Did Panthers’ interim Head Coach Steve Wilks get the memo? His team is supposed to be tanking. Earlier in the week they traded away Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for a haul of picks. Rumors of trades involving Brian Burns and DJ Moore swirled around the team like vultures around the freshest and most delicate of roadkill.
If Wilks did get the memo, he chucked it into the trash of his inbox, as the Panthers rolled to a 21-3 win over Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here are observations from a much-needed Week 7 win.
Running Back By Committee
There’s no one on the roster who can replicate what CMC has been for the team in his five seasons in Charlotte – a dual threat in the backfield who can move the chains with his feet, as well as, his hands. However, that’s not to say that running the ball and establishing the run shouldn’t still be in the Panthers’ arsenal. D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard combined for 173 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers may have lost a slot threat in CMC, but Foreman and Hubbard proved they can also move the chains.
Clamps on Third Down
For their inconsistencies on third down defense, the Panthers were phenomenal in their third down coverage. They held Tampa to 2-for-12 (16 percent) on third-down conversions for the game. Carolina’s defense pressured Brady relentlessly. The defense rushed – never allowing Brady to get to his spots and get into a rhythm. Tampa’s running game didn’t have much of a chance against a hungry and aggressive Panthers defense, as well.
More Risks
For the first half, the Panthers were playing conservatively on offense. I understand adjusting the offense to fit the quarterback. However, Walker prodded and tested the Bucs’ secondary to two touchdowns and 177 yards. Carolina’s offense made an effort to involve DJ Moore. He was targeted 10 times and ended the game with seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Walker spread the ball around to the rest of receiving corps. Walker will probably get the start next week against Atlanta. Seeing him continue to be aggressive and getting receivers involved is something worth watching.