Know Thy Enemy 2010: Carolina Panthers
by Josh Branco on Jul 10, 2010 10:00 AM PDT
in 49ers Opponents
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PrintToday's Know Thy Enemy post will cover the 49ers' Week 7 match-up against the Carolina Panthers. For more information about the Panthers, check out our free agency preview and free agency update.
It's hard to know what to expect from a Carolina team that started the 2009 season with high expectations, only to stumble out of the gate before turning their season around and finishing the year with a respectable 8-8 record. The emergence of QB Matt Moore could signal a return to their winning ways, which allowed them to win twelve games and reach the first round of the playoffs in 2008.
They have some dangerous players on their roster, but not much depth. As such, I think they will be at a disadvantage when these two teams meet at Bank of America Stadium.
More details on this match-up after the jump...
Additions
Carolina has entered a bit of a rebuilding phase, and as such they've focused the bulk of their efforts on the draft. Surprisingly enough, they were able to land a potential franchise quarterback despite not picking until the second round in the 2010 NFL Draft. Notre Dame alum Jimmy Clausen went to the Panthers as the 48th overall selection. Questions about his leadership ability caused him to slide down many teams' draft boards, but he certainly has enough physical talent to succeed in the NFL.
Clausen was not the only quarterback selected by Carolina in this year's draft, the team also picked QB Tony Pike in the 6th round. Although Pike seems destined for the practice squad this year, due to his late graduation date, he could develop into a capable signal caller down the road.
Technically speaking, Pike was the third quarterback selected by the club, with 3rd round pick Armanti Edwards being the second. However, the talented Edwards is expected to see the bulk of his playing time at wide receiver or in the Wildcat formation.
2nd round pick Brandon LaFell, has a frame reminiscent of longtime Panther Muhsin Muhamad. If he plays up to his potential he could develop into a solid number two receiver behind Steve Smith.
On the defensive side of the ball, LB Eric Norwood could have an immediate impact as a pass rush specialist. The 4th round pick lacks prototypical size, but he was a very productive player throughout his collegiate career.
Subtractions
The Panthers lost several key players this off-season. Most notable is the departure of Julius Peppers. Peppers was drafted in the first round by Carolina in the 2002 NFL Draft. During his eight year tenure with the Panthers he recorded an impressive 81 sacks. The five time Pro Bowler and two time All-Pro will continue his career with the Chicago Bears, and has left a gaping hole along Carolina's defensive front.
Another long time Panther, Jake Delhomme, now finds himself with another team. After a disappointing 2009, in which it looked as if his time as a starting NFL quarterback was up, he finds himself in Cleveland. After signing a two year $12.4 Million contract this off-season, Delhomme is expected to earn the starting nod over Seneca Wallace.
Other notable losses include DT Maake Kemoeatu, SS Chris Harris, and LB Na'il Diggs.
Questions and Answers
Will Matt Moore retain the starting quarterback job?
Moore played well during the five last games of 2009, amassing 1,053 passing yards and a 98.5 quarterback rating. While his yardage totals won't blow anyone away, he was very efficient throwing for eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also completed over 60% of his passes. Despite Moore's success, Jimmy Clausen was brought in to push him for the starting job. It seems likely that Moore will start the season under center, but how long will he keep his job if he gets off to a slow start? The Panthers are a very run oriented team, but don't be surprise if Clausen cuts into Moore's playing time as the season progresses.
Who will get pressure on the passer?
Tyler Brayton is a proven commodity at defensive end, and you can pencil him in for about five sacks this season. Everette Brown showed flashes during his rookie campaign, but the team will need him to dramatically increase his sack totals in 2010 if he's going to replace Julius Peppers' production from the defensive end spot. The young Brown should also get some help from rookie linebacker Eric Norwood.
How long will John Fox remain the head coach in Carolina?
Fox was on the hot seat for much of last season after the Panthers followed up an embarrassing postseason loss to the Cardinals with an opening day blowout courtesy of Philadelphia. The team's late season turnaround and the emergence of Matt Moore at the quarterback position may have saved his job for now, but what will happen if the Panthers get off to another slow start in 2010? Only owner Jerry Richardson knows the answer to that question.
