Black and Blue Review
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Running back Jonathan Stewart:
- Has catapulted from No. 45 to No. 24 in rushing yards over the last two weeks.
- Totaled 240 rushing yards against the Vikings and Saints, the most he’s gained in back-to-back games since he racked up 270 in Weeks 13 and 14 of the 2010 season.
- Has gained more yards the last two weeks than DeAngelo Williams has totaled this season (219).
Despite all that, coach Ron Rivera was unwilling Monday to name Stewart his starter going forward. Why?
“It’s my preference. That’s the only reason,” Rivera answered.
The situation is reminiscent to 2007 when former coach John Fox continued to start the older and less effective DeShaun Foster over Williams, who was in his second season.
Williams still had a cast on his hand when he worked out on the field before Sunday’s game in New Orleans. And for what it’s worth, Rivera was as noncommittal on starting Williams if and when he comes back, as he was about Stewart.
“We’ll see as we go forward. [Williams] most certainly is part of that mix of guys that we have. He’s part of who we are as a football team,” Rivera said.
“We’re not going to do things because it’s what everybody expects or thinks. We’re going to do things because that’s how things are working, how things are successful.”
The four-time Pro Bowler battled through an illness Sunday, one of the many storms he has had to weather this year. At least it finally appears the Panthers have found him some suitable neighbors.
Against the Saints, the line started the same combination in back-to-back games for the first time since Week 6. Then they gave up exactly no sacks and no official quarterback hits. They also paved the way for a run game that piled up 271 yards, the third-highest total in Panthers’ history.
Left tackle Byron Bell has played better lately, right tackle Mike Remmers has been a pleasant surprise, but the young guards are especially intriguing. Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell have really settled in, and it’s almost like they’re not rookies anymore.
“No, they’re rookies because I have to remind them they’re rookies. Rookies nowadays, they start getting a little big-headed. You’ve got to knock them back down,” Kalil joked, before adding:
“They’ve grown a tremendous amount throughout the season. I was very excited when we brought them in, and I’ve been very excited about how they’ve worked and how they’ve continued to grow, and they’re just getting better and better. I’m really, really happy with those guys.”
Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was beaming Monday, and with good reason. He unit manhandled the NFL’s second-ranked offense and produced stats like these:
- The Saints’ 10 points tied for the fewest they’ve scored in the Superdome since coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees arrived in New Orleans in 2006.
- The Saints’ 310 yards (195 came in the fourth quarter) were their fewest since they were held to 188 by the Seahawks on 12/2/13.
- Brees had just 235 passing yards (171 came in the fourth quarter), his third fewest against the Panthers since he was held to 231 on 10/19/08.
As is his custom, McDermott was quick to heap praise on players and other assistants, but he must have felt some personal satisfaction in outfoxing Payton.
“I take copious notes and files of play-callers. It’s like keeping a library. You know your opponent, and sometimes you feel like you know them better than you know yourself or your own kids this time of year,” McDermott said.
“That’s the neat part about it, honestly, is the chess match. Sean is one of the best play-callers in football, so that was a great challenge for us.”
When asked about their defense’s success on third down, Rivera and McDermott both credited physical play.
Linebacker Thomas Davis set the tone early against his New Orleans’ nemesis, tight end Jimmy Graham. On the Saints’ first third-down try, Davis broke up a pass intended for Graham, and on their second attempt, Davis dragged Graham down short of the marker.
“I think that had a trickle-down effect later in the game,” McDermott said. “You can say what you want about dropped passes, but those are a result, sometimes, with a wear-and-tear effect of having been hit earlier in the game.”
Graham, who had at least three drops, caught just three of his 11 targets.
“He isn’t the one that started it. If you’re going to throw one guy out you’ve got to throw the other guy out that started it,” Rivera said.
Williams, who will most likely be fined, hadn’t heard from the league as of Monday afternoon.
When told he made all the highlight shows, Williams sighed and said, “Yeah, but that’s not the kind of publicity I’m looking for.”
- Receiver Philly Brown is day-to-day after suffering a sprained shoulder. The rookie had ice wrapped around his shoulder Monday afternoon.
- Linebacker A.J. Klein sprained his left knee and he’s also day-to-day. He had an obvious limp when he walked through the locker room Monday.
- Guard Amini Silatolu had a scope on his troublesome knee last Monday. He won’t play against the Bucs, but he’s hopeful he can get back on the field next week.