The offense looked good for most of the night, minus the pick six from Clausen, and the fumbles from running back Mike Goodson, the Panthers offense moved down the field very well despite being the worst ranked offense last year. Clausen's touchdown pass to tight end Greg Olsen was superb. It's easy to understand now why people say Olsen has hands of a different kind. Olsen snagged the ball while surrounded by two defenders and simply walked into the end zone as if nobody was around him. Running backs Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart looked to be healthy and on track to have break out years. If the offensive line can stay healthy expect double trouble to put up big numbers this year, and don't forget about Tyrell Sutton and Mike Goodson.
My foot is in my mouth when I speak of Cam Newton, the Panthers No. 1 draft pick out of auburn. The pick was questionable at first but it seem the panthers knew what they were getting when they selected Newton. His performance was excellent for a rookie. He didn't turn the ball over once and had some nice throws. Newton also had some bad throws. He over threw wide receiver Armanti Edwards who was open and two steps away from the end zone. Newton also showed his strength. The Giants blitzed and he shook the first defender with a little move but got caught by the second only to have him struggle to take down Newton. Newton got up after the hit and had that franchise smile on his face.
Our defense looked very solid despite having numerous people on the sidelines. Charles "Big Money" Johnson was out as well as team captain Jon Beason. The defense stopped the run and did a average job covering receivers. Cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn were both out with injuries leaving a already weak position very vulnerable. The blitzes that we used were great, they really take advantage of every player on the defense. Safety Jordan Pugh had a smashing sack in the third quarter.
My game ball would go to wide receiver Armanti Edwards. Edwards showed much improvment throughout the night not only as a receiver but as a punt returner too.
The whole scheme of things in the Panthers organization has changed and it seems to be for the best. Watching third downs will not be decided by a draw play anymore, and our tight ends are no longer blockers, but actual receivers who can make big plays.
This is only a preseason game that means absolutely nothing, but if the panthers can play like this on a Sunday , we panther fans might be in for a watchable season. Thy won't make the playoffs, but it will be fun to watch because we wan't to win vs. relying on the defense and kicking field goals to win in the fourth quarter.
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