Match-Up
Even on the road, this seems like the 49ers' game to lose. San Francisco's defense should be able to shutdown Carolina's offense, and they'll put up enough points to win this match-up.
The Panthers have a very solid running game, featuring the one-two punch of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Unfortunately for them, the 49ers are very stout against opposing rushing attacks. They only allowed an average of 97 rushing yards a game last season, good for 6th in the league.
Outside of their running game and Steve Smith, Carolina does not have much to offer on offense. I expect San Francisco will be able to outscore a rebuilding Panthers squad and pick up a victory on the road.
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Im from Carolina and I have seen
the Panthers up close and personal for years. Losing Peppers was huge for that defense because he anchored it for so long. We should have our way with there defense because Crab and VD will present huge mismatches in our favor and we should be able to run the ball. On defense all we need to do to roll coverage towards Smith and make someone else beat us. Only thing I’m concerned about is the OL and the RBs. We do a great job against the run but it’s not going to be a cake walk. We will have to be there all day because they are hell bent on running the rock but I think we will be too much for them.
Beat Em To The Punch - Bill Walsh
nah, you must not have watched them all that closely
Although, the loss of Peppers is significant, he never ‘anchored’ the defense. He was reknowned for disappearing at crucial times. Jon Beason anchored that defense the last 2 years, and will again this year. The D-line in general is a big unknown, particularly the DTs. But there are expectations in Carolina that the DEs will be as productive without Peppers as with him.
You make it sound easy by implying that rolling coverage to Smith will be enough. No. Jake is no longer the QB. Matt Moore is, and the fact that his strong play last year is going totally unnoticed by the national media speaks to the star power of Clausen, not the lack of skill of Moore. Moore will easily be the better QB on the field that day. LaFell and Edwards both made strong impressions at OTAs, so Steve Smith will likely have plenty of company. Also, you are giving short shrift to the best tandem of RBs in the league. Both averaged over 5 ypc and both had over 1100 total yards. This 2010 edition will likely be the best offensive team that the Panthers have ever put on the field.
And defensively, you say that ‘Crab and VD will present huge mismatches’. Did you realize the Panthers had the 4th-rated pass defense in 2009? Their secondary and LBs are clearly the Panthers strength on D this year. The LB corps have enough depth that Matt Williamson of ESPN said the loss of Thomas Davis won’t hurt them all that much. The most vulnerable position is clearly the DTs. If Gore can find huge lanes up the middle, the 9ers have a shot. Otherwise, no way for a SF win in Charlotte.
We'll only have to score 7 to win
You can’t run on us fella and Matt Moore isn’t going to go Payton Manning this season despite the fact the league does undervalue him.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions
watch it and weep
Williams was injured for the Vikings game last year. But even playing against the Williams Wall, Stewart put up 109. The Vikes hadn’t yielded a 100-yard rusher in forever before that. Believe me, the Panthers don’t fear your run D. Remember it was acquired against those powerhouses in your division. I’m suspecting a minimum of 150 against you guys, more likely 200. And, btw, Moore has had a better first 8 games as a pro than just about any elite QB to date. And he’s only going to get better.
You'll rush for less than 50 yards and like it
The only guy that could run against us was Chris Johnson
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
The Panthers are
going to give up on the rush in the first half, while Frank Gore blazes to the end zone at least 3 times.
Lest ye not forget
That the niners D only gave up an average of 97 yards a game on the ground. What is so amazing about that, is our Offense struggled to stay on the field, requiring our D to play longer than most D’s. Stewart played for Oregon, so I watched his whole college career, so I know how good he is, in fact I believe that he is the best RB you have. Niners should win this game, but nothing is decided on paper.
by ericalancanty on Jul 10, 2010 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Disappearing at crucial times?
Dude please that guy is yall all time leading sack artist…I don’t care who u are when u lose that kind of production u can’t just replace it instantly. Secondly I’d gladly take the matchup of your second year starter and Clausen against our defense. I’ll give it to u ya’ll have some good LBs but CBs. You better do your homework on us man. U put a LB on VD if u want to and it will get ugly for u all quickly. As far as Crabs…man please…those corners are asking to get dragged seriously.
Beat Em To The Punch - Bill Walsh
Crabtree and Davis present mismatches to which Carolina defenders?
