Justifications with JaDarius

The new league year starts on March 16th, triggering the mad frenzy of transactions and signings. However, at the current point in the process, teams have set most internal evaluations aside and are focusing on talent outside the organization.

Let’s recap each position and see where the team might consider improving.

*-denotes Unrestricted Free Agent

QB:

Passing production: 

598 attempts / 348 completions

3,239 yards

6.0 per completion

17 TDs / 21 INTS

174 1st Downs

 

Rushing production:

102 attempts

465 yards

10 TDs 

11 fumbles

43 first downs

 

Sam Darnold, Cam Newton*, PJ Walker

 

During the 2022 NFL Combine, General Manager Scott Fitterer mentioned that the QB job is wide open. 

Darnold did not do enough to win the job even though he was tagged. Newton provided a spark, but not enough to win a game as the starter. The team extended Walker, but the reason is likely Temple nepotism.

 

Position grade: D-

Need level: Desperate

Finding a franchise guy is likely what Matt Rhule’s job hinges on. They need to win now, and the room for error in developing a guy is slimmer than a hungry fat man’s patience.

 

My prediction:

 

TRADE— Panthers acquire eight-year vet QB Jimmy Garoppolo from the 49ers for a pair of 2023 day three picks.

I believe that Rhule could still draft a QB in the 2022 NFL draft and have them sit while Garoppolo helps prove that the current regime can win football games.

The Deshaun Watson rumors continue to swirl, but acquiring him would not leave much salary cap or draft capital to improve the rest of the roster.

 

RB:

Rushing production:

323 attempts

1,224 yards

6 TDs

2 fumbles

68 first downs

 

Receiving production:

107 receptions / 140 targets

864 yards

3 TDs

44 first downs

 

Christian McCaffrey, Chuba Hubbard, Ameer Abdullah*, Spencer Brown, Darius Bradwell

McCaffrey is still the offense’s centerpiece, and it’s obvious. 

The team scrambled to replace his rushing and receiving production when he got hurt. They leaned heavily on rookie Chuba Hubbard and free agent Ameer Abdullah. They showed flashes but could not sustain a high level of play.

 

Position grade: C-

Need level:  Neutral

I can’t see the panthers going out of their way to bring in another back, but I don’t think Chuba Hubbard did enough to lock down RB2. Adding a competitor for the RB 2 battle is more likely than a back to split reps with McCaffrey.

 

My Prediction:

 

Panthers sign Free Agent RB Kalen Ballage to a one/two-year deal.

I can see the Panthers signing a lower-level veteran in free agency, preferably one with a varied skill set. The biggest name to watch in this position is probably Marlon Mack from the colts.

There is an outside chance we could see a Le’Veon Bell sighting, as McCaffrey has said he models his game after.

 

WR:

Receiving production:

196 receptions / 355 targets

2,257 yards / 885 yards after catch

10 TDs

1 fumble 

111 first downs

 

Rushing production:

12 attempts 

81 yards

 

DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr, Brandon Zylstra*, Shi Smith, Alex Erickson*, Aaron Parker

A talented room hampered in part by the play of other positions. In the middle of the season, they did have a rough stretch as a group where drops plagued the unit, but they eventually steadied out.

Most of the questions for this unit are on Special teams, as both Zylstra and Erickson, who were vital special teamers, will be free agents.

 

Position grade: B-

Need level: None

There’s no need to panic for this position group. The future is still bright for Marshall Jr and Smith. Anderson and Moore would both benefit from a consistent QB.

 

My prediction:

 

The Panthers resign WR Brandon Zylstra to a two-year deal.

The Panthers have selected WR Velus Jones Jr. in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Zylstra finally got to play a little bit on offense and presented himself as a solid 4th option in the room. 

The 2022 NFL Draft has a decent amount of WRs as well. They nab one with Kick Returning abilities and speed to test defenses.

 

TE/FB:

Receiving production:

45 receptions / 79 targets

452 yards

1 TD

 

Rushing production:

3 attempts

11 yards

1 TD

 

Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Giovanni Ricci, Colin Thompson, Stephen Sullivan

Tight end has become an afterthought for the panthers throughout the past few seasons.

The team worked out a deal to keep Thomas by the request of offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. It’s probably still Tremble’s room, as he got involved in many ways last year, rushing and receiving.

