Quote:number 1 game plan tackle for cam newton.. once he takes off get him down quick and fast..

 

number 2 the offensive line including JOECKEL must keep bortles up right.. if borles gets time he can take over from there..

 

 

I agree with both of these but if I am an opposing coach I worry more about # 2 than #1.

 

Protecting Bortles is clearly the bigger worry of the two.  Carolina's DL has been a bit banged up through the preseason but Short Ealy and Johnson are formidable starters.  Trouble is the DL has a rotation that doesnt seem to let up.  That combined with the looks you get from the LB corp makes protecting your QB an extremely difficult task. 

 

That said, keeping Newton in check is probably addressed easier. 

 

While this is an oversimplification, I think my defensive gameplan would be to do everything I can to take the run away.  Basically go into the game and focus on 3 guys,  Stewart (RB)  Newton and Olsen.  If Cam/Carolina is going to beat me I am going to play the odds and try my best to make him have to do it downfield.  There are 2 main reasons for this:

 

A.  Suspect receiving targets.  Ginn and Brown can make plays but I would take the bet that they can not be consistent threats.  Funchess is a rookie and and he may pose problems but for week 1 I would consider it as a distant threat.

 

B.  Carolina's offensive coordinator.  Not sure if you are aware of this but our OC is Mike Shula.  Shula is the son of legendary Hall of Fame coach Don Shula.  As you would expect from a great lineage, the father passed down tools of the trade to the son. 

 

 

 

 



 

Inspiration for the Panther's offense comes from a Christmas present circa 1977.  Nothing screams dynamic offensive genius like a 40 year old piece of plastic powered by a 9 volt battery.

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