Sir Purr
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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Will there be a regression?
Last week, the Panthers set out to improve their third down defense, third down offense, and their red zone efficiency. They were able to put checkmarks next to all three categories.
Arizona was just 3-of-9 on third down while Carolina finished 7-of-11. The Panthers were also 4-of-5 in red-zone efficiency and 3-of-3 in goal-to-go situations.
Those numbers reflect the team focusing on specific elements in practice and implementing them in the game. But those cannot just be one-week aberrations.
Carolina is still No. 31 in third down defense, surrendering 52.2 percent of attempts. And the club is No. 26 in red zone efficiency, scoring touchdowns on nine of 18 trips inside the 20.
A strong performance in those categories will help the Panthers continue to rise up the rankings and give the club a better shot to win, solidifying the corrections to the issues.
Can the Panthers improve their red zone defense?
Like third downs and red zone offense last week, the Panthers focused on improving their red zone defense for Week 5. Through four games, Carolina is one of six teams that has allowed either a touchdown or field goal on each opponent's red zone possession.
Of the 13 drives inside the 20, Carolina has allowed 10 touchdowns and three field goals. The 77 percent opponent touchdown rate ranks 26th in the league.
The Panthers would like to see that 10:3 touchdown to field goal ratio get closer to even. If the defense can hold opponents to three points instead of six in the red zone, that makes it easier on the offense to respond.
The Falcons are middle of the pack in scoring red-zone touchdowns, putting nine of their 15 possessions in the box.