security guards as he rolled quickly
through the press box before kickoff."
(Note: here I could've chosen JR's 81 mile drive to attend the funeral of a Panther ticket-holder he'd never met...but you get the idea. I just see him as the best owner in the league, and for so many reasons.)
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/12/19/Week15/1.html
Wk 11, V Detroit: Kealoha Pilares' 101-yd KO return for a TD (13:50, 2Q), helped by several superb blocks by Special Teams. It was the first score by a Panther on a KO return in 8 years.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d824496da/Pilares-return-TD
Wk 12, @ Indy: Sherrod Martin's balletic Interception, in the EZ, in the final minute, with Indy trailing by 8, and with 2nd and goal at our 2, where a TD and 2-pt conversion would've tied the game. It sealed the Panthers' first road win in 2 years.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82481ed5/Martin-seals-Panthers-win
Wk 13, @ Tampa Bay: (5:40, 1Q) Legadu Naanee's 27-yd completed throwback pass to Cam Newton, who, but for a missed block by Jordan Gross, would've scored. This, and other trick plays to come, showed that OC Chudzinski's playbook was opening wide.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d824b6c5e/Newton-and-Naanee-play-catch
Wk 15, @ Houston: Richie Brockel's "Chudrooskie" TD (:55. 2Q), which put us ahead 21-0, on the road, against a heavily-favored, playoff-bound team. Every Panther on the field played his part to perfection, for the complete deception required to make this play work. This is the definition of misdirection.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82529210/WK-15-Can-t-Miss-Play-Sneaky-Panthers
Wk 16, v Tampa Bay: Brandon LaFell's 91-yd TD reception (a Panther record) (13:06, 2Q), aided by Steve Smith's hustling downfield disruptions on 3 Buc defenders.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8255d518/WK-16-Can-t-Miss-Play-LaFell-goes-the-distance
Wk 16, v Tampa Bay: Cam Newton's 49-yd TD run (:24, 3Q), which capped a phenomenal day for Cam. On only 17 pass attempts, he threw for 3 TDs, to total 4 for the day. This run was his 14th rushing TD of the year, which set an all-time record for QBs (not just rookie QBs!)
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8255f038/WK-16-Can-t-Miss-Play-Record-breaking-Cam
Alright Panthers fans, there's the list. Let's hear what you think in the comments!
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I did the best I could, but if an Administrator could insert an "after the jump" break, it might look better.
…and I’d love to be able to modify all the links to become hyperlinks, for easier navigation, but I don’t know how. Thanks.
Great job bidD
Good collection of big plays for the year.
by FF Companion on Jan 15, 2012 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
Admirable list
now for the top 10 defensive plays. lol
we played against each other like puppets, swearin you got pull
when the only pull you got is the wool over your eyes
Gettin knowledge in jail like a blessing in disguise
Look in the skies for God, what you see besides the smog
is broken dreams flying away on the wings of the obscene
Thoughts that people put in the air
Places where you could get murdered over a glare
But everything is fair
It's a paradox we call reality
So keepin it real will make you casualty of abnormal normality
"Talib Kweli"
I thought of including James Anderson's 17 tackle game, was it was a game performance, with no one outstanding play.
Maybe next year, we can get up such a Defensive Highlight list :-)
All very good choices
I was very tempted to select Cam’s first TD, as it showed he had arrived. But I ultimately had to pick the TD to Smitty against the Saints. There were so many great individual plays in there from Stew’s block to Cam’s throw to Smitty’s catch and midair stiff arm.
My favorite part about that play...
Is counting at least 12 Panthers helmets in on the scrum. Gotta love guys coming off the bench to back up their teammates.
by wiredpilot12 on Jan 15, 2012 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
The Smitty Stiff Arm in mid air and then him man handling Harper in teh endzone.
Just beautiful. Man I love that guy.
Great stuff bigdavis...I'll edit as we discussed and FP this.
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
Thank you so much, BW, for all your help.
Hyper-linking the videos makes it a snap for readers to view each of the plays, easily.
No problem at all...thank YOU for putting it together.
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
While other plays may have been tougher
The 77 yard TD to Smitty in week one definitely stands out the most to me. I had a feeling right then there was gonna be something much different about Cam.
"What do want to say to those critics now?"
"Just sit back and watch the show." -Cam Newton
My vote goes to the Chudrooskie.
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
I confess, that was my reluctant choice, too.
I’ve never, ever, seen a play where all the OLmen stood up, not in their stances, to lull the defense to sleep.
If ANY ONE of our guys flinched, or didn’t act it out perfectly, it doesn’t work.
But all the others were great plays, in their own right, too.
Last year, I don’t recall that many memorable plays. Next year, here’s hoping the choices for inclusion are even harder to make.
My hope is that this post will serve as an accessible memory bank of 2011.
the rookski
Just so funny to watch… The texans are like durp cam got ball…. Get cam… Whhhhatttt. I can just imagine wade phillips thinking.. ‘Who the hell is richie brokel’?
Save us Pilares
by LimeyPanther on Jan 15, 2012 4:40 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Without a doubt...
…the Annexation of Puerto Rico. I mean, the Chudrooskie!
There was no better play. That play signaled that we felt we could go into a division winners house and do whatever we wanted…AND WE DID!
And coming after the Throwback from Naanee to Newton, 2 weeks earlier, it showed that Chud has got one fine damn imagination.
I bet practice sessions, between games, must be a lot of fun, as the offense gets a new wrinkle to work on so often.
In years past, it must’ve gotten boring, re-running draws on 3rd and long (didn’t we see that yesterday, from Fox?)