 

Position grade: C-

Need level: Neutral

I think the Panthers are ready to roll with what’s in the room as of right now. There are some good TE prospects in this draft, so they might secure one if one slides into one of their later-round picks.

 

My prediction:

 

*No new moves*

Come draft day, id keep an eye on TE Jeremy Ruckert, and if he slides into day 3, he might be a guy McAdoo likes.

 

OL:

Pass blocking:

50% pass-block win rate (29th)

28.3% pressures allowed (1st)

59 QB hits / 82 Hurries (T-3rd)

52 sacks allowed (5th)

 

Run blocking:

68% run block win rate (26th)

1,036 yards before contact (21st)

 

Brady Christensen, Cam Erving, Pat Elflein, Michael Jordan, Matt Paradis*, Sam Tecklenburg, John Miller*, Dennis Daley, Deonte Brown, Taylor Moton, Trent Scott*, Mike Horton, Aaron Monteiro

There were a couple of times when individuals looked solid this year, but these guys are terrible as a unit. Some of that is obviously on coaching. 

Rhule mixed and matched and experimented all season, including moving his franchise RT to LT for a game.

 

Position grade: D-

Need level: Desperate

The whole building is aware that the team needs more long-term answers at this position. They also need short-term solutions, as they will need to find a center.

Moves will likely depend on how new OL coach James Campen projects young players Christensen and Brown.

 

My prediction:

 

The Carolina Panthers have signed former all-pro G Brandon Scherff to a three-year deal.

With the 106th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Thayer Munford, G/T, Ohio State.

Campen has brought in to having Christensen play LT, and I believe he takes Brown up on learning some Center.

I can see the panthers solidifying the interior by adding Scherff. They have reworked current contracts to create more cap space, and this position group needs it sorely.

Munford adds even more versatility as he played LT for a few seasons and voluntarily moved inside to guard this past season. It will be a battle for the LG spot, and that’s the way it should be.

 

DL:

Pass-rushing production:

51% pass rush win rate (2nd)

26.1% pressures (7th)

48 QB Hits / 62 QB hurries (T-13th)

39 sacks (T-11)

 

Run-stopping production:

31% run stop win rate (T-4)

4.1 yards per carry (T-5)

9 forced fumbles

 

Brian Burns, Hasson Reddick*, Derrick Brown, Morgan Fox, DaQuan Jones*, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquise Haynes*, Davion Nixon, Phil Hoskins, Bravvion Roy, Darryl Johnson, Austin Larkin, Frank Herron, Joe Jackson

Pass rushing was one of the core foundations of early success. Reddick and Haynes are among the most talented rushers in the room, and both could test the market.

The unit had a tough year once teams figured they could go jumbo and move the speedy edges.

 

Position grade: B

Need level: low

There is young talent in the group that needs playing experience. The group could use a retool to keep the speed on the field without sacrificing contain, but not a significant overhaul.

 

My Prediction:

 

The Panthers have agreed to terms with DE Marquis Haynes.

The group will need to retain one speedy guy. I doubt they will outbid Reddick suitors, as they use that cap space on more pressing needs.

Gross-Matos, Nixon, and Hoskins are given more snaps and the opportunity to start.

 

LB:

Pass defense production:

7 PBUs / 2 INTs

3.5 sacks

14 QB hits

 

Run defense production:

261 tackles / 20 TFL

1 fumble / 4 fumble recovers

 

Shaq Thompson, Jermaine Carter Jr*, Frankie Luvu, Julian Stanford*, Kamal Martin, Azur Kamara

Shaq Thompson had one of his best years as a pro, and free agent Jermaine Carter finished as a bit of a disappointment. 

Frankie Luvu was a firecracker all year on special teams and defense. He will probably be competing to start next year.

 

Position grade: C+

Need level: Moderate

With Carter Jr. likely testing free agency, the Panthers could use a young backer to develop.

 

My prediction:

 

The Panthers select LB JoJo Donmann in the 5th round.

Rhule looks to add more run and hit high motor guys, who can add a little versatility to the team. Keep an eye on names like Chad Muma and Jack Sanborn.

 

CB:

Pass coverage production:

25 PBUs / 5 INTs

1 sack

 

Run defense production:

247 tackles / 10 TFL

3 fumbles

 

Donte Jackson*, Stephon Gilmore*, Jaycee Horn, AJ Bouye, CJ Henderson, Keith Taylor, Rahsaan Melvin*, Myles Hartsfield, Stantley Thomas-Oliver, Troy Pride Jr

The cornerback spot is one of the strengths of a young defensive unit. There are two starting-caliber FAs in the group, but the team has a pair of first-round corners behind them.

