CAR running game (1 Viewer)

[tombonneau]

So what is up with the CAR running game? Looks like its the Deshaun show with Williams hurt for the near future. The common conception of CAR is that they are a smashmouth run first team, but is that really the case when the best player on the field is without a doubt Steve Smith?

I just acquired Foster as a throw in in a recent trade. His numbers have looked so-so, really no better than a spot starter would be my guess.

What are folks thoughts on the CAR running game? From what I've seen I've been unimpressed. Is the offense going to throw to set up the run type thing?

Also, what is up with Goings? I saw him in a lot of short yardage, is he the fulltime SYRB or was he just giving Foster a breather when I noticed this?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

My opinion is that it is a misconception from the Stephen Davis days. Davis was a big bruising RB and so Fox used him that way. But the OL is more of a good pass blocking line than a run blocking line, IMO. And Foster is not a big bruising back either. I think they are doing a good job with the talent they have and wouldn't expect to see a "pound the ball" philosophy anytime soon, especially given that Williams looks like more of a swing pass/off tackle type of RB where the pass sets up the run, as you mentioned.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It's very hard for Foster owners to fathom why Foster didn't get used more against Cincy given their anemic rush defense. Foster's YPC in that game was quite good (too lazy to look it up for you).

I'm actually trying to move him because his performance is so spotty due to lack of carries.

 

[thayman]

I was pretty high on Foster coming into the season. Drafted him to be my #3 RB, and thought he would quickly become a solid #2. Even past history of the vet RB holding off the young rookie RB didn't pan out. He's not a bad fill in, or #2 if you have a solid stud, just be prepared for very spotty performances.

 

[tombonneau]

It's very hard for Foster owners to fathom why Foster didn't get used more against Cincy given their anemic rush defense. Foster's YPC in that game was quite good (too lazy to look it up for you).I'm actually trying to move him because his performance is so spotty due to lack of carries.

I looked it up after the game and it was 4.3. I thought the same thing, why he wasn't used more. Was curious if homers or those who saw the game could expound. It was on behind me at the sports bar, so I only caught bits and pieces. :(I just acquired the guy, but I might try to move him myself, as his carries will prob. only decrease if/when Deangelo returns. Btw, what is the status of Williams? I know high ankle, but what is general buzz around organization, will they even risk him in 06, or just really bring him back slowly, if at all?

 

[H.K.]

Btw, what is the status of Williams? I know high ankle, but what is general buzz around organization, will they even risk him in 06, or just really bring him back slowly, if at all?

I was at the stadium the day after Williams got hurt and Chris Draft said he'd be out a while...not sure how long, I'd guess he comes back after the bye....but he was upgraded to doubtful last week.

 

[Warpig]

It's very hard for Foster owners to fathom why Foster didn't get used more against Cincy given their anemic rush defense. Foster's YPC in that game was quite good (too lazy to look it up for you).

I'm actually trying to move him because his performance is so spotty due to lack of carries.

Exactly. I was left scratching my head too. Foster was averaging over 4 yards a carry and he only ran the ball 12 or 14 times and had 1 or 2 receptions for 20 yds I think.I'm starting to wonder if Fox is becoming more like Billick or Martz in his arrogance and just thinking he doesn't need to run because he can pass to Steve Smith all day. I wish he'd tell me if he's gonna do that from here on out so I can dump Foster.

 

[joffer]

My opinion is that it is a misconception from the Stephen Davis days. Davis was a big bruising RB and so Fox used him that way. But the OL is more of a good pass blocking line than a run blocking line, IMO. And Foster is not a big bruising back either.

gotta disagree. Foster may not be as big as Davis, but Foster is a bruising runner. sometimes i think he goes out of his way to initiate contact rather than avoid it. he breaks a lot of tackles, and runs really damn hard. my problem with him is that he's not elusive enough.

 

[Wingnut]

What's up with the Panthers running game is Deshaun is just not that good.

[/Otis]

 

[ConstruxBoy]

My opinion is that it is a misconception from the Stephen Davis days. Davis was a big bruising RB and so Fox used him that way. But the OL is more of a good pass blocking line than a run blocking line, IMO. And Foster is not a big bruising back either.

gotta disagree. Foster may not be as big as Davis, but Foster is a bruising runner. sometimes i think he goes out of his way to initiate contact rather than avoid it. he breaks a lot of tackles, and runs really damn hard. my problem with him is that he's not elusive enough.

Ehh...but maybe the big and elusive part is what is missing. Davis was certainly no Barry Sanders, but he could make some people miss. I don't think Foster has that gene. Like you said, maybe he tries hitting guys. The issue is really the same though: If you don't have a RB that can be elusive when they are running through the middle, then you need to put them out in more space. And for whatever reason, Foster isn't being put out in space on sweeps or swing passes. Maybe he doesn't have good hands or something. But I think that Williams can and will be that kind of back and that he will do well there when he gets healthy.

 

[simey]

It's very hard for Foster owners to fathom why Foster didn't get used more against Cincy given their anemic rush defense. Foster's YPC in that game was quite good (too lazy to look it up for you).

I'm actually trying to move him because his performance is so spotty due to lack of carries.

I looked it up after the game and it was 4.3. I thought the same thing, why he wasn't used more. Was curious if homers or those who saw the game could expound. It was on behind me at the sports bar, so I only caught bits and pieces. :(

John Fox addressed this the other day. Here is what he said after the Bengals game:On if the Panthers went away from the run in the second half: We didn’t really go away from it. So much of what we do is based on what the defense does. We have run plays that also have pass audibles, much like most NFL teams. We only ran the ball four times in the second half, but we didn’t have the ball all that much in the second half. I don’t think we would have done it any differently.

On if the Panthers used some of those audibles: I don’t want to get too much into how we operate, but there are some of those options involved.

On if the Panthers planned on running more times: Not really. It’s not so much more, it’s more efficiently. We ran the ball more efficiently than they did. We were 3.8 yards per carry and they were 3.7. So it’s more about efficiency than it is the amount (of carries). I thought we moved the ball well enough. We still continue to have some problems on third down, which are key in sustaining drives. There aren’t a whole lot of runs on third down, just by the nature of the down and distance.

On the Panthers pass/run ratio leaning more towards the pass this year: At the end of the season, you look at the body of work. Sometimes it’s circumstantial. We were behind there in the fourth quarter. We were doing what we had to do to move the ball, and we did. We just weren’t able to finish and capitalize on it.