Panthers Get Humbled by Saints 45-17
by Jaxon on Jan 2, 2012 6:47 PM EST
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PrintIt was not a pretty end to the Panthers season but in the end we have to remain satisfied with the progress made by the offense. The Panthers came out chippy as promised and I think it gave the Saints enough reason to run up the score again though we all know they don't really need a reason. The Panthers hung with the Saints for about 29 minutes and that it. With less than a minute left if the first half the Panthers had tied the Saints at 17 on a 28 yard Jonathan Stewart TD run. But QB Drew Brees found Marques Colston in the corner of end zone behind a sleeping Sherrod Martin and scored to regain the lead for good. The second half of this game isn't worth any scrutiny as the Panthers never got back in this one.
I think the Panthers 'chippiness' didn't help them in this one as it looked more like desperation and once Newton got glum the rest of team seemed to lose a little confidence as well. I tried to read his lips but I would really love to know what Steve Smith said to Sean Payton after that little row he got in. Smith fumbling later seemed to be just deserts in a day that was all Saints.
We have to hope Newton learns from this as the picture to the right says it all. I'm pretty sure that's Steve Smith sitting all the way behind Newton as he isolates himself yet again.
Key Performances:
QB Drew Brees: 140.7 QB Rating on 28 for 35 passing, 389 yards, 5 TDs and 1 INT
A solid season MVP candidate Bress dissected the Panther defense all day. I couldn't decide if the Panthers would need to upgrade their pass rush or their coverage more to stop Brees. Most likely both.
QB Cam Newton: 75.1 QB Rating on 15 for 25 passing for 158 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Newton looked the rookie part today thought he made a number of nice passes and runs. The future is bright but his glum demeanor is what I will remember most from this game.
WR Marques Colston: 7 receptions for 145 yards and 2 TDs
RB Chris Ivory: 19 rushes for 127 yards and 1 TD
Both of these guys gashed the Panther defense and kept the Panther offense off the field
RB Jonathan Stewart: 9 rushes for 79 yards and 1 TD
WR Steve Smith: 6 receptions for 86 yards a 1 TD
Both had good games but just didn't touch the ball enough.
Key Stats:
Yards per Play: Saints 8.5 Panthers 5.9
3rd Down Conversions: Saints 6 of 9 (67%) Panthers 0 of 5 (0%)
Time of Possession: Saints 34:34 Panthers 25:26
Total Net Yards: Saints 617 Panthers 301
The Weak Link: S Sherrod Martin looked out of position on both the Ivory TD run and the coffin nail to Colston at the end of the first half. We've talked a good bit already this season that free safety play by Martin has been a hot mess all season. It will be interesting see what the Panthers do in this area in the offseason, if anything at all.
The WTF Moment: Newton's floater of a pass that got picked off in the end zone by Patrick Robinson. I think Tebow could have thrown it better.
1st Half Film Review Notes
I can't bear to watch that second half again but after a review of the first half here is my notes:
- On the screen play to Pierre Thomas, S Charles Godfrey took a bad angle. Overall I thought Godfrey did a pretty good job on Jimmy Graham in this half (2 receptions for 25 yds). The 2nd half...not so much.
- The Panthers got very little pass rush in the first half. Brees was pretty much untouched as they had no sacks or even a QB hurry.
- On Colston's first TD it really exposed LB James Anderson in coverage. Though Anderson could very well be team DMVP this season coverage is not his strong suite. It's one of the reasons I'm thinking a WLB that can cover should be a priority this offseason.
- The horse collar penalty on Jordan on his tackle on Newton was a petty call; yet the Panthers would get hosed even more on the non-call against Greg Olsen in the end zone. Harper was all over him.
- Newton's INT was the first momentum killer of the game but not the last
- Big props to CB RJ Standford on his INT, he read it perfectly
- The Panther defense stopped the Saints only three times all day, once in the 1st half when Pierre Thomas dropped a screen pass and the Stanford INT...otherwise the Saints simply stopped themselves.
- Steve Smith's team record 697th reception was a thing of beauty as he was off balance reaching back but still managed to keep both feet in bounds.
- The Stewart TD was a beauty of a play call as he shot like a rocket around the right side and split the defense. I love our running game.
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I'm done thinking about this game.
Cam Newton, when a reporter asks him who will win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday: "I'll tell you Sunday."