They could also move a player here to recoup a day-three pick. Bouye will be a name to watch for that.

 

Position grade: A-

Need level: moderate

If Phil Snow plans to play a similar defensive scheme, there’s no secret that they need guys they can trust in man coverage.

You can’t let both Gilmore and Jackson walk and be an effective defense next year.

 

My prediction:

 

The Panthers have come to terms with CB Donte Jackson before entering free agency.

Agent Bus Cook was spotted weeks ago leaving the team offices. There are only two players on the team who has him as an agent: Cam Newton and Donte Jackson.

I don’t know that Carolina wants to get into a bidding war for an elite corner like Gilmore, not to mention they won’t have the means. Corner is absolutely something that needs to be addressed in free agency, though.

 

S:

Pass coverage production:

8 PBUs / 2 INTs

1 sack / 7 QB hits

 

Run defense production:

219 tackles / 8 TFL

1 fumble recovery

 

Jeremy Chinn, Juston Burris*, Sean Chandler*, Sam Franklin, Kenny Robinson

Chinn joined a young group of unheralded safeties after playing mostly an LB and nickel role his first season. 

The group played strong vs. the run and flew around most of the season but still lacks a true center-fielding safety, and it showed at times last season in coverage.

It’s possible that Chinn or Robinson eventually become that player.

 

Position grade: C

Need level: moderate

Burris is probably walking. They’ll need a guy that can start opposite Chinn.

 

My prediction:

The Carolina Panthers have signed former NFC South rival Jordan Whitehead to a four-year deal.

The Panthers select FAMU S Marquise Bell in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Whitehead wreaked havoc against the Panthers last year, and Todd Bowles’ defensive philosophy is as aggressive as they come.

A move like this might appear as a luxury, but a fast, intelligent physical safety is one of the final needs to have a complete defense.

Tuesday is the faithful day where some good athletes get walking papers. But, conversely, roster long shots that caught the coaching staff’s attention will get no news, which is good news.

The players have submitted all the work. The ball is now in the court of Scott Fitterer and ultimately Matt Rhule, who has the final say in roster moves in Carolina.

Here’s a look at some of the highest risers in this final preseason week.

Offensive Preseason MVP:

• Terrace Marshall Jr., WR

Defensive Preseason MVPs:

• Sean Chandler, S

• Frankie Luvu, LB

Lowest Fallers:

The interior OL had a rough outing in the third preseason game against the steelers. Paradis missed assignments and just had reps where the defender flat-out beat him. The issue is that he wasn’t facing the steelers’ best interior DL.

It takes the OL a little longer to get on the same page. It will be interesting to see if the Panthers will tweak the lineup. Paradis will make the team but will be a free agent in 2022.

 

The second OL unit did not fare much better than the first. Tecklenburg had some struggles as well.

He got beat on some pass-rushing reps. He didn’t look the best in space either. Tecklenburg is the only other listed center on the depth chart. The interior line still feels fluid apart from the starting center and right guard spots.

 

Thomas hasn’t played extensively in the preseason games. The coaches could be limiting his reps for the regular season. Even if that is the case, it doesn’t help that all the other backup TEs have been playing relatively well.

Thomas hasn’t shown that he is better than the backups at any singular skill. It might be best for both parties to part ways. Carolina would save 2 million against the cap, and the talented Thomas gets a fresh start.

 

Highest Risers:

Darnold saw his first action as the starter for the Panthers, and he showed promise.

Even with consistent pressure from the rush, Darnold showed poise and did not turn the ball over. He was decisive and did not pass on easy throws for harder ones. His feet looked much more disciplined as well.

He laid any QB 1 debate to rest. The Panthers are rolling with Darnold for 2021.

 

Miller was lauded last season as the type of player that Rhule wants on the team. So it came as no surprise that the team would bring him back in free agency.

On a night where the interior was roughed up, Miller was the best OL on the team. He did his job on stunts and nullified rushers in a 1v1 situation. As a result, he’s likely going to retain his starting spot at right guard.

 

Tremble has done a bit of everything at the TE spot all camp. However, the most important thing he has done all camp was proving his worth as a receiver.

