However, the Carolina Panthers have a slightly different scenario to put the pistol into play.

With two power backs in Mike Tolbert and Stewart, as well as speed backs with Williams and the new addition Barner, the Panthers could load this pistol with extra black powder and blow defenses away.

A 250 lb QB also helps to keep the issue of injury away. While RG3 is a more agile mobile passer; Cam has the ability to take a larger hit without getting too banged up for the next play.

A pistol offense with a four man backfield could make a defensive coordinator rip his hair out trying to figure out where the ball is going. This would increase the chances of a Lombardi trophy sitting in the Panthers hallway, rather than another lackluster year.

The pistol is far from an every down scheme, simply because the running-backs tend to get banged up with that extra half second the defense has to react. The ends justify the means if the scheme leads to big plays and TDs, buy some more icy hot for those HBs.

The Carolina Panthers by all means should be based on a run first, pass second scheme; although Cam Newton should stay in the pocket until forced out. Those designed runs couldn’t fool a child.

Surprise is what leads a team to victory, considering most defenses can make reads on teams based on what their own team has run. The pistol has been studied little and if a play-action starts to fail, the QB has more time to react and get the ball off. This could be Cam’s saving grace considering his tendency to hold the ball to long.

I can see Mike Tolbert taking an inside run now and having just enough momentum to run over the big DT. Force equals mass times acceleration and Tolbert is a lot of acceleration with a ton of mass. Very few, if any, defensive backs in the league could take Tolbert head on.

The genius about the pistol offense is the ability to be more creative with plays. Cam won a National Championship at Auburn with plenty of trick plays; put the players out there and run some good old fashioned school yard football!

Joe Namath won a Super Bowl off being flashy and backing it up. Imagine the dynasty possible if a whole team was flashy and could back it up, Carolina could have several Lombardi trophies displayed in the lockeroom and hallways.

Let’s be honest, the Carolina Panthers are looking for an offensive niche; and this pistol offense may just lead to a Super Bowl. Nobody can deny that players like Steve Smith would look so much better with a rock on their finger.

October 21, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) fumbles the football after being hit by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the fourth quarter of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

In this installment of breaking down the NFL, I will be taking a look at the NFC East.  I will be analyzing each team’s offense, defense,  and providing my prediction on how they will finish this year.

Dallas Cowboys:

• Offense: Last season, Quarterback Tony Romo passed for 4,903 yards
  

  Jan 1, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) scrambles during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Dallas Cowboys 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

  with 28 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.  This season already has a curious start for Romo, due to recent reporting by Adam Schefter.  It is being reported that Romo had surgery on his back to remove a cyst.  This injury will have him missing all of the organized team activities and he is due to return by the start of training camp.  We will have to watch to see if he has any further back issues during camp or the season.  DeMarco Murray returns to tote the rock behind a suspect offensive line.  Dez Bryant and Jason Witten are the main receiving targets, both having combined for 2,421 yards and 15 touchdowns. Miles Austin rounds out the top targets for Romo.

• Defense:  The Cowboys are transitioning to a Tampa-2 Defense under coordinator Monte Kiffin.  Defensive ends Anthony Spencer and  Demarcus Ware will be providing the pass rush.  The linebacker core is led by Sean Lee and Bruce Carter.  The success of the defense lies here.  If either of these guys these go down, the ‘Boys are in trouble on this side of the ball.  There is a significant drop off in talent after these guys.  In the secondary, Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr man the corners, while Barry Church is at one safety spot coming off a torn Achilles.  The other spot has several candidates all vying for playing time like Matt Johnson.

• Offense: Eli Manning returns to lead the offense.  Last year, the veteran quarterback threw for 3,948 yards with 26 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.  His main targets last year were Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.  Bringing up the rear in the receiving corps are Louis Murphy, Rueben Randle, and Jerrel Jernigan.  It remains the be seen if contract will continue to be issues for Cruz and Nicks and how long they stay out of OTAs and if it drags on into training camp.  David Wilson and Andre Brown will be battling for carries.  Wilson will probably start based on being a 1st round pick last year.  Brown will provide a stiff challenge and if he can stay healthy brings speed and power to the offense.  The offense took a hit when Henry Hynoski went down with a knee injury.  He will be replaced by a variety of players.
• Defense:  Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck will be bringing the rush off the ends with Linval Joseph and others rotating in the middle.  The three linebacker positions are pretty much up for grabs.  Dan Connor is expected to start in the middle and he could be flanked by Jacquain Williams and Keith Rivers.  Prince Amukumara is turning into a defensive stopper at corner.  The other corner is manned by Corey Webster, who had a terrible year.  Jayron Hosley will be challenging for that spot.  Stevie Brown and Antrell Rolle are the safeties.

Philadelphia Eagles:

November 18, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Bryce Brown (34) breaks the tackle of Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

•  Offense:  The Eagles will be breaking in a new offense under new Head Coach Chip Kelly.  Competing for the starting quarterback position will be Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Dennis Dixon, and recent 4th round draft pick Matt Barkley.  Vick seems the odds on favorite here.  The receivers will again be Jeremy Macklin and DeSean Jackson with Brent Celek at tightend. LeSean Mcoy will again be the main running back.  He will be backed up by several players like Bryce Brown and Felix Jones.
• Defense:  The Eagles will be transitioning to a 3-4 defense this year.  Trent Cole and Brandon Graham will be adjusting to having to stand up and rush the passer.  In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquire, Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis stated:“Multiple is the best way,” Davis said. “I know you guys are tired of that answer. I know you want to hear one or the other or something. What we’re doing here is we’re taking that wide-nine 4-3 and we’re moving in the direction of the 3-4, but where we stop is yet to be determined by the players we have.”  The Eagles signed several players in free agency and drafted two more to compete in the secondary, notably Earl Wolf out of NC State.