What made Cam's performance so bad?
I couldn’t see the second half. DVR’d it, but when I saw the final score, didn’t bother to watch. Considering the result, I expected the box score to show like 4 INT’s or something. But his stats don’t look too bad… Only 1 INT, completion percentage isn’t horrible. So what was it?
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
by southtunnel on Jan 2, 2012 7:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The INT was BAD
it really wish he would run in those situations but I guess like McNabb he probably feels like he has to prove himself as a passer because everyone thinks all he can do is run.
His attitude really seemed to kill the mood of the team. I pretty much saw that he gave up and decided to go play some Battlefield 3 instead
CAM....CAAAAAAAAM
by CamNewtonSBMVP on Jan 2, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah but the INT was in the 1st half, and the score was tied (I think)
How does that alone account for 28 unanswered points? Why did we not even get a field goal in the 2nd half?
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
bad throws
We saw this for much of the season. When he gets frustrated, he starts pressing. He overthrew some open receivers. The result was an incomplete pass, so it doesn’t look too bad. In the big picture, we had fewer plays, fewer yards, and our defense was on the field too much. I think that will change with experience as he looks at the tape and gets in a full offseason. I’m not worried about that at all.
What I noticed with Cam in this game...When he got down, he decided to try to carry the world upon his shoulders.
He wasn’t looking for check downs. I guess he was thinking, “Hell, I can run as far as that pass will gain.” That’s probably true in many cases, but you can’t just lose faith in the rest of the team. Give other players a chance to make plays. I love ya, Cam, and I know you will grow leaps and bounds (literally) during this off-season.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
The only thing is, down the road you don't want him to get in a funk like that during the playoffs, ya know?
Sounds like he has some mental obstacles to overcome.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
I just don’t get how Cam isn’t use to losing and he still acts like this.. That picture of him is just sad.
by PantherTrain on Jan 2, 2012 7:13 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He's very happy when we win, sullen when we lose. The kid wears his heart on his sleeve. That's just who he is...
although, I think in time he will learn to take the bad a little better. For the team’s sake, it is important.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
100% Agreed.
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 2, 2012 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
You never want a to get used to losing, EVER
The day Cam or anyone on this team starts acting like losing is acceptable is the day he(they) need to be kicked of the roster. A losing mentality breeds more losing. It should feel like someone killed your dog, because then he will work even harder to not have to experience that feeling again.
I don't blame Cam for being pissy in that game.
The defense lets the Saints run down the field in 4 plays, 1:39. He gets the ball and drives it down the field to tie the score, uses 6:39. The Saints get the ball back and use 3:52 to score again. He gets the ball with 2:42 left in the half and ties the score. Then the Saints get the ball with 1:18 left in the half and the defense lets them score. How long can you keep saying ok we’ll get them next time?
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
What's to be chipper about?
You can’t get any time in the pocket. Other than Smitty, your WRs aren’t doing anything. Your D is giving up every possesion. I’d be pissy too!
Being pissy after a loss is one thing. Giving up half way through the 3rd quarter is something else. Not saying he did
give up, but he sure didn’t do anything to lift the team up mentally. He’s young, he’ll get it… but it’s one thing he should recognize and work on.
So much to be done, and so few people willing to do it for me.
I hope this loss sent a message to Rivera and Hurney about the state of our defense
Rivera’s had me worried lately, talking about how our defense has improved the past 5 weeks, and how we just need to get healthy. NO Ron! Our schedule eased up, and out offense’s performance allowed our mediocre defense to pin their ears back. This isn’t just about getting Beason back. It’s about adding some additional major pieces to make this defense respectable again.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
by southtunnel on Jan 2, 2012 7:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Between the injured players coming back, the draft, free agency. Our D will look much different next season
by PantherTrain on Jan 2, 2012 7:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
+1
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 2, 2012 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
The thing is...
I feel like Marty goes WAAAAYYYY overboard in “We’re going to build through the draft.” Yes, that’s where you START. His idea of free agency is getting a few project players cut from other teams’ practice squads or UDFAs and just hoping that one or two pan out. The draft is a crapshoot. No GM will hit on every single pick, and at some point, he has to be more willing to admit mistakes (at least he allowed Brown to cut) and look for FAs who aren’t in their mid-30s, and they need FAs who have PROVEN that they can play and belong in the NFL. You don’t have to get superstars, but at least get some second-tier players who have started on other teams. No matter the work players put into rehab, you can’t afford to assume that Davis won’t tear his ACL for a 4th time by Week 2 next season. You can’t assume that Otah will never again have back or knee issues. You can’t assume that Beason will have no lingering effects from his Achilles tear (especially when Connor has outright stated that he’s going to test free agency).