Tremble showed excellent concentration, reeling in a seam shot that was ricocheted around. He has also consistently turned a check-down into a first-down when targeted in the flat. The rookie should be battling for the TE 2 spot if he hasn’t secured it already.

 

The Panthers traded a conditional 7th round pick to the Giants for Santoso just one day before the final preseason game. However, the coaches believed he showed enough to win the kicking competition.

Santoso made FGs of 52 and 27 yards and made all three of his extra-point attempts. It will remain to be seen if the release of Joey Slye was a rushed decision. For now, though, Santoso is the only kicker on the roster.

 

Hartsfield is the highest riser this week.

The box score will show one tackle and one pass deflection, but it won’t show that his reps came with the first and second-team defense. This is a huge change from his 4th string spot on the depth chart.

He has the ability to play safety and nickel corner. He could be in the discussion to occupy the Nickelback role until AJ Bouye returns from suspension.

The Panthers have endured two joint practices in as many weeks, with an unimpressive preseason loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

For many players, snaps have become more valuable. With training camp officially over, the battle for roster spots is over halfway complete. For some players, it’s already too late to prove their value. For others, the opportunity to climb the depth chart is still within grasp.

The second round of roster cuts will be due this Tuesday, as teams will be required to trim the roster to 80 players.

There is one more preseason game, the dress rehearsal for the first and second teams.

With less than ten days to go until the final cut day, here are the most recent lowest fallers and highest risers:

Honorable mention (risers):

• Christian Miller, LB/DE
• Chuba Hubbard, RB
• Clay Johnston, LB
• Derrick Brown, DT
• Joseph Charlton, P
• Julian Stanford, LB
• Shi Smith, WR

Lowest Fallers:

When the Panthers signed Elflein, they intended that he would become a starter at left guard. However, on Saturday night, the left side of the offensive line had a rough outing.

Elflein appeared ineffective in goal-line run blocking, as the Panthers failed on back-to-back plays for a turnover on downs. He may still be a starter for now, but he needs better outings to help steady this OL.

 

Before the season started, many looked at Daley as a starter with plenty of upside. Unfortunately, he did not do well on the left side either, as he appeared to have missed some assignments.

When he has been healthy, Daley has been solid in the past. However, he hasn’t shown enough to compete for a starting role, and nothing suggests he is taking many of the starter’s reps.

 

Julius has played a lot of snaps in these past two preseason games. But, unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to separate himself from the competition.

On Saturday, Julius played both nickel and outside corner. He showed some timidness in coverage. He also missed a tackle that led to a chunk play for the Ravens. Now that Myles Hartsfield’s snap count is increasing, Julius may see his opportunities dwindle as well.

 

Walker appeared to come back down to earth after his solid outing against the Colts.

Instead of helping elevate the 3rd unit’s play, he seemed to play down to their level. As a result, he looked unable to establish a rhythm or extend a drive.

The door has slammed shut on Walker challenging Sam Darnold now. Instead, whoever wins the backup QB battle will probably get the extra reps on Friday night.

 

Thompson played four snaps against the Ravens, where he looked like his 2020 self.

He avoided blockers and attacked the wrong gaps again, which hurt the run defense.

Some of the younger LBs have become tone setters. Thompson’s role as the Mike LB appears to have changed. The Panthers may be looking into more of a rotation at LB, which would eat into Thompson’s snaps.

 

Highest Risers:

Christensen did not take reps with the starters on Saturday, but he was able to show improvement overall.

He played at both RT and guard and did well in run and pass blocking. He did not allow many rushers to get him on his heels this game, which was a key contrast from the Colts game. If there is anything the Panthers need on their OL, it’s a steady hand. Christensen appears to prove his worth in that regard.

 

Franklin was a vocal tone-setter in the final week of camp, which carried right into the game.

He had another solid outing, making key tackles, including a 3rd down stop. His snap count has increased from the first game, playing in just under 50% of defensive snaps. Franklin is the second-string SS, and he has shown the versatility to play both spots.

 

After it seemed as if the colts picked on him, Taylor bounced back with a solid performance.

He showed enough long speed to cover the deep ball, and he had excellent coverage underneath. Cornerback is one of the most demanding positions to play in the NFL. Being in position in different situations can be a game-changer. He appeared injured at one point but got back up under his own power.

 

Coach Rhule mentioned that he wanted to see more of Grier, so he played with the second-team offense. He did not disappoint.

