Panthers 2011 Season Final Stats & Rankings - Defense

by Jaxon on Jan 8, 2012 9:55 PM EST in Panther News & Notes

Though the Panther offense made tremendous improvement in 2011 as we reviewed here on CSR, the defense for the most part went in the opposite direction, where we had room to regress that is. In 2010 the Panthers defense was a marginal #18 overall in yards allowed per game yet that proved to be quite good when compared to this years 28th ranking. Of course there are many statistics to review in order to evaluate overall performance. We will look at the simple averages and ranking provided by NFL.com as well as the more advanced statistical techniques utilized by Football Outsiders. I'll also look back on my mid-season review to identify any significant trends over the second half of the season.

Starting with someNFL.com Team Defense stats:

Statistic	2010 Season	2011 Season
Yards allowed per Game	335.9 (18th)	377.6 (28th)
Points per Game Allowed	25.8 (25th)	26.8 (27th)
Rushing Yards per Game	123.8 (23rd)	130.8 (25th)
Passing Yards per Game	212.1 (11th)	246.8 (24th)
Yards per Play	5.1 (7th)	6.2 (30th)
3^rd Down %	38.5 (16^th)	43% (27th)
Sacks	31 (20th)	31 (25th)
Number of Plays over 20 yards	45 (14th)	52 (18th)

The takeaway I get from this set of stats is that in some areas like scoring, sacks and rushing yards per game the Panthers performed as they did last season. In other areas we saw a drop off like passing yards per game and 3rd down percentage. The Panthers made a nice improvement in rush defense from the mid-season review.

Now the more sophisticated DVOA rankings:

Statistic	2010 Season	2011 Season
Total Defense (DVOA)	22^nd	32nd
Rushing Defense (DVOA)	21^st	32nd
Passing Defense (DVOA)	8^th	29th
Defensive Line (DVOA)	10^th	32nd
Vs. #1 WR	10^th	27th
Vs. #2 WR	1^st	22nd
Vs. #3 WR	24^th	8th
Vs. TE	32^nd	32^nd
Vs. RB	3^rd	27^th

Unlike the NFL.com stats the DVOA stats reflect more of what the typical fans impression of the Panthers defensive performance has been in 2011. We see that rushing defense is still terrible in spite of the last season improvement. We also see the deterioration of the secondary especially against #2 WRs which seems to support the need for a CB across of Chris Gamble.

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Last year the need to improve on offense led to the drafting of Cam Newton

If the same logic is followed, then I see our first pick being used on a CB making Dre Kirkpatrick more and more likely to be on the team next season. That is of course if he is still on the board.

Integrity first. Service before self. Excellence in all you do. -- USAF Core Values

by Disciple of Carolina on Jan 8, 2012 10:10 PM EST reply actions

Counterintuitively, I think the opposite...

I think that we MUST get help for Cam Newton. The way to build a successful franchise is to get a elite QB and build around him. I think it’s imperative and priority that we build around him rather than the defense.

The defense can wait. We can get band-aids in FA, and take defense for the next 10 drafts. In my opinion, we must get help for Cam.

by jkp1516 on Jan 8, 2012 10:59 PM EST up reply actions

I think the Colts proved

building around an elite QB is a horrible move. Manning has one Superbowl to his name. That man was either the 1st or 2nd best QB of the decade and he has one Superbowl. And the reason is because they built around him (displayed this season) instead of building a balanced team.

by Aleins4u on Jan 8, 2012 11:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

This

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Jan 8, 2012 11:35 PM EST up reply actions

This

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Jan 8, 2012 11:57 PM EST up reply actions

What about GB?

by jkp1516 on Jan 9, 2012 12:37 AM EST up reply actions

GB hasn't ignored their defense when it comes to drafting...