Surely you’re not referring to Chris Gamble and James Anderson. Gamble is a great corner, and Anderson is a linebacker who runs in the 4.4s.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Jul 10, 2010 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Davis ran a 4.37
He presents a mismatch to any linebacker in the league
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
(except Taylor Mays)
LB/Safety hybrid extraordinaire
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Moore will easily be the better QB on the field that day
That is impressive for an 8-game veteran (basically still a rookie) against a veteran QB (Smith). With film on Moore for defensive coaches to view from last year, don’t be surprised if you see a “sophomore slump”.
that's the thing
I’m a big believer in Moore, but he has only started 8 games. So I can’t say with any confidence that he will be great. But he has all the tools, strong arm, accuracy, able to look off defenders, and he scrambles quite well. All signs point up for now. But to address your comment, after 8 games, he’s still a rookie so no soph slump.
relativity
The fickleness of the national media regarding the fates of these two teams shows the extremes of an overrated team (you got it, your 49ers), and an underrated team, the Panthers. They were both 8-8 last year. However, SF plays in a notably weak division and the only reason they are now expected to be division winners is because another team in the said weak division lost a few stars. Wow! They must be good.
The Panthers, on the other hand, are commonly expected to finish 3rd in their division and come into the preseason with power rankings as low as 30th. How did this talented team suddenly become so bad? If we were to believe the pundits, it’s the loss of Peppers, the loss of Delhomme (if you can believe it), and the fact that Fox hasn’t received a contract extension. My thoughts: Peppers was very good but not great; the loss of Jake is an addition (in a big way) by subtraction; and no John Fox team has ever quit on him. They came off a 12-4 season in 2008 but played a very cold hand at QB for most of last season. As soon as Moore replaced Jake, they were a juggernaut, pounding the Vikings and beating the snot out of the Giants in their last game at the Meadowlands. And they did this w/o DeAngelo Williams and their two starting OTs.
Trust me, you wouldn’t have wanted anything to do with the Panthers at the end of last season. You shouldn’t ask for it now.
no problem..
It will be great when i see Iupati laying on top of Brown or knockin him back into the secondary lol
So what is your prediction of the score??
and could you explain which points would most likely be passing or running??
sorry steven
I was called away on a cocktail mission. As I said somewhere today, the 2010 Panthers should have the best offense they’ve ever had. But since it’s a run first offense, they won’t be top 10 in the league. Doesn’t matter. They will pound the rock and play action all day long. But the score all comes down to QB play. Assuming average QB play for both Moore and Smith, 31-20 Panthers with most Panthers’ points coming through the air, but set up by the run.
Chris Johnson was the only RB that had any success against the Niners D.
And the Niners played Steven Jackson, AP, Michael Turner, Chris Johnson, and MJD. And the Niners where the #6 run defense, 1st in forced fumbles, and 3rd in sacks. No one team will be able to run effectively against the Niners in 2010.
And the offense is going to be underrated. With a horrible O-Line in 2009, Gore still ran for 1,100 yards in 14 games. Now with two road graters who’ll open holes for Gore, he’ll cut up opposing D’s. And the simple truth is Vernon Davis is a mismatch to every D in the league. He’s way to fast for LB’s and to big for DB’s.
Niners beat the Panthers by at least a TD.
I survived the David Carr Press Conference Thread 3/06/2010
Credit to iaalexeeff
It's official: I'm a Buster Posey fan..... Who isn't?
by Hoopers Judge on Jul 10, 2010 6:43 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Carolina was 7th in offensive scoring in 2008.
That was with far less depth at receiver.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Jul 10, 2010 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Fickelness huh ....
.. look’d that up and it say’s … one whom portrait’s their team ( Panther’s ) as far better then one’s perceived notion of the state in which it’s inn… !!
Gotta love a woman that wear's knee pad's to work ...!!
Everette Brown might be a solid even great player in the future
Iupati has HoF potential at guard. I’ll take that trade. Beason will get squashed by him.
Heres some Islander on Islander crime when Iupati just crushes Maualuga while moving BACKWARDS.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWdvfRhTruw
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions
HoF potential?
based on his college play? I think the homerism is a bit strong here.
by ZeroOneInfinity on Jul 10, 2010 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't
I’ve been saying this for a long time—Iupati is the next Steve Hutchinson which translates into HOF material.
