Week 3 was similar to week 1 in many ways. The weather was windy and rainy, we continued to hand the ball over on offense, and we were unable to capitalize on the turnovers our defense were able to cause. Cincinnati came into this week with a big win against a tough Baltimore Ravens team and were a clear favorite to win the game. Once again our defense was able to shine and keep us within reach throughout the entire game, but in the end we were unable to come up with the victory.
The stats I want to focus on for this game:
CINCINNATI BENGALS:
- Carson Palmer was 19/37 for 195 yards 1 TD/2 INT
- Fourth Down Conversion Efficiency: 100% 2/2
- Fumbles: 1 Lost: 0
CAROLINA PANTHERS
- Jimmy Clausen was 16/33 for 188 yards 0 TD/1 INT
- Fourth Down Conversion Efficiency: 0% 0/2
- Third Down Conversion Efficiency: 18% 2/11
- Fumbles: 4 Lost: 3
This was the first start for rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Although he had playing time in each game prior, this was the first game he started and finished. In comparison to previous quarterback performances, throughout the last couple of seasons, his stats for completions, touchdowns, and interceptions were acceptable for a rookie quarterback. He had a 49% completion rate (just 2% under Carson Palmers for the day) and he had one less interception. (more details on game stats can be seen here) One might ask, how did they lose this game with looking at these stats alone? The answer, Fumbles.
Since week 1, we have continually struggled with getting a smooth snap between the center (Ryan Kalil #67) and our quarterback (regardless of who the quarterback is).** When John Fox was asked about this in his press conference after the game, (full press conference can be seen here) he said that they practice on average 80 snaps a day (obviously on practice days only). So the fact that this is an issue throws up many red flags. This should be one of the simplest things that we do come game day. This leads to the overall protection of the ball. Until we are able to protect the ball and protect our quarterback in the pocket, we will continue to see issues in this area.
**On a side note, the center/quarterback exchange seems to have become an issue this year. So although it has been an issue for both M.Moore and J.Clausen, more than likely it is not the common denominator of Ryan Kalil.
Our Defense once again shined throughout this game and kept us in the game until the very end. They were able to get 2 interceptions and a sack on Carson Palmer. However, we continued with our issues from week 2 with allowing third and fourth down conversions to be completed. Cincinnati was able to convert twice on fourth down continuing their drive time and ultimately leading to points on the board. We must do better at putting pressure on the quarterback in situations like this and not allowing them to convert these downs.
Sadly another week has come and gone and another game was within our grasp has slipped away. Cincinnati has the potential of being an offensive nightmare with Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco; and although we were able to keep them in check, unlike our turnover rate, we were still unable to walk away with the "W". We have fallen to 0-3 with a tough two games ahead before our bye week. (New Orleans at New Orleans and Chicago at Bank of America Stadium)
Patiently waiting for win number 1, but as always, cheering GO PANTHERS!
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