Although letting go of Cullen Jenkins is hurting more than I think most would have expected

Nobody fucks with the Jesus! -Big Lebowski

by Tomthehomer on Jan 9, 2012 7:27 AM EST up reply actions

We already built around him last year

We brought in two TE’s to play with. We resigned D Will to carry him. We Resigned Kalil to protect him. We got Steve Smith to come back. We brought in Legadu (doesn’t matter if you think he sucks) to help the entire O get on their game. Best of all, we brought in Chud and Shula to groom him and play him to his strengths.
Now it’s time to take out the shitty pieces on the defense, bring back the injured, and bring in new blood for the future.

by Atlantapanther on Jan 8, 2012 11:50 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Aaaand this

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Jan 8, 2012 11:57 PM EST up reply actions

Didn't Hurney say that he wanted to make our strengths stronger?

by jkp1516 on Jan 9, 2012 12:37 AM EST up reply actions

You can still make your strengths stronger in other ways than using the early part of the draft

I’m sure we’ll pick up offensive pieces later on in the draft and in free agency. But what you said about just getting by with a patchwork defense doesn’t bode well for our future. There will be games where one side of the ball screws up and we need to rely on the other to help us get through the game. It’s kinda like on offense if you don’t have a balanced attack, the opposing defense will take away your run or pass offense and exploit the other.
Plus, why do you think Cam had such a successful rookie year? This organization knows what it is doing. It already took care of our franchise QB before he even stepped on to the field with all the off season transactions I mentioned earlier.

by Atlantapanther on Jan 9, 2012 1:03 AM EST up reply actions

Contrarily, your can improve the defense via FA, and resignings.

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 9, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with you here. The most important player on the team is Cam Newton.

The more help we get Cam, the more Cam will succeed, the more Cam succeeds, the more the team succeeds.

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 9, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

big improvement in defending against number three receivers?

I like the acquisition of butler and was mildly impressed by hogan’s brief outings. What did other people think of butler? To be honest he could be a better nickle than captain. The question seems to be where do we improve first. Getting more pressure on the qb will instantly help our secondary, but at the same time we have players coming back from IR.

Honestly, looking at out defence… There’s a bit of dead wood in that secondary that really needs to go. Martin really blew his chance to show the coaches he’s a solid safety. Maybe stanford or even captain if he’s not careful. What we have at the moment just aint getting it done

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Jan 8, 2012 10:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I'd have to agree with you...

I think Butler was quite a good CB this year. For the first half, he played Julio Jones about as well as you can, knocking away 2 surefire TD receptions I believe. I don’t think Hogan’s brief stint in parts of one game really made a difference though.

by jkp1516 on Jan 8, 2012 11:00 PM EST up reply actions

He played in two or three games

Against Houston and NO I know for sure. Granted, not a lot to go off of but he looked good in both games (physically and level of confidence)

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Jan 8, 2012 11:58 PM EST up reply actions

Martin is our number one problem in the secondary, IMO

He was responsible for the Saints first rushing TD. He was the Saints best blocker on that long run taking out 2 of our tackles.

If Rivera doesn’t replace him then it will be a bad omen for the panthers future.

I really like Mark Barron to replace him. Hopefully he will be available in the second round.

"Shh! Be quiet everyone. That includes me. Shh! Who’s making that noise? Oh, it’s me again…"

by Panthster on Jan 9, 2012 8:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Speaking of deadwood

Our whole secondary needs a massive overhall. Keeping only Gamble, Hogan, and Godfrey. We need to see that besides them 3 that the rest of our talent would not be on other teams rosters. Looking at them stats it also seems we need a couple of true upgrades on the D Line. Another pass rusher and run stopper. I also believe Meeks should have left too when Fox was let go.

by Smokewagon on Jan 8, 2012 10:43 PM EST reply actions

I think that's taking it a bit too far

I think you’re underestimating how hard it’ll be to find enough players to adequately replace all the players you suggest we cut. Maybe cut Stanford and Thomas, get a couple solid DBs, and drop everyone down a level or two.

by JDeLong42 on Jan 8, 2012 11:09 PM EST up reply actions

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 9, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

i agree to an extent

Meeks should go, you can’t be that bad against the pass two years in a row. But I don’t think the whole secondary needs to go. Martin, maybe captain and I think godfrey needs some serious competition… I don’t think pugh brings enough to the table (if he did we would have seen more of him by now). Stanford is ok for depth

Save us Pilares

by LimeyPanther on Jan 9, 2012 7:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Two years in a row we have been dead last against TEs

"The way y'all are lollygaggin around here with them picks and them shovels, you'd think it was 120 degrees...can't be more than 114."

by SouthernPanther on Jan 8, 2012 10:52 PM EST reply actions

Two years in a row..