Grier established a good rhythm and made some beautiful throws on all three levels of the field. He did miss a TD opportunity, but this was easily the best outing of his career. The backup QB spot is still very much fair game.

 

Kevin Greene’s mentee Frankie Luvu is the highest riser this week.

He was everywhere on the field and seemingly was in on every play, forcing a fumble, making key tackles, and rushing the passer. He brought energy to the defense after the first unit sat down and had a key pass deflection.

Luvu may have proved this camp that he is more than just a special teamer.

Much like the stock market, the nature of life on an NFL roster can be one with its share of ups and downs. For players and investors alike, the goal is to add value to their portfolios and avoid losses.

However, the highs are not always consistent. The lows are bound to come. The best in both fields are skilled in reacting correctly to good and bad days.

For the players, stringing together solid performances will help their case to crack the final roster. In addition, responding positively to bad outings can help them get back on track. On the other hand, bad outings and reacting negatively to bad performances may leave them on the outside looking in.

With one preseason game in the rear-view, let’s review the lowest fallers and highest risers.

Honorable Mention (risers)

• Chuba Hubbard, RB
• Frankie Luvu, LB
• Marquis Haynes, EDGE
• Sam Franklin, S
• Tommy Tremble, TE

Lowest Fallers:

Trent Scott came into camp as one of the players set to challenge for the starting LT spot. Unfortunately, his outing this game did not fully confirm his ability. The Colt’s speedy pass rushers gave him fits and forced a false start infraction from Scott.

It was not a completely bad day for Scott, as he did his part in blocking a T-E stunt from the Colts front, but this outing probably will not help him earn more snaps at LT with the first team.

 

Joey Slye started the game strong with three conversions from 29, 28, and 41 yards, respectively, but he would then miss an extra point and a 63-yard field goal back-to-back.

On the day, Slye was 4/6 on kicks. The deep 63-yard attempt notwithstanding, he didn’t have a bad day. Still, Slye hasn’t laid the concerns at kicker to rest for the team either. He could find himself in another kicking competition before the season opener this year.

 

Roy got the start against the Colts and was, for the most part, a non-factor.

He was consistently moved from the point of attack by the Colts OL and appeared to have trouble disengaging blocks and getting into the backfield against one blocker.

He doesn’t play a stat-padding position, but the team will need to revisit the rotation structure if he doesn’t improve at eating blocks and getting off blocks.

 

Troy Pride Jr. started behind the 8-ball when the team released their unofficial depth chart. He was the 7th corner listed after seeing meaningful playing time last season.

The Colts seemed to pick on Pride, and while he made some solid plays, he gave up consecutive chunk plays that led to a Colts score.

Pride Jr. also sustained an apparent knee injury and required a cart to leave the field. Hopefully, the injury isn’t severe, and he can continue to compete for snaps.

 

Martez Ivey had the roughest game of all the players. He had to wait until well into the second half to get snaps at LT.

When the Panthers faced a crucial 3rd down in the 4th quarter, he committed two of three consecutive false start penalties, turning a 3rd & 2 into a 3rd & 17.

He is already on the bubble as the 4th left tackle listed on the depth chart.

 

Highest Risers:

P.J. Walker proved last season that he could stick on an NFL roster after staving off Will Grier for QB 2 on the depth chart. But, unfortunately, the issue that showed up in his lone start was decision-making.

Walker showed improvement in that area and was still able to show off his arm talent. He left some yards on the field by not running when he had the opportunity, but Walker will remain QB 2, and he might even force the coaches to consider a legitimate competition for the starting job with Sam Darnold.

 

Sean Chandler was a standout performer thus far in training camp.

He got the start opposite Sam Franklin and made a huge defensive stop on 3rd down to get the defense off the field. The team used him at both safety spots, and he looked effective in that role.

His performance might open the door for a battle with Juston Burris for 1st team reps.

 

Kenny Robinson did a little bit of everything for the team on Sunday.

He is primarily a free safety but showed his desire and willingness to tackle in run support. That desire yielded a big hit on the ball carrier. Robinson also secured the lone INT for the panthers on the day.

Along with Chandler, Robinson brought energy to the defense. It would be a shocker not to see his snap count reflect his performance.

 

The drops that Terrace Marshall Jr. had early in camp did not carry over into the game. Instead, he was reliable and caught passes he should have. In addition to being sure-handed, he flashed his chunk play ability when he extended his route up the sideline for a 60-yard catch-and-run.

