November 4, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE

When Carolina has the ball it is imperative that we run it, and run it successfully. Running the ball effectively will give us an advantage in 2 different ways. First, it will keep Peyton Manning on the sideline. When he is on the sideline he can’t hurt us. Secondly, it will keep us from being in many 3rd and long situations. This will be the biggest factor in the game I think. The more 3rd downs we are able to convert the more likely a Panthers win.

The offensive line will need to play their best game of the season for the Panthers to come out victorious. The line has had some bright spots in their play but most of the year has been an underwhelming performance. All be it there have been injuries that the line has had to contend with and that has affected continuity, but they have been capable of putting it together in spurts. This game will be their chance for redemption. Pass blocking is my main concern. Denver has 2 preeminent rushers in Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. Both are adroit at getting to the quarterback. Screens and Draws are are effective against heavy pass rushers. We should all be familiar with draw plays seeing how it was the #1 play for John Fox on 3rd and long. And God knows we faced many of them with the awful play calling that took place under Fox’s tenure. Even with effective run plays and good pass blocking, Manning will get on the field and here is what we need to do defensively when he does.

Nov 4, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second half against the Washington Redskins at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

PRESSURE, PRESSURE, PRESSURE!!!!!! We have to get to Manning. Not only do we have to pressure him but we need to hit him, hit him often and get him on the ground. Manning is not mobile but he is shifty in the pocket. When getting pressure, Manning does a great job of feeling it and re-positioning himself in the pocket. We have been effective in applying pressure and getting to the quarterback in the last few weeks. If we are able to continue this trend then we can get Denver into 3rd and longs. In their loss to Houston they were held to 35% 3rd down conversion and in the loss against Atlanta they were held to just 33% 3rd down conversions. I think we if we can keep them in 3rd and long situations the more likely a Panther victory. Applying pressure will potentially put them in 3rd and long. So if Hardy, Johnson, and the Edwards brothers (not really brothers or related), continue to improve in their pass rush and the defense continues its climb up the defensive rankings we can win this game.

The Panthers are still looking for a win versus a quality opponent. They have had 2 good teams on the ropes (Chicago and Atlanta) but Carolina failed to seal the deal.This season has been widely considered unsuccessful. A win against the Denver Broncos and John Fox will help recover some of this teams dignity and confidence. This team really needs this win, more than just that, this organization and fanbase need this win.

GO PANTHERS!
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August 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

As I listened to a Charlotte sports radio station today, I was shocked by the number of callers who wanted Rivera fired. This is a win now league, but calling for Rivera’s job is an overreaction.

Is Rivera a bad head coach? No. Is Rivera an inexperienced head coach? Yes. Ron Rivera has had eight seasons of assistant coaching experience. He’s held several positions within various organizations, from a defensive quality control coach, linebackers coach, to defensive coordinator for two teams. He has enjoyed success also at each position. Rivera was considered for many head coaching positions in the past. For whatever reason, he was never hired as the head man.

Once Richardson brought in Rivera, he set about hiring a rather young staff of assistants and coordinators with limited experience. led by offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski, who coached with Rivera in San Diego. Chud, as he is known, is innovative in his offensive scheme. While offensive coordinator in Cleveland, the offense ranked 8th overall and he sent 4 offensive players to the Pro Bowl. He has been successful wherever he has been, even at the college level, having won 2 national championships while playing at the University of Miami. Personally, I think Chud is a good coordinator. I love watching his wide open play calling style, but I do see some weaknesses. Chud is reluctant to get away from plays like the read option when they are not working. This is an area he can improve.

The defensive coordinator position is entirely different. This is where Rivera has gone wrong. Carolina hired Sean McDermott just 2 days after being fired by the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia fired McDermott because of a soft, underperforming defense. That year, the Eagles gave up a touchdown nearly 80% of the time opposing offenses made it to the redzone. That was the worst percentage of touchdowns surrendered in the NFL in two decades. The defense allowed 30 touchdown passes and gave up an astounding 377 points in 2010. He was a questionable hire and shows the need for growth from Rivera as a head coach.

Rivera will be a good coach. He is still growing into the position. I think he has the respect of the players, and that is crucial. Chud is a well qualified offensive coordinator, as evidenced by his helping the 2007 Browns finish with a 10-6 record. McDermott is the weak link. This season’s defense is ranked 22nd overall, giving up an average of  25 points/ game and is among the league leaders in missed tackles as a team. The defense last season was worse, they ranked 28th overall and gave up an average of 27 points/game. I was willing to give McDermott a pass in 2011 due to injuries on  defense, but I’m not making excuses for him this season. The defense has it’s full compliment of players this season and a potential defensive ROY candidate in Luke Kuechly.  How much worse does this unit have to play before making a change at defensive coordinator? It is McDermott and not Rivera that needs replacing.

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