That play was epic...and to hear that Rivera was inspired by the movie Little Giants
Speaking of which, and not to get off topic, but in the locker room scene before the game, you can see Spike’s dad Tebowing during prayer. People were doing it long before Tebow was a zygote.
Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values
by Disciple of Carolina on Jan 16, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Whoa! zygote.
Biology major, I’m thinking. Nice injection of cross-knowledge.
The 49 yard TD run. A QB shouldn't be able to do that.
"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury
by OldhamA on Jan 15, 2012 6:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
It was a real toss up between Cam's TD run, and Smitty's 54 yard TD catch.
In the end, I had to go with Smitty’s catch. So many good things happened on that play, and it resulted in a Touchdown. First, Cam escapes the blitz, with a little help from Stew, then Smitty makes an unbelievable catch over Greer, and finally Smitty ameliorated Malcom Jenkins.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Jan 15, 2012 8:18 PM EST reply actions
one that wasn't
even though the refs missed the call, the play with stewart rolling over a jags defender in the downpour and taking it down the field remains my favorite.
by glmore on Jan 15, 2012 8:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
That was a good one. I remember being at that game, and sitting through the downpour.
I could barely see the field, but watching Stew go the distance was memorable. I can’t even describe the emotion I was feeling at that moment.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
by Son of a Newton on Jan 15, 2012 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
Pilates return for a touchdown
Truthfully, I’m a Hawaii fan so this one has to be my favorite. But also considering that this was a history setting play (I think it was Carolina’s 1st kick return for a touchdown?)
by Masatoshi-san on Jan 16, 2012 1:01 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Pilares not Pilates...
darn spell check on phone.:(
by Masatoshi-san on Jan 16, 2012 1:04 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
It was the first kick return for a touchdown since 2003 when He Hate Me did it.
The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace
I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.
My personal favorite was the 91 TD pass to LaFell.
Cam shows unbelievable poise in a rapidly collapsing pocket, while standing In the end zone.
LaFell makes one hell of an athletic catch; he really had to climb the ladder to get that ball.
Smith exemplifies the ultimate team player, effectively blocking three defenders to make sure LaFell reached the endzone. LaFell immediately looks for Smith after the play, knowing that his TD was made possible by a huge assist from Rules & Regulations.
I am awestruck every single time I watch this play…
"People are gonna respect the Panthers, and I want what I do as a quarterback to be scary. I want people to be in fear. I want it, and I’m gonna get it."
- Carolina Panthers Franchise Quarterback
i had to vote for the smith catch vs NO
A lot had to go right for that play to work, but it got my vote cuz smith caught the ball, did a 180 and stiff armed a defender, all while, what looked to be, hovering in air…..on another note, im surprised the Newton run vs washington wasnt up here….i swear all 11 defenders got brushed off by cam at some point of that run
by GorjissBleu on Jan 16, 2012 4:22 AM EST via mobile reply actions
i retract that last part
Theres no room for it….which when i think about it, is a good thing…i would rather have to many dope plays then to few
by GorjissBleu on Jan 16, 2012 4:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
You asked for it...you got it.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d82361156/Newton-25-yard-run
On this play, Cam jukes defenders as only the premier RBs could have. That show ’em a leg and take it away move is too instinctive to be taught.
That was a finalist in my selections. Could’ve put that in the place I gave JR, but I just wanted to show the owner the respect he deserved, for all he’s doing for the team and us fans.
I didn't vote
There needed to be an all of the above vote. This season, while I would have loved to get in the playoffs, was one of my favorites as a Panther fan. It was exciting to watch and while sometimes frustrating to see wins slip away very enjoyable. I can’t wait until next season when we get back on the field. I already spoke to my ticket connection and put my name in for the Denver game. I’m looking forward to Cam showing Tebow how it’s done in the Big Leagues. I just hope things can really keep growing from here and they can become the dominant force that I think they can be.
IT AIN'T SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT BUT THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG
#1 Annexation of Puerto Rico, #2 Cam TD Run
Though it wasn’t at a critical point in the game, the Annexation of Puerto Rico got a TD and excited the fan base more than any other play on the list. Showed fans they were willing to take risks and have fun.
A close second would have to be Cam’s 49-yard TD run against Tampa Bay. He was ridiculous outrunning linebackers and carrying the secondary to get into the end zone. And he and LaFell give the ball to a kid afterward. Don’t get much better than that. Showed that he is the best athlete on the field at any given time.
IMO
Best Play was Cam giving away the ball to the fan in last game at Charlotte. Tough choice compared to his giving away the ball in Tampa.
Looks like it's between the Chudrooskie & Cam's big run
Here’s a gif from part of Cam’s run, might make one of the rooskie as well if I get a minute
Those are great, jcbouche!
They’re not technically gifs, but I linked each of the nominated plays to the replay videos available from nfl.com.
Anybody want to revisit any of the plays, just click on the link right after the nomination – I think I eliminated the annoying need to wait through their ads.
If anybody thinks he/she might want to re-watch any of these in the future, bookmark this thread. I have a feeling that, in a few months of the off-season ahead, that might be a way to scratch our itches.
Forget for a moment focusing on our brilliant techniques...
Watch how totally befuddled their DLmen are.
NT Earl Mitchell (92) goes the wrong way, big time, and poor (94) DE Antonio Smith is left standing in his tracks.
Cam's run against TB
I was in the stadium for it. It was the most incredible run by anyone I’ve seen in person since…well since Cam’s 47 yard TD run against LSU in 2010.
Sometimes I tweet: @jmjonesjr
by AU_Jonesy on Jan 18, 2012 5:21 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
448 votes cast, and IT'S A TIE right now.
…and that’s not all bad, as these were definitely the 2 most outstanding plays of the season.
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