Running Back

Does it make more sense to stay with one running back? Rhythm? I know we had some success with "Double Trouble," but Deangelo seems to run so much better when he is "The Guy." And I thing Stewart seems to do the same. No stats to back this up, by the way....

 

I agree, in part...2 backs are a necessity in the NFL. However, the Panthers need to be more balanced in how they use them. You'd definately want to go with the hot hand, but some kind of split of 30 carries a game would be nice, be it even (15/15) or feeding the guy who is hot (20/10).
Then there is the health issues with Stewart...but when both are healthy, it appears the two are used in personell packages and situations.

 

two backs are necessary. The cost is prohibitive when they're vets, though.
On the upside, Tolbert would be a very good complimentary back.

 

and he can fly.........

 

Sorensen on Tolbert:

"He returned the game-opening kick 26 yards and ran four times on the opening drive, the last of them for a touchdown. He also scored Carolina’s second touchdown. Everybody wants to excel against their former employer. Carolina’s coaches were classy to give him the opportunity."

Read more here: Tom Talks: Tolbert’s return a reason to celebrate | CharlotteObserver.com​

Tom Talks: Tolbert’s return a reason to celebrate | CharlotteObserver.com

If Sorenson is correct, I guess I don't understand why it takes some kind of external motivation to push players to reach a level of performance that they may be be capable of reaching every game (see Steve Smith) if they had the internal motivation. A simplification, I know. Just reacting to Sorensen's comment about the "former employer."

 

It doesn't have to be. Plenty of teams have two or more veteran running backs where only one if any have a big contract. The same off-season that DeAngelo got $43 million over five years, the Giants extended Ahmad Bradshaw for $18 million over four years.

 

They just gave him better opportunities, he didn't actually play better.

 

I think RB's prefere to get into a Rhythm for sure. There has always been the old RB's get stronger in the 4th quarter addage too.

But 2 decent RB's are a pretty strong requirement. 16 games is a long season to rely on just 1. Not to mention surviving preseason and making a playoff push.

I think you have to consider a rythem for the Oline too. Its pretty tough to be constantly being pass happy and then all of a sudden expect them to excell at run blocking in crucial situations with so few reps.

 

He got the carries today I expected to see all year, short and goal.

No doubt im sure they fed him knowing the opposition. But remember, Rivera and Chud are ex-chargers too. Im sure since the team appears to have not quit on Rivera there was the typical extra motivation team wide to win one for the gippers.

And it probably cost us some points later on trying to force it to Smitty on a later drive since it was well known it was considered his homecoming too.