TD has been sitting on the sidelienes.

by jkp1516 on Jan 8, 2012 11:01 PM EST up reply actions

I think there are a lot variables that must be accounted for...

It’s far too easy to just say that our defense worsened. Perhaps that is the case.

However,
1) We did have a rash of injuries at poignant positions.
2) We converted to an entirely new defensive scheme. And new defensive coaches.
3) We said goodbye to many players on defense
4) We relied on a lot of youth at many important positions.
5) Other variables I can’t think of right now.

So, is it just that our defense worsened? Or do some/all of these variables somewhat/fully account for the decline?

by jkp1516 on Jan 8, 2012 10:57 PM EST reply actions

The variables you mentioned are the main reasons for the decline

As well as poor interior line play (which can be attributed to youth and injuries I guess). Also, I don’t know how well McDermott and Meeks gel when it comes to scheme or if it even makes a difference.

by JDeLong42 on Jan 8, 2012 11:14 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry, but what is a poignant position?

by bigdavis on Jan 9, 2012 1:11 AM EST up reply actions

Well bigd

the only thing I can think of is that the positions must have a powerful odor.

by aceofsween on Jan 9, 2012 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

Oh...pungent??

I was getting all nostalgic and stuff

by bigdavis on Jan 9, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions

actually a poignant odor is pungent

by aceofsween on Jan 9, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

Haha! I meant important...

Whoops!

by jkp1516 on Jan 9, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

I really hope our defense can heal and step up

I want Cam to also break the record for the youngest QB to win a superbowl.
Big Ben won it at 23 years and 11 months
Cam could do it at 23 years and 8 months

by Atlantapanther on Jan 8, 2012 11:39 PM EST reply actions

Dan Marino actually picked us to go to the Super Bowl next year.

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 9, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

I really wish there was an interior lineman worth taking where we pick :/

That would fix sooo many of our problems. CJ and the Kraken wouldn’t be getting nearly as much attention from offenses, therefore we’d get far more pressure which would in turn improve our secondary play. Alas, there is no such player as it stands.

As much as I like Dre K., I don’t know if its the best move for our defense. Sure, he has the ability to be an outstanding corner, but look at Philadelphia. They have the best collection of talent at CB, but the entire core of their defense is awful. Crappy interior line play and scrubs at LB. It just goes to show no matter how much talent you have on the perimeter, defenses are built from the inside out.

I’m placing no faith in TD for next year. I feel crappy about it but its not reasonable to expect anything out of TD. If their proves to be a LB worthy of selecting at #8, I wouldn’t be opposed to taking said LB over Dre K. We’re another blown knee from having a sub-par LB corps again. Beast will be back but I don’t expect him to be at 100% for most of, if not the entire, season. As bad as our secondary performed against WR’s, all season it seemed like when opposing teams needed a big play, they’d go to their man intermediate in the middle of the field. I just feel like a LB would help us far more than a CB. As it stands, Dre K. is the pick right now should he fall to us.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Jan 8, 2012 11:47 PM EST reply actions

I agree with you

The only front 7 player I thought was worth our pick was Z. Brown and he definitely lost some appeal towards the end of the season. Amazing physical specimen but not the complete package.