Washington Redskins:

• Offense: Everything depends on how Robert Griffin III heals up from pretty much a knee reconstruction.  If he is not able to return to form, they have a pretty good backup in Kirk Cousins who showed last season he is more than capable to handle the job.  Alfred Morris returns in the backfield and the hope is last year was no flash in the pan.  Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, and Santana Moss are the main receiving threats.
• Defense:  Leading Tackler London Fletcher returns and Middle Linebacker.  Brian Orakpo is coming back from an injury on one side and Ryan Kerrigan will be opposite from him.  Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen, and Jarvis Jenkins will be up front.  The secondary was the weakness of the defense and it is hoped that this was addressed with the draft.

My picks for the division are as follows:

1.  Washington Redskins

2.  New York Giants

3.  Dallas Cowboys

4.  Philadelphia Eagles

 

Agree or disagree, as always we want to know what you think in the comments.

Less than two years ago, Panther fans would have thrown proverbial rotten tomatoes at me for saying “I’m glad Rob Chudzinski is gone!” Cleveland can have him for all I care. Luckily for them, Weedon and the read-option would be seriously funny.

Carolina’s tepid offense cooled fan love for Chud last year. Superficially, Panther production didn’t drop off as much as one would think. Carolina fell from offensive rank 7 to 12 overall, declining in points per game, 20+ yd passing plays, and rushing yards and TDs. Had Carolina not picked it up late in the season, the numbers would have been much worse.
This too little, too late offensive stabilization of Chud’s gimmicky read first, hope Cam figures something out second offense, led critics to claim that defenses had figured out the sophomore phenom.

Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) carries the ball up the field against the New Orleans Saints during first quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Peer a little deeper into the numbers, and it’s clear that defenses didn’t figure out Cam, they figured out Chudzinski’s run-read offense!

Chudzinski exploded onto the Charlotte scene in 2011, contributing significantly to Newton’s rookie success. With a strong running attack, opposing defensive coordinators believed the Panthers would play it safe with Cam. Instead, the new offensive coordinator pushed the raw rookie quarterback to the limit, stunning defenses by opening up the vertical passing game. Consequently, Newton won the offensive ROY and Steve Smith avoided retirement.

Draft experts had questioned Newton’s ability to transfer his skillset to the pro level. Chudzinski appeared a genius by simplifying his complex system into a “hike it to Cam and let him do his thing” scheme. It worked.

This read-option offense, however, fell into a muddle in 2012. Better prepared defenses overpowered Carolina lineman, who struggled with their blocking assignments.

Run blocking should be a lineman’s easiest assignment. Pick a guy, and push him backward. In the read-option, however, lineman have to pass block for a moment and then transition to run blocking, creating a momentary hesitation where defensive lineman can gain an edge. Carolina linemen played on their heels behind the line of scrimmage too frequently.

Carolina’s running backs suffered the most in this scheme. DeAngelo Williams’s conspicuous absence prompted questions concerning his relationship with the coaching staff. When Chudzinski did call his number, Williams found himself in the read option, where he always looked awkward. Unsurprisingly, Jonathan Stewart’s suffering was from the sidelines as normal.

November 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs with the ball as Washington Redskins inside linebacker Perry Riley (56) makes the tackle in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Panthers won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Chudzinski finally incorporated more traditional run sets late in the season. Williams flourished, averaging 5.8 yds per carry and amassing 378 yds and 2 touchdowns in the last four games. The Panthers went 4-0.

Now that Chud has moved on to the magical land where football dies, Cleveland, offensive coordinator Mike Shula is predicted to move the Panthers in a more conservative direction. Shula will hopefully rely less on designed QB runs, and instead place Cam in down and distance situations that promote consistent success. Cam will still flash out of the pocket when necessary, but I think this will be based on opportunity rather than by design.

Cat Crave’s Ken Dye suggested this week that the Panther ground attack is poised for a comeback. Look for Williams and Stewart to break out after the bye week.

One thing seems certain, Panther fans appear to be as sad to see Chudzinski leave as Browns fans are to see him arrive.

Panthers rushing yards per game:
Game 1 vs TB- 11 L
Game 2 vs NO- 219 (Newton leading rusher) W
Game 3 vs NYG- 60 L
Game 4 vs Atl- 190 (Newton leading rusher) L
Game 5 vs Sea- 82 (Newton leading rusher) L
Game 6 vs Dal- 112 (Newton leading rusher) L
Game 7 vs Chi- 119 L
Game 8 vs WSH- 129 W
Game 9 vs Den- 52 L
Game 10 vs TB- 97 L
Game 11 vs Phi- 109 (Newton leading rusher) W
Game 12 vs Chiefs- 165 (Newton leading rusher) L
Game 13 vs Atl- 195 (Newton leading rusher) W
Game 14 vs SD- 155 W
Game 15 vs Oak- 112 (Newton leading rusher) W
Game 16 vs NO- 273 W

Thanks again to Anthony Dunn, who contributed the above article.