Carolina Panthers line, defense flex mightily in win over Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers put together a complete game in solid 36-21 win.

For Carolina Panthers fans declining to judge the total domination of both offensive and defensive line play until maybe after the Pittsburgh game (Week 10), Sunday was still a profoundly professional pounding in a 36-21 victory over Baltimore. After surrendering an 11-play, 75 yard drive on the Ravens first possession, the defense gave up nothing until the last minute of the 3rd quarter, and the offense scored 27 straight points in between.

THAT is what wakes the dreams of 2015 for those who *want* to think the best. (Okay, and proof would include beating Pittsburgh…) 

Cam Newton has repeatedly shown the physicality of a 6-foot-5, 250 pound quarterback that offensive coordinator Norv Turner has commented about often- specifically controlled runs like his 12-yard naked bootleg touchdown and shorter, faster passing routes- there are also plenty of attaboys! to distribute as the Panthers notched a surprisingly easy win to go 5-2.

154 rushing yards and no sacks against big, bad Baltimore’s  No.1-rated defense (280 yds/game, 14.4 ppg, 27 sacks).

Newton’s red zone stats for the year include nine touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 66.4-percent completion rating overall. There’s no mistaking how dominant Panthers offensive line was in providing WAY beyond ordinary time for Newton to pick his targets against the Ravens. Newton’s line of 21 for 29 including 219 yards, 2 touchdowns, plus ten carries for 52 yards and another score, while spreading the offense liberally was echoed in versatility throughout the Panthers skill positions.

• D.J. Moore certainly seems to (excuse me…) has arrived. He’s a physical match to running back Christian McCaffrey in size and elusiveness, and Coach Ron Rivera with Turner have said for weeks that Moore’s time was coming. The reverse against the Giants where he took it up inside showed his toughness, this game against Baltimore was a breakout performance: Five catches for 90 yards- with a terrific 33-yarder from out of the end zone when the Panthers were beginning their 99 yard march to a 21-7 lead- plus two runs for 39 more. That’s the tough to get on the ground, multi-talented guy everyone has been expecting since his earliest days of impressing in training camp.
• CMC worked for his pair of TDs,  catching a ricochet off Ravens safety Eric Weddle for one touchdown, and making an 11-yard run as part of his 14 carries and 45 yards.
• Curtis Samuel had 3 catches for 29 yards receiving and his speed on punt coverage has proven invaluable. He downed a Mike Palardy punt inside the one against the Ravens, and had a primary role in the special teams touchdown against the Giants earlier in the year.
• Two interceptions (Mike Adams, Captain Munnerlyn) and a fumble off a Kyle Love blast on Alex Collins set the offense up at the Baltimore 12-yard line. Linebacker Shaq Thompson was everywhere with 13 tackles, often with similar heat-seeking style of Luke Kuechly. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had a thoroughly harassed 22 for 39, 192 yards one touchdown-two interception outing.
• Rookie cornerback Donte Jackson held top Ravens receiver John Brown (avg. 19.9/catch), to just three grabs for 28 yards. He takes pride from both in-the-guys-uniform coverage and ferocious tackling. He and safety Eric Reid are both hitters, and the addition of a first rate defender like Reid has paid off quickly. He’s always been great in run support.
• What can be said of tight end Greg Olsen, who kept yelling “Open!” to Taylor Heinecke, and instead of a Hail Mary heave, he got out of bounds with two-seconds left after a 13 yard gain, giving Graham Gano a shot at a successful 54-yard kick to end the first half. Olsen had four catches for 56 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown; fellow tight end Ian Thomas also added a 15-yard catch.

Back to back big wins at home, what to make of that? 

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Certainly the Panthers know how to defend their turf BUT… some will point out, four of five are coming up on the road, especially that Steelers game on a short week after Tampa Bay. The ‘All is Fine’ fan train probably would have appreciated a 7-2 record at that point, although honestly, it would have included a loss at Philadelphia or Pittsburgh instead of a knock in Washington. Putting a whole bunch of offense on a league-leading Ravens defense? That truly is what the unconvinced want to see from Newton, but about those throws to leaping guys in end zone…

It’s a point of pride for both sides, rightfully earned kudos for keeping Newton relatively clean, and everyone seeming to put into the mix when called on, like C.J. Anderson‘s 20 yards rushing on five carries and Newton hitting eight different receivers. Misdirection is a hallmark of Turner offenses, and flashes with fast personnel that might have been called gimmick plays in the past are working, and there’s always that Gano guy with a really good foot that makes a difference.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not seem too scary to deal with post-Halloween after pummeling the Ravens so thoroughly, although the cautious may remind others that Carolina has historically shown an ability to play down to a situation. Based on Jameis Winston‘s four interception day, the bearded Ryan Fitzpatrick and his “Fitz-Magic” will probably be at the controls for the Bucs, and there’s no denying how he lit up New Orleans on Opening Day. He out-dueled Drew Brees then, and while Brees is another kind of problem, getting after Fitzpatrick is first on the list right now.

Stay frosty Panthers and fandom, even in ideal football weather, and don’t sweat it about continuing to be a game by game believe-a-little-more type. Remember- it was the Dallas Cowboys game on Thanksgiving night that converted most ‘I don’t know’ un-convinced Panthers supporters that the 2015 team could be the real deal. Play them one at a time, just like Coach Rivera always says.

Meanwhile, say hello to Moore,a new headache for defensive coordinators, and a Panthers defense that is again being recognized at elite levels.