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Jan 9, 2012 12:02 AM EST up reply actions

Our secondary is much more suspect than our LB core

We had injuries to 2 starting LBs but we had two players finally start to gel in the end in Dan Connor and Jordan Senn. When we had injuries in our secondary, there was no sign they were improving or could ever improve. For this reason, we really need a DB bad. I don’t suspect we’ll see Beason or Anderson get injured in 2012 so that is really only one LB spot that can be picked up by Senn or anybody else if Davis should go down again. I want us to use our first two picks on a DB and then a DT. The next few picks can be used on OL, LB, DL based on BPA.

by Atlantapanther on Jan 9, 2012 12:29 AM EST up reply actions

I never said the front 7 was a bigger need; I was just agreeing with Kaiser that I wish there was a DT worthy of 8th or 9th pick.

I think we could definitely use an upgrade at CB (though I think Hogan will be a great corner & was also impressed with Butler) but I guess the thing I was getting at was that having an above average front 7 covers up poor secondary play (did in Carolina for years) easier than the other way around. That being said, I think Dre K should/probably will be the first pick but I’m not sold that DT will be next. If Poe or Ta’amu are there then I would love it but I could just as easily see them going WR/OL with the first pick. ( mainly because I don’t really know how to gauge Hurney & Rivera draft days just yet)

"One step at a time"

by mcdonaldwr on Jan 9, 2012 12:50 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah honestly who knows what we're eventually going to take with the 8th or 9th pick

The long time from now until the combine and then ultimately the draft coupled with Hurney’s unpredictability, there’s quite a few possibilities. As interesting as it is, I think I’m going to stop speculating on who we’re going to draft until the combine. Let’s see if I keep to this word lol

by Atlantapanther on Jan 9, 2012 1:49 AM EST up reply actions

+1

A lot of people are beginning to think it’s already locked up. The reality is that no one knows what wild happenings will transpire in late April. Let’s stop acting like we know what’s going to happen.

by jkp1516 on Jan 9, 2012 1:56 AM EST up reply actions

Are you nutz? Itz Kirkpatrick all da way!

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 9, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

I'd be interested in seeing TRENDS.

Poor interior line play due to rookies and injuries is one thing. The line seemed to improve dramatically when Keiser, Neblett, Applewhite and Shirley got on the field. Having the large body (Shirley) on the field was a serious bonus. Neblett and Keiser made everything they could of their opportunities.
I’d like to see a comparison of the first and second half of the season.
The last game, with at least eight or nine starters out, should be completely discounted.
I S-T-I-L-L think the entire Panthers defense would improve if Mike Minter and Mike Rucker conducted a month-long tackling clinic.

by criolle johnny on Jan 8, 2012 11:51 PM EST reply actions

If you want to see trends, go look at them...

Football Outsiders releases an update every week and I’m pretty sure the backlogs are available.

by aceofsween on Jan 9, 2012 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

Secondary needs a overhaul

I won’t argue what our 1st pick should be this early ………. but if we shop for any free agent it should be #1 a solid safety or a #2 a CB taller than 6 feet. CB is probably the better value to draft. We need a bad ass safety big time, and with Beason coming back the difference would be amplified even more.

Tackling and so many details need to be improved. How our defense just broke game after game after opponent made half time adjustments needs to be looked at also. There is coaching and conditioning and just playing four quarters of football. This off season / next pre season we need to cut some bad habits from this team. I’m sorry, if we still see this sloppy shit in the preseason then I think we need to cut some players without a second thought and move on.

I think it would be very short sighted to go into next season with almost same players and expect much different results. Yes, we have to score points and probably lots of them to win 10+ games in a season.

by Relax on Jan 9, 2012 1:57 AM EST reply actions

to continue

We can’t be the Saints or the Pats or Packers next season. We can’t put all our eggs in the offensive basket. We are a much younger team then either of the examples above and our offense needs more help from defense and special teams.

by Relax on Jan 9, 2012 2:01 AM EST up reply actions

I know this is not what you and a lot of others want to hear...

But I’m going to say it anyway.

The defense wasn’t the only thing that lost games for us. I love Cam, and he’s undoubtedly talented. However, if Cam is going to be in the upper echelon of QBs, then he must win games when he has the chance. Too often this season, we blamed the D. Although Cam is just a rookie, he had plenty of chances to take over games and win them a la Brett Favre. Many times Cam faltered.