Basically, the FO just has to be more open-minded.
Yep. I'm a female who religiously follows a football blog.
"When you get into coaching, you strive to be a Super Bowl-winning head coach. That’s what my goal is, to come here and become a Super Bowl-winning head coach and to sustain an atmosphere of winning." - Ron Rivera
Hurney's hands are tied by Richardson.
He wants us to be like the Steelers. As far as I’m aware they almost never bring in big name FAs.
It is what it is. We just look to plug holes with mid-tier FA acquisitions. The draft is still going to be our bread and butter.
"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury
We did a little more in free agency last year than we're used to
Hopefully that trend continues. We brought in Shockey, Edwards, Gaither, Naanee, Hangartner and traded for Olsen. It’s not a ton, but it’s more than I remember our front office ever doing.
That’s just typical end of season coach speak. Settle down.
And outside of the draft, we’re not dding any major pieces.
by SlayerGhaleon on Jan 2, 2012 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
i think they will add a FA defensive player
Last years offseason was very limited and we picked up several free agents. I know we are tight on the cap but I really think they make a big signing…. safety probably. i’d like to say any other position on defense but with all the injuries and young players I’m not even gunna try to play sofa GM. DT if they cut ties with edwards (unlikely), CB also though I think they feel good about Hogan. We only got to see him a bit and I feel good about him. We’ll see
"One step at a time"
by mcdonaldwr on Jan 2, 2012 7:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I hope they add a veteran Safety to compete/replace Martin.
I think that a Veteran FS would produce greater results and success than a rookie FS.
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 2, 2012 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
Rivera's more of a straight shooter than we are use to with Fox
For example in his post-game conference, he said specifically our LB’s weren’t cutting it and that was an area that needed to be upgraded (paraphrased of course). So I expect a decent replacement for Davis, who shouldn’t be back. Just sort of bugs me that he doesn’t mention DT… Seems to have more confidence in those guys than me.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
who to fire
I think there are some guys we need to get rid of to have cap room, and room to sign some other guys. Bart Scott is supposedly gonna be a FA. We seem to have a lot of no name LBs who add depth, but are no more than special teamers.
There are a few guys who I think need smaller roles…either as rotational players instead of starting, or simply need to be cut. I realize some of these guys got PT because of injuries, but still… Here’s my list, Fua, McClain, Hardy, Connor, Senn, Martin, Munnerlyn, Anderson, Godfrey and Butler.
In a perfect, I mean slightly better world, Beason and TD would be healthy. Anderson is very productive and I think he’s a solid LB, but he’s not a real playmaker. If Beason and TD are healthy, though, then he could be a perfect fit with them, but not as the defensive leader. Connor is gone anyway from what I hear (testing FA), and I love Senn, but he’s a little small. I didn’t know he was about 225 until Sproles ran him over. If Hogan is better than Munnerlyn and Butler, we should be good at CB. I like them and they both played well, but not well enough. And Neblett is the only DT I thought played well. Hardy gets a lot of attention for his nickname, not his production. I would like for us to bring in a good FA DT and DB, as well as address those in the draft…and add some OL depth as well.
How do you think he got the nickname?
Hardy gets a lot of attention for his nickname, not his production.
Hardy may not have the big numbers but if you watch the games you see he does a lot of other stuff. He is rushing plays and blocking passes. I think someone pointed out he was the leader in the nfl in passes blocked. I may be wrong about that but there was a record for something Hardy has.
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
He has half the sacks of Johnson, but more tackles.
Which is what I remember… a lot of involvement chasing down RB’s but not getting to the QB often. Which is fine with me because Johnson was sort of the opposite. An upgrade would be nice, but there’s much more pressing needs.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
i agree
But I think Hardy would be better as a rotational guy. My wish list is more of a wish list than a list of practical moves. I mean, we would upgrade all those positions if we could. I would like a better pass rusher on the field during passing downs, but many pass rushers (like Dwight Freeney) aren’t big enough to be as effective against the run as Hardy. And I know how he got his nickname, too.