Coach Rhule mentioned that he would bring Marshall Jr along slowly as he recovered from his injury, but it appears that he may be more ready than projected.

 

Hoskins was the highest riser on Sunday.

He successfully beat his blocker when in a 1-on-1 situation consistently. To adjust for this, the Colts tried to double team him and get him off the spot, and Hoskins did not give up much ground.

He defeated block attempts with his hands and footwork, which other interior d-linemen did not display in Sunday’s game. Hoskins should shoot up the depth chart if he can carry this momentum.

This past week the Carolina Panthers suffered a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. A continuing narrative amongst national media and Panther nation alike is that starting QB Teddy Bridgewater hurts the offense by not pushing the ball downfield. In this article I will take a closer look at some of Teddy’s missed deep balls as well as some of his best throws.

Missed deep balls:

1st and 10: 0:15 in the 1st quarter (intended for Robby Anderson)

 

-Panthers are in 12 personnel with twin TEs. Robby gains leverage after an inside release and climbs the middle,then breaks to the corner.

-Chiefs are blitzing, leaving man coverage with a single high safety (Mathieu).

 

-Blitz is picked up by the OL with help from McCaffrey (excellent pass pro rep) and Manhertz. Mathieu sees Teddy eyeing Robby and anticipates the break, therefore closing the gap.

-The result of the play is an incompletion but Teddy did a good job of placing the throw down and away from the trailing defender and Mathieu. Robby was able to get a hand or two on the throw but unable to secure a tough catch. 

 

Good Play Call [CAR]

Good Execution (pre throw) [CAR]

Good Defensive Play [KC]

OK decision by Teddy (aided by throw).

 

2nd and 10: 1:00 in 2nd Quarter (intended for Ian Thomas)

-Panthers are using 11 personnel WR with trips right. Ian Thomas is matched up against a LB and takes the outside leverage given and stacks quickly (nicely done). Curtis Samuel and Robby Anderson both end up having a window around the 30 yard line thanks to what looks like a rub concept.

-Chiefs are playing a Cover 2 man look with off-man coverage over the bunch formation. LB Ben Niemann (#56) is playing lined up over the inside shoulder of Thomas. Safeties gain no depth which leaves them prepared to jump on intermediate breaking routes.

-It looks like Thomas breaks his route off towards the front pylon and this is where the play devolved. In my opinion, Teddy threw the pass way too flat. If he would have placed more air under the throw he could have totally cleared the nearest defenders head (he never turned around).

-Trust Ian Thomas to make the adjustment to the throw with more air under it. At worst, it could be a pass interference penalty with 1st and Goal to go. So at best it’s six points.. I am comfortable to call this a missed throw.

 

Great Play Call [CAR]

Good Execution (pre throw) [CAR]

Poor Defense [KC]

Bad throw by Teddy.

 

3rd and 27: 1:34 in the 3rd Quarter

-Panthers again in 11 personnel with twin WRs to the left. Robby has a deep out, Curtis has a post route.

-Chiefs come out in what looks like a single high look pre snap (could be Cover 3 or Cover 1 man coverage to the offense) It’s a disguised look. All the defenders run almost immediately and gain depth. They protect the sticks on third and long.

-Thomas is open after he chips the edge defender along with Mike Davis is open on the right side. However it’s 3rd down. The coverage is perfect in this situation, and the Chiefs DL got pressure with a stunt off the right side.

-Teddy put the pass out of bounds, which is not the wrong decision necessarily. But he still could have gotten some yardage back by hitting Mike Davis in the flat. They would not have picked up the 1st down, but it would have given the punt team a better chance at pinning them deep.

 

OK play call [CAR]

Poor Blocking [CAR]

Excellent Defense [KC]

OK decision by Teddy.

 

2nd and 14: 13:40 in the 4th quarter 

–Panthers come out in 12 personnel.  2 TEs (Thomas split out wide) and one RB. WRs both lined up on the right. Four verticals concept. Everybody runs streaks.

-Chiefs come to the line in a disguised Cover 2. Corners pressed up on the boundary, but it could be man or zone pre snap. They end up blitzing with six rushers. No safety help. Man coverage across the board.

-Because the Chiefs blitzers out number the Panthers blockers (6 vs 5), one rusher gets home free. Teddy did not anticipate the blitz before the snap.