If we’re going to improve, and if Cam wants to be in that upper echelon of Brady and Rodgers, he’s going to start winning games despite what the defense may give up.

by jkp1516 on Jan 9, 2012 2:40 AM EST up reply actions

Just an fyi...

Laron Landry is a free agent this year.

Also, does anyone think that the possible degradation of Martin could be from the change to the defense? Last year, we played more of a Tampa 2 where both safeties played a similar position (I honestly don’t know/can’t recall if they both play similar to a SS or FS).

by aceofsween on Jan 9, 2012 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

Hate to be that guy...

But the return of Jon Beason (and hopefully TD) will increase the production of our run game. In addition, the two rookie d tackles should get better (SHOULD). I actually think our secondary needs the most work. Godfrey and Gamble are both great players, however our lack of a true second corner and the fact that Sherrod keeps making the same mistakes leads me to believe that we may use our top pick on a corner. You can check me off as a fan who wouldn’t mind taking Dre.

by SecondComing on Jan 9, 2012 4:16 AM EST reply actions

Defense players returning will help our run game's production?

by aceofsween on Jan 9, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions

Ok, the numbers slid from last season…

How much of that drop off in production is the result of Meeks staying on, Medermott doing his job, injuries, Rivera applying input, and lack of talent?

by scorpion12 on Jan 9, 2012 1:38 PM EST reply actions

I would say the drop

is 1/3 injury ,1/3 new system and new personel, and 1/3 lack of talent

by allthatremainsstillowns on Jan 9, 2012 2:01 PM EST reply actions

a weird thing to me is

that 2nd wr ranking that suggests that marshall was really good yet I think he was never any higher then the no. 3 cb on arizona all year

by allthatremainsstillowns on Jan 9, 2012 2:02 PM EST reply actions

When we went into the nickel, Dick went inside and Captain went out a lot of the times.

Dick Marshall was not good.

"If ya ain't first, you're last."
- Ricky Bobby's Dad

"There is no evidence that the tongue is connected to the brain."
-Frank Tyger

by KaiserBromley on Jan 9, 2012 11:06 PM EST up reply actions

also

the schedule wasnt exactly filled with the quality of offensive opponents last year as this year and we were never in games late last year so opposing teams werent as agressive late in ball games

by allthatremainsstillowns on Jan 9, 2012 2:08 PM EST reply actions

I think that the defense is bound to improve next year.

We will have TD (possibly), Beason, and Edwards (possibly) returning, all of our young players will have a full offseason in the system, and the coaches will have one more year of experience under their belts. Even if we don’t go defense in the first round, our defense will not be as bad next year.

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 9, 2012 4:11 PM EST reply actions

3-4

there was an article earlier on NFL.com about the possible implementing of a 3-4 I havent heard anything on it lately but just wondering if it gets brought up again

by allthatremainsstillowns on Jan 9, 2012 4:44 PM EST reply actions

With Rivera as coach

I think it will come up every year.

if you make something idiot proof, the world will make a better idiot.

by LittleKing on Jan 9, 2012 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

Especially since he had the number 1 defense in 2010 using a 3-4

We probably will keep hearing it until our 4-3 actually stops people.

by Atlantapanther on Jan 9, 2012 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

3-4 again

It doesnt really seem like we have the personel for it right now. Our lbs are to small when compared to the size of the Ravens, Steelers, and 49ers core and Im not sure Charles Johnson is athletic enough to be that Ware or M. Williams type of player myself.

by allthatremainsstillowns on Jan 9, 2012 5:48 PM EST reply actions

I really can't see Charles Johnson play OLB like Ware or M Williams

I wonder if Beason and Connor could work the middle together efficiently. But I think Beason is much more valuable as a 4-3 MLB instead of a 3-4 MLB. We need to get ourself a strong athletic fatty in the middle of the line, though.

by Atlantapanther on Jan 9, 2012 6:11 PM EST up reply actions