Logic merely enables one to be wrong with authority
You can choose to see it that way
However, Iupati is still very raw as a pass blocker and has never played in the NFL, so I cannot say that a player who is as raw as Iupati has HoF potential when he has not faced NFL talent yet.
by ZeroOneInfinity on Jul 11, 2010 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah! Right, like there is even a comparison there.
Brown is projected to be a good player, Iupati is considered special for his size and strength. No comparison at all.
by ericalancanty on Jul 10, 2010 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
How is your team going to shut down Carolina's offense?
6th best run defense? Carolina ran over higher ranked teams than that last year, and the passing game was non-existent for most of the season. With Moore and 3 drafted receivers, it would take a monster effort to shut down Carolina’s offense. I also do not think the pass rush is any concern. They’ll have plenty of it without Peppers.
stuff 'bout stuff.
Carolina has the most dangerous rush tandem in the entire league
I also remember the sting of the last time we hosted Steve Smith. This is a tough game to call. The Niners are a completely different team now. I imagine it will be a highly offensive game. Circle this one on your calendars.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
My brother’s favorite team is the 49ers, so I’m real interested in this one.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Jul 10, 2010 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Wutang Clan has some advice for Steve Smith
Taylor Mays is a killer bee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIFzcK9dqj8
Protect ya neck kid
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 10, 2010 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I hope he doesn't do that...
I would prefer it if Mays didn’t give up 15 yd personal fouls every time he tackles, especially since the NFL is getting more strict with that kind of stuff
by sanfranfanmdk on Jul 11, 2010 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions
Well don't do it all the time...
But here and there… It’s intimidating as hell for a receiver to think he could be getting carried off the field for going across the middle. In that play on the vid it wasn’t really even Mays fault he went helmet to helmet. The receiver turtled up and brought his own helmet into the path that of a Mays who was already launching into the hit. Even if it draws some penalties I never want anybody to put the kibosh on the way Taylor trys to send guys to the afterlife when he hits.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 11, 2010 9:50 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh Steve
SS: “I just had to establish the rules and regulations of the game.”
Andrea Kramer: “Which is?”
SS: “89. That’s why he going home”
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
I just realized the last time we met up
Dilfer and Testaverde were the QB’s of the game. A lot more youth this time around.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
Wow, a 40 something year old Testaverde led Panthers racked up 31 points. Interesting. I hope your defense has improved, or this will be a short game.
stuff 'bout stuff.
by silver82blade on Jul 11, 2010 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't worry, it has.
Michael Lewis won’t be returning punts this time either.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
The Niners D will be top 5 this year. Is that improvement enough?
We will limit your running game to the lowest yardage total you will have all year. Dashon Goldson will break Steve Smith’s fragile arm in first quarter and he will be out the rest of the game. Then what do you guys have? Some rookie receivers? I think we’ll manage.
I can't wait for Mango's sig to say "0 days to go".
don't agree
I think they are the best two LBs in the game. Willis has been as advertised since being drafted. Beason has outperformed his draft position. Though Willis has slightly better stats, there isn’t a hell of a lot of difference between the two in terms of production and importance to their respective defenses. If it makes you feel better, Willis is better. But he certainly came with greater expectations. I’m just as happy Beason plays for the Panthers.
Nah
Jon Beason is #3. DJ Williams is #2. Jon Beason however plays a more critical role for the Panthers D so I guess you might say he’s more important.
Coach Boone: And who's team is this, Gary? Is this your team? Or is this your daddy's team?
Bertier: Yours.
Coach Boone: Now get on the bus. Put on your jacket first and then get on the bus.
It's ok
Iupati will lead a haka before the game that will have Beason cowering in fear through the first half and most of the way through the third quarter.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Jul 11, 2010 9:53 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Hope to Go to the game
Seeing I just retired from the Air Force, I am moving to Charleston SC to take a job with the Navy. I am soo looking forward to this game because I am hoping to be able to go to North Carolina to see the game! I haven’t been able to see the team play in person since a pre-season game years ago in Baltimore!
11-5... for the 2010 season!!!!
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