Do you think Johnson earned his money this year? 9 sacks is not a lot, but some guys (like Haynesworth and Ryan Fitzpatrick) get immediately worse after signing a big contract. I’m glad CJ came to play on Sundays, instead of sitting back and enjoying the money.
I don't know if Johnson earned his contract or not.
He did okay the whole season and as Rivera said he plays every down. I suppose that makes up for the cost of bringing in someone to share his downs and clears 1 more roster spot.
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
He earned his money
He didn’t really have a whole lot of help on the inside of the line to ease pressure off him and he was still disruptive. And he made a ton of tackles for a loss, a stat everybody seems to neglect.
Rivera sounds more interested in LBs than D-Linemen anywas
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
I don't think Senn really got rolled over by Sproles...
As much as he was just out of position and on his heels to make the tackle. I could’ve pushed him over with my pointer finger. IMO, he was just out of position.
Our offense has improved drastically, but there is still a lot more to be improved
This is the second week in a row that we haven’t converted a single 3rd down. I think we’re 0-11 or something. As bad as our defense is, these missed conversions and Cam’s INT were complete momentum killers.
I’m starting to get fed up with Cam’s attitude. The guy is almost the same age as me but he acts like he’s twelve. The fluff he says to the press that he would play football for free and that getting paid is just an added bonus is too much. That kind of thing only sounds good when you are a mature adult. He needs to grow up and realize football is now his job, not just his passion.
On another note, it is really awesome to see that 3 out of the top 8 rushers in the NFL this year in yards per carry are Panthers :)
http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/rushing/sort/yardsPerRushAttempt
Your information is not correct.
This is the second week in a row that we haven’t converted a single 3rd down.
Where are you getting that from? We converted 5 of 11 last week.
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
you idiot, that's for the bucs
They went 5-11
we went 0-6
by Atlantapanther on Jan 2, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
My bad, I thought ours was first because we won.
Now talk about someone needing to mature, no1 called you an idiot did they? Your post speaks for your mentality. Thanks for the correction.
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
Well you flat out told me I was incorrect
And this is the second time you decided to tell me I was wrong when I was correct so I voiced my opinion
by Atlantapanther on Jan 2, 2012 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
I said the information was not correct,
I didn’t call you an idiot did I? It’s okay though, I see what type of person you are.
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings
I just think if you take the time to correct somebody you would take the time to make sure you are correct yourself. But I guess that’s just the type of person I am.
by Atlantapanther on Jan 2, 2012 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
dude bernz your rude fool.
see what type of person you are a flat out bully. its not cool to bully your a punk thats all
I would say this is the most rude thing I have seen from a CSR member yet here.
dude bernz your rude fool.
see what type of person you are a flat out bully. its not cool to bully your a punk thats all
STICK THE KNIFE IN AND TURN IT!!!!!
steve smith comment
Nothing on what smitty said to payton?
Hope
Cameron does a bit of growing up in the offseason. I thought this issue was past us after the Houston game
Life is what you make it brothers....
Actually… it was more of "Bring better Weapons to Battle next time" message to Rivera….
It was a moment of truth and a warning shot to Rivera…..
In other words, If you expect to beat me especially at my house you have to come with better weapons with solid defense against my potent offense. If NOT, I’ll expose you and I don’t take no prisoners….
If I was Rivera… I would take that message very seriously and be having a serious meeting with the GM on weapons upgrades
Let’s go over areas that needs upgrade ASAP
Offense:
WR:
Smith is a very good player and fun to watch….You like his passion and attitude but at the same time he needs help. Another impact WR that will attract attention will free him up. I’ve read lots of people say, #11 and #17 or Gettis are options…They are NOT….maybe playing against Tampa but if you expect to compete against teams like Saints and Packers those two don’t have a chance……….They don’t scare solid teams..
Recommendation: Get a solid Tall and Explosive WR impact players that can stretch the field and create separation.