-It is likely he anticipated that there was some form of man coverage because of how the defenders were lined up on the boundary, which is why he did not audible.

-Robby did have vertical leverage on his defender, but Teddy was hit on the throw resulting in an incompletion. This is a dangerous throw, but I like that he trusted his guy Robby to give him a chance one on one.

 

OK play call [CAR]

Great Defense [KC]

OK decision by Teddy.

 

Made deep balls:

1st and 10: 14:25 in 4th Quarter (Curtis Samuel 28 yard reception)

-Panthers come out in a singleback 11 personnel with DJ and Pharoah Cooper lined up on the left side. Pharoah runs a post, DJ runs a go, and Curtis has the deep over. It’s a play-action pass.

-Chiefs are in zone coverage, and the play-action fake keeps the LBs from gaining depth. The post and go route on the left side of the Panthers formation opens a hole in the coverage for the deep over route.

-The throw is a little behind Curtis.

-First read is the deep over. Many say DJ is wide open for a TD, and he did stack the CB. But if the first read is there, then that is the throw most QBs will take. This is not a missed opportunity for that reason.

-The reason why this is not necessarily a bad throw on Teddy’s end is because he is throwing to a spot. Curtis almost overran the gap in the zone. But the ball is still placed fine. 

-There is a flat defender on the left side as well as a hook zone from the middle. Teddy had to throw it before the flat defender could carry underneath the route. It’s more obvious from the end zone view.

-Probably the toughest deep ball throw Teddy made all day. He anticipated where the hole in zones would be and threw to that spot. Great grab by Curtis.

 

Excellent play call

Good Execution

OK Defense

Good throw and decision by Teddy.

1st and 10: 12:54 in the 4th Quarter (Christian McCaffrey 24 yard reception)

-Panthers line up with11 personnel shotgun formation with 2 WRs on left. Christian runs vertically out of the backfield, splitting the LBs and breaking to the front pylon at around the 25 yard line.

-Chiefs shows blitz pre snap, but drops back their LBs. Looks like Cover 1 man coverage as Zylstra gets chased across formation. One deep safety and an underneath zone by a linebacker.

-Chiefs LBs too late to regain depth when CMC goes vertical and are out of position for the throw after his break.

-Teddy makes a great throw from a muddy pocket, and CMC shows his WR-like ability to track the ball deep and make the grab.

Excellent play call [CAR]

OK Execution [CAR]

Poor Defense [KC]

Excellent Throw.

 

1st and 10: 4:42 in 4th quarter (Robby Anderson 22 yard reception)

-Panthers use 11 personnel look, two WRs to the right. Curtis is running a 5 yard curl, Robby looks to be running a flag route.

-Chiefs are in a man coverage with two deep safeties.

-Teddy trusts Robby to beat his man in coverage and leverages the throw away from the safety and towards the sideline. Classic pitch and catch in a hurry up situation.

 

 

Good play call

Good Execution

Good Defense

Great Throw.

 

3rd and 5: 0:25 in the 4th Quarter (Curtis Samuel 23 yard reception)

-Panthers are in 11 personnel once again with Robby and Curtis on the right side of formation. Verticals with an underneath crosser by DJ.

-Chiefs shows and brings a five man blitz. The flat defender both jump the crosser and stop gaining depth leaving Curtis open in between zones.

-Gave Carolina the ball at the 50 in crunch time. Great awareness by Curtis to look for the ball when he got behind the two defenders. Routine pitch and catch in the 4th Quarter.

 

OK play Call [CAR]

Good Execution [CAR]

Poor Defense [KC]

Good throw by Teddy.

 

FINAL VERDICT:

The idea that Teddy did not push the ball enough in this game is slightly overstated. I think his ability to get the ball to his playmakers in the intermediate game is extremely valuable to the offense, as it helped them sustain drives and keep Mahomes off the field. I find it hard to blame Teddy for missing some deep throws too harshly, as they scored more TDs this game than the season average, capping sustained drives with Touchdowns, which was pleasing to watch. With that being said, the deep balls started being completed in the 4th quarter. There were chances that were missed for bad throws, and bad protection. I want to see the deep ball become a bigger threat at any point in the game, but from this film it’s obvious that Teddy and Joe Brady use the intermediate and underneath game to produce deep shots.

 

TEDDY GRADE: ABOVE AVERAGE