Carolina Panthers Friday Fades: Cam Newton, Run D, Mario Addison

The Carolina Panthers were dominated by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers last week and must hold their own against the Seattle Seahawks this week, though the Seahawks have the same record at 3-3. Cam Newton will face one of the league’s best defenses, but the Seahawks have been beatable through the air with a middling average of 6.7 net yards per attempt allowed. That said, their pass rush and run defense have been as good as ever, and it’s only a matter of time before they hit their stride; last week’s loss to the St. Louis Rams was completely fluky.

1. Cam Newton having a killer year

Statistically, Cam Newton has been pretty average with 7.1 yards per attempt and a 60.7% completion percentage, but you have to go beyond the stats to truly appreciate what Newton has been able to do. Kelvin Benjamin has been fantastic for a “raw” rookie wide receiver, soaking up plenty of targets and providing Newton with the big body on the outside that he needed. Greg Olsen, of course, has been even more impressive, and he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves as one of the game’s best tight ends.

Newton didn’t ball out last week against the Packers, but he continues to show that he’s a more advanced passer with each passing year. I don’t think Newton gets enough credit for how quickly he learns, and he’s been terrific under pressure, using his legs and head to turn sticky situations into chain-moving plays for the Panthers offense. If he had a better running game and/or a more consistent offensive line, then he would draw more praise for his fine work this season.

More from NFL

2. Tightening up against the run

The Carolina Panthers talented front seven helped cover up one of the league’s more underwhelming secondaries last year due to their pass-rushing might, and they were also excellent in run defense. They’ve taken a step back this year, as they are allowing a whopping 5.3 yards per carry, which is the worst in the NFL right now. The Seattle Seahawks need to get back to their identity of running the ball hard with Marshawn Lynch, and he could have a big day against the Panthers. Seattle is the most efficient team on the ground this season with an average of 5.4 yards per carry, though that’s obviously bloated by Russell Wilson, who will definitely pose a threat to the Panthers front seven. Still, the Seahawks are clearly better when they give Lynch the workhorse load he deserves, and the elite RB should be averaging about five carries more per game than his current average of 16.2.

If the Seahawks decide to give the Panthers front seven a heavy dose of Lynch, then they will have to do a better job. On the bright side, they are most stout up the middle with Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei taking care of business, but Lynch is still a big threat in the open field despite his size. Thomas Davis– yes, it’s been a surprise- and Thomas DeCoud haven’t been the surest tacklers this year, so they’ll have to watch out against the stiff-arming, and ankle-breaking Lynch, who is averaging 70 rushing yards per game.

3. TDs and INTs on defense

Our next topic of the five random “fades” takes a look at two interesting stats regarding the Panthers maligned secondary, as they have been involved in plenty of plays; both good and bad. While they have allowed some of the most touchdown passes in the league with 15 to their “credit”, they have also been able to make plays on the ball with seven interceptions. Roman Harper has three picks, Melvin White has six passes defended, and Antoine Cason has two INTs (he also has three forced fumbles). The linebackers and safeties have held up well in coverage, but it’s mostly been the corners who have struggled. It’s a good thing Cason is making plays under Ron Rivera, because he has been whipped in coverage all year long. Per the Pro Football Focus, Cason is allowing an 81.6% catch rate with five touchdowns allowed, and those TDs put a damper on his picks.

4. Holding up against Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril

Although the Seattle Seahawks defensive end duo of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril isn’t off to the same torrid start as last year, they have still been quite impressive this year and have a favorable matchup on tap. The Panthers are set to get Byron Bell back, but he and fellow starting offensive tackle Nate Chandler could still get exposed, especially since they had issues blocking the Packers pass rushers last week. Bennett is one of the most dominant ends in the NFL, and I could see him making a few big plays in the passing and running game. Newton knows how to deal with pressure, and that’s a big reason why he’s been successful this year, but the Panthers have to be careful that they don’t allow too much heat.

5. Mario Addison an interesting case

I’ve actually always liked Mario Addison as a “sleeper” defensive end and praised the Panthers when they extended him, so it feels a bit weird criticizing him. However, this isn’t necessarily criticism, but rather an observation of how sack totals can cloud a player’s true value as a pass rusher. As I somewhat alluded to above when discussing the Seahawks pass rushers, the name of the game is consistently disrupting the passing game and the quarterback’s flow. Addison has a hefty four sacks this season, but PFF has him tracked with just nine total pressures. He’s been alright this season, but Addison’s sack totals don’t match up with the actual pass-rushing production. With no pressure created in each of his last two games, Addison’s lack of game-to-game consistency has been a bit more troubling for the Panthers.

Home/NFL