TE:
I love Shockey…I’ve watched him since he was in New York, I love his passion, attitude and his skillset.. he’s still reliable in my books…. As for Greg Olson, he’s still not operating to what i believe he’s capable of…..He seems to have issues with physical defensive players (An issue the Bears couldn’t stomach about him) and is not really stretching the field a role the panthers scheme really needs him to do to free up Steve
Recommendation: Get a solid Tall and physically strong TE that can stretch the field. Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski type is a good model. This will make your offense literally unstoppable…
OL:
Cam needs better protection, the current protection needs to be upgraded… it collapses too quickly and is not giving Cam enough time to throw down field to implement the vertical schemes…
Recommendation: Get better offensive linemen (players) that will give Cam Iron Clad protection. Don’t go cheap….you need to protect your investment or you might follow the fate of 2010 and 2011 Chicago Bears…
Defense:
There are too many issues here…….
Let’s start with the coach
McDermott is not yet ready to be an NFL DC:
Here is why:
He doesn’t really have much experience as a Defensive Coordinator. His record as a DC in Philly was very horrible… You can check the stats….
While at Philly there were three key things that were leveled against him that got him fired…
Number 1: He’s not very good at putting the right players in the right positions plus he draws up a complex scheme that might be good on paper but useless to follow by his personnel and ineffective on the field
Number 2: He has a HABIT of dropping defensive ends and other pass rushers into pass coverage especially in Red Zone…Typically, you must attack in the red zone and give the offense only a split second to make a play.
Number 3: While at Eagles, HIs defense allowed too many points (370 points) and almost 80% of successful touchdown drives was surrendered by his defense when teams got into the Eagles red zone.
Of course what got people really fed up was his constanst excuse of personnel…. that didn’t fly with Philly fans and management….
Seems his Panther defense is having similar issues his Eagle defense had in 2010…..
Recommendation: Rivera has two real options here. (1) Pick up the Defensive coordinator responsibilities while you groom McDermott if you like him that much or (2) Get a veteran coach that knows what he’s doing. A good pool can come from Steelers, Chicago or Baltimore.
Now, if Panthers wants to be like the Eagles of 2010 who were so explosive but couldn’t get their opponent off the field in McDermott led defense……
Then McDermott is your Guy….It’s that simple…
Defensive player wise:
First they need additional Impact Pass rusher, Next they need Interior Run Stopper, a Linebacker, a Cornerback and also a Safety. All this are a MUST…The current depth is not strong at all and is very weak at best.
Special Team:
They need to stop being the laughing stock of NFL and pay more attention to this…
Upgrade is needed from top to bottom here
In conclusion:
I hope Rivera gets the message from Sean and have an answer for him Next season. If NOT….The next message might be more “HUMILIATING” a blow Rivera might not fully recover from because Sean doesn’t like taking Prisoners…..
Happy New Year everyone….
Once more it was fun watching your team (offense) and I know your QB is the REAL DEAL….
Cheers!!!
We already have your WR recommendation... David Gettis
We seem to have forgotten about him. Consider how well he did as a deep threat, being a late round rookie with Jimmy Clausen as his QB. Now think about how much better Cam’s deep ball is and factor that in.
This is how I roll, animal print pants out control.
That was largely inaccurate and incredibly condescending and arrogant.
by SlayerGhaleon on Jan 3, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
"Get a solid Tall and Explosive WR impact players that can stretch the field and create separation."
David Gettis, 6-3, 217, 4.39 40 yard dash time. i think that fits the bill.
We get it, you’re an expert, it’s obvious by your condescension. Defensively you’re correct, and perhaps time will tell on McDermott, for now i think he can be groomed. TE we’ve got a good one in Olsen, he’s no Gronk or Graham, but you can’t have world beaters at every position on an NFL roster and Olsen is better than a majority of other players we could get. And for our OL you forget they are impeccable run blockers, and considering our offense actually runs the ball as opposed to the Packers, Saints, or Patriots we need players of their skillset. We could upgrade the pass protection sure, but I’m not sure we could do it without sacrificing in the run game. Cam’ll be fine, he takes a majority of his punishment on designed runs anyways.
Yes I'm a dude.
by Flowing Willow on Jan 4, 2012 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Chud gets pass-happy
I had flashbacks to Seifert calling a pass on 3rd and short EVERY TIME..
The theme was same all season long;
We move the ball by mixing the run and pass, then suddenly, Chud calls all pass plays and the drive stalls. We have two Pro-Bowl caliber running backs that I don’t feel he knew know how to use earlier in the season. This improved towards the end of the season, but it showed up again in the Saints game before the game